Terpinolene

TERPENE

Terpinolene is the complex, fresh-herbal terpene behind many bright, “sativa-leaning” chemovars. Terpinolene is harder to pin down than most terpenes: fresh, piney, floral and citrusy at once. It is usually a minor component, but dominates a distinctive group of aromatic chemovars.

Aroma and character

Terpinolene is multi-dimensional, fresh and herbal with pine, floral and light citrus notes. It gives a clean, almost soapy-fresh brightness and is often present in chemovars marketed as uplifting.

What research suggests

Terpinolene has shown antioxidant and, in some animal studies, sedative and antibacterial activity. Evidence is thinner than for myrcene or limonene, and cannabis-specific human data is limited.

Where else it is found

Terpinolene occurs in nutmeg, tea tree, apples, cumin and lilac, which hints at its complex, hard-to-place aroma.

At a glance

Continue exploring