Piney, floral, herbaceous, and a little citrusy
Intense flavor is becoming the most sought after characteristic in cannabis thanks to a new appreciation of terpenes, the aromatic components responsible for cannabis’ signature scent and taste. In contrast to cannabinoids like THC and CBD which lack comprehensive scientific study, terpenes have a long history of biological and chemical investigation, and that means they have well known practical uses and proven medical effects.
In this series we’ll take a closer look at the most common terps found in cannabis. Each time we’ll focus on a singular terpene, explore its characteristics and medical properties, and also suggest some strains and target temps for you to take advantage of.
So, let’s continue Terpenes 101 with Terpinolene.
Terpinolene: Cannabis Terpene
Terpinolene is a lesser known terpene that’s usually found in small amounts in cannabis, and also cumin, coriander, and marjoram. Along with pinene, terpinolene is a principal component of turpentine, and is also widely used to give industrial fluids a pleasant aroma. In fact, commercially derived terpinolene is often synthesized from pinene itself, and shares that terps piney, floral and herbaceous scents, and also produces a slight citrus aroma all of its own.
Medical Properties of Terpinolene
While this terpene plays a supporting role in cannabis, it still elicits a wide variety of medical effects. Like many terpenes, terpinolene possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and pain killing properties, but it’s also a powerful wound healer, and sedative in its own right. Furthermore, terpinolene displays documented cancer fighting abilities, and has been shown to be effective against brain tumors.
Terpinolene Chemistry
As with all volatile organic compounds, terpenes evaporate rapidly when exposed to the air, and especially so when subjected to warm temperatures. Terpinolene’s melting point is less than 77 degrees F, so cool storage and a sealed container are a must for long term preservation.
Additionally, when looking to dial in vaping temps to target terpinolene’s flavonoids, aromatics, and medicinal properties, then look to 366 degrees F where this terp’s boiling point resides.
Terpinolene Strains
While terpinolene is found in small amounts in most strains of cannabis, only a handful contain significant quantities of it. So, if you’re looking for strains that exemplify terpinolene’s piney, floral, herbaceous, and citrusy notes, then check out Dutch treat, XJ-13, and Ghost Train Haze, which all contain some of the highest concentrations of this terp.
Join us for the next edition of terpenes 101 where we’ll take a closer look at ocimene, a sweet herbal terpene that’s also a powerful anti-fungal.
