What is Pinene and What are its Benefits in Cannabis?

Pinene is one of several terpenes found in cannabis.There are two types of pinene, alpha pinene (or α pinene) and beta-pinene (or b pinene). As the name suggests, it smells like a fresh pine forest and it has several effects on the human body. These include anti-anxiety, pain relief, and anti-inflammatory effects. 

However, that doesn’t explain what this terpene is and how it works in cannabis. You may also be wondering, “how many other kinds are in cannabis? Why is pinene one of the best terpenes in it?” 

Below, we’re sharing everything you need to know about this powerful and favorite terpene among cannabis fans. We’ll also go in-depth about pinene and its effects.

What is Pinene Used For?

 Pinene has several distinct affects found only in this unique terpene. Here’s a list of a few:

  • — It can open up your airways. This terpene works as a bronchodilator, which can help those with asthma or other respiratory disorders. 
  • — It also has antibiotic properties. This terpene can work against diseases that require antibiotics, such as MRSA. Research is ongoing for pinene’s effects on other diseases that require antibiotics.
  • — It can combat anxiety and short-term memory. These are two negative effects of THC. Pinene inhibits acetylcholinesterase in the brain, which helps you retain memories.
  • — This terpene can increase your alertness in times you may need to be more focused, such as while studying or at work.
  • — More research is needed, but it has been suggested that it has anti-cancer properties.

-It has several uses and researchers will likely find more in the future. There are other terpenes in cannabis that researchers have recently found many uses for, such as Linalool for its anti-anxiety properties. For this reason, research about benefits of pinene in cannabis is ongoing.

What is Pinene Found In?

Most people associate the smell of pinene with pine needles. In nature, spruce, fir, cedar and other conifer trees all contain this terpene. It can also be found in members of the Satureja plant family, which includes rosemary and thyme. 

After processing, pinene can be found in almost any cleaning or household product that relies on a “fresh” scent. Some example of products with pinene include:

-Air fresheners
-Furniture polish
-Floor cleaners
-Bathroom cleaning liquids
-Soaps 
-Essential oils

Cannabis contains varying levels of pinene, depending on the strain and other factors such as soil, light level, and age. 

Some high pinene cannabis strains include:

  • Big Smooth
  • Blue Dream
  • Cannatonic
  • Cotton Candy Kush
  • Grape Ape
  • Harlequin
  • Jack Herer
  • OG Kush

Is Pinene Safe to Use?

Like all other terpenes, pinene is safe to use. Terpenes aren‘t just in cannabis: they are present in almost every single plant and tree out there. Pinene is present in pine trees, Linalool is present in lavender, and myrcene is in hops. As far as safety is concerned, using any kind of terpene is just as safe as making tea with these ingredients.

Historically, this cannabis terpene does have some skin irritating effects for some people who may be sensitive to it. This is uncommon with a regular dose. If this occurs to you with regular use, stop taking the substance and contact a doctor. This kind of reaction is rare, but it has happened to some users. 

As with any substance, we recommend that you do an allergy test before use. Cannabis is an extremely natural substance, so all of its products (unless mixed with something else unsafe) are natural and safe as long as you are not allergic to it. 

Try small amounts of it first, then proceed when you’re sure you will not have a reaction.

Is Pinene Good for Anxiety?

There are so many terpenes in cannabis that researchers didn’t know was best for anxiety until recent research. Cannabis products typically has a therapeutic value, ranging from relaxation and sedation to pain relief and reduction of inflammation. You could have anxiety relief from any terpenes that bring these effects. However, researchers now believe that certain terpenes are better for anxiety than others.

Pinene does have value as an anti-anxiety terpene. It’s a way to open airways and relieve people from non-emergency respiratory distress. Of all the terpenes in cannabis, however, it is not the first choice for anxiety. 

Pinene is best used for its pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties. It can also be used effectively to reduce the symptoms of respiratory disorders and diseases such as asthma. However, when seeking anxiety relief, you would be better off selecting a strain with a higher concentration of a different anti-anxiety terpene. 

Linalool is one of those terpenes, which gives off a scent of lavender. Many people associate lavender with relaxation, and Linalool is the reason: It’s great for promoting relaxation and calm. You may find high concentrations of Linalool in strains such as Kosher Kush and Do-Si-Dos.

If all you have is a strain of cannabis with a high concentration of pinene, you will still benefit from some anti-anxiety effects. It does relieve anxiety, but not to the same extent as some other terpenes.

What are the Effects of Pinene?

Traditional healers have used pinene for centuries, often scraping bark or resin from trees that contain it. As said before, pinene has anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties. Before modern medicine, healers would use pinene for patients with respiratory issues such as congestion or even on those with parasitic infections. 

Most often, pinene is used for its anti-inflammatory properties. People with chronic conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s, and arthritis can benefit from its effects. Due to its bronchodilator properties, it is also used for people with asthma. 

Overall, the effects of pinene are positive, with most users seeking this terpene for anti-inflammatory and pain relief purposes.

Final Thoughts

Pinene is only one of several terpenes in cannabis. In combination with the other terpenes, pinene creates an “entourage effect.” This is when each terpene and cannabinoid essentially comes together with a different effect, and the combination of each component changes in the presence of others. This is a good thing; it means that several terpenes, all with different strengths, arrive in your system and bring many benefits at once. 

We recommend pinene as a way to unwind and experience the best that cannabis has to offer. Although pinene may not be ideal as ideal for certain effects, such as anxiety relief, it can be easily combined in cannabis with other terpenes for any effect (or combination of effects) you want. Just do some research to find the strain with the perfect mix of terpenes!

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6920849/

https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/alpha-Pinene

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24455984/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26119957/