Leah Welborn
You’ve been following The Green Solution’s educational blogs about understanding cannabis, so you’ve got some knowledge; you know CBD from THC, sativa from indica from hybrid, and you even know the basics of terpenes. Today, let’s deepen that knowledge with a look at pinene, the plant world’s most abundant terpene.
Terpenes are aromatic oils secreted by the glands of plants. There are over 100 terpenes that are found in cannabis, and each has a specific effect (and when combined with one another and with cannabinoids, produce an entourage effect. More on that in a future blog.). Pinene is found in pine trees and rosemary in addition to cannabis, and it has that fresh, pine forest aroma that is instantly recognizable.
But terpenes do more than contribute their aromas to plants. Studies have indicated that each terpene has its own unique benefits. Some of pinene’s are:
- It has anti-inflammatory properties. The American Journal of Chinese Medicine published a 2015 paper on pinene’s anti-inflammatory activity.
- It acts as a bronchodilator (it helps improve airflow to the lungs). Way back in 2002, a study published in the journal Inhalation Toxicology found that pinene opens the airways of the upper respiratory system. Anecdotally, you may have noticed the effect when you step into a pine forest – it’s that clean feeling of being able to take deep breaths of fresh air.
- It promotes memory and alertness. Because of its molecular size, pinene can easily cross the blood-brain barrier. Once it’s done that, it inhibits an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase, resulting in improved memory retention.
- It’s anti-viral. A 2011 study published in the journal of the National Center of Biotechnology Information found that pinene was a “potential source of anti-IBV (infectious bronchitis virus) ingredients.”
Now that you know all about pinene, you probably want to experience its effects for yourself, right? The Green Solution can help! All our cannabis is lab-tested to determine its terpene profile, and each strain has its own frame that outlines its stats. You can check for a strain high in pinene (or any other terpene) by reading the information in the frame, or just ask a friendly Retail Associate for help.
When it comes to cannabis knowledge, you can trust our experience.