Have you ever smelled a cultivar of cannabis and felt like you were strolling through a forest filled with evergreen trees? That’s thanks to pinene, a prominent terpene found in many cannabis plants. If you’re interested in cultivars that are high in pinene, this guide provides an introduction to what you can expect and a list of five popular cultivars that you can find at Michigan provisioning centers like Iconic Wellness.
What is pinene?
Pinene is a monoterpene found in many varieties of cannabis. It can be found widely throughout the plant kingdom as well, including basil, dill, eucalyptus, parsley, and rosemary. Of course, pinene is often found in pine trees as well, and contributes heavily to the scent of pine needles. If your cannabis smells like Christmas morning, that’s probably due to pinene.
There are actually two varieties of pinene found in cannabis plants: alpha-pinene and beta-pinene. These two terpenes have some key differences in terms of taste, smell, and effect, though they are usually found alongside one another. Alpha-pinene, the more plentiful of the two, is known for the characteristic pine scent, while beta-pinene offers a more earthy aroma.
What cannabis strains are high in pinene?
The following five cultivars are generally high in pinene content, and sometimes it’s the dominant member of the terpene profile. However, it’s important to understand that cannabinoid and terpene content can vary between plants, even those of the same cultivar (AKA strain). So, while these cultivars may sometimes be dominant in pinene, that won’t always be the case. Still, you can expect them to contain significant amounts of the terpene compared to some other cultivars out there.
If you want to know more about exactly what’s in the cultivar you choose, ask to see the official test results, which will include a complete breakdown of the terpene profile in any cannabis product.
1. White Wedding
White Wedding is a cultivar that frequently contains significant amounts of pinene, often as the dominant compound in the terpene profile. Averaging a potency of 25% delta-9 THC and 1% CBG, this cultivar is often cited for its euphoric and talkative high that helps reduce stress and improve mood. A cross between Wedding Cake and GSC, White Wedding offers an interesting aroma and flavor profile of fruity and vanilla flavors, likely thanks to the presence of myrcene and limonene.
2. Tropicana Banana
Tropicana Banana is a sativa-dominant hybrid produced by crossing Tropicana (sometimes spelled Tropicanna) and Banana Kush with an average potency of 16% THC. The result is an uplifting and energizing high that won’t reduce your ability to get things done. The sweet and fruity flavors associated with Tropicana Banana may be unexpected, given its pinene-forward terpene profile that also includes beta caryophyllene and humulene — not exactly terpenes known for producing fruity flavors. Still, expect a stress busting and happy experience with this cultivar.
3. Limoncello
Limoncello is a hybrid cultivar created by crossing The Original Lemonade with Cherry Pie, resulting in a sweet, fruity flavor profile. While limoncello contains myrcene and beta caryophyllene as well, it’s usually pinene that is the dominant member of the terpene profile in this cultivar. This cultivar offers an average potency of 19% THC and 1% CBG. Judging from other consumers’ experiences with Limoncello, you should expect a mellow high with waves of happiness and giggles, as well as a significant urge to make conversation.
4. Cherry Gelato
Cherry Gelato is a sativa-dominant hybrid that offers a fairly balanced experience and average potency of 14% THC and 1% CBG. This cross between Black Cherry Funk and Acai produces calming effects that’s reported to relax your mind and body while also spurring creative thought. In addition to high amounts of pinene, Cherry Gelato contains beta caryophyllene and limonene, which blend together to create a fruity and sweet flavor that might just transport you to the tropics.
5. Diamond OG
Diamond OG is an indica cultivar with famous parentage in OG Kush, although the rest of its lineage is unknown. With an average potency of 17% THC, Diamond OG won’t leave you feeling too high. It’s known among consumers for producing relaxing effects, stimulating appetite, and encouraging sleep. It tends to have a pinene-dominant terpene profile and its flavor and scent reflects that with notes of pine and wood. Alongside pinene in this cultivar are the usual suspects myrcene and beta caryophyllene.
What are the effects of pinene?
The effects of alpha-pinene and beta-pinene are similar, but distinct. Usually, these two terpenes are present in a cultivar together, but they’re not identical in terms of aroma, flavor, or effects. Here’s a closer look at each.
Alpha-pinene
Alpha-pinene is the more common of the two varieties of pinene found in cannabis. It is recognizable by its fresh smell of pine or rosemary, for which the terpene is named. Potential therapeutic benefits of alpha-pinene include anti-inflammatory properties. Alpha-pinene may also alleviate pain and mitigate the short-term memory impairment sometimes associated with cannabis consumption.
Beta-pinene
While less common in cannabis than alpha-pinene, beta-pinene also offers some potential health benefits, including anti-inflammation, pain relief, bronchodilation, and anxiety relief. Its flavor and aroma is slightly different though, taking on a more crisp, earthy, and spicy character like basil or parsley.
What other terpenes often appear alongside pinene?
Pinene can be found alongside any combination of other terpenes, but some are more common counterparts in pinene-forward terpene profiles. Here’s a look at some of the terpenes pinene regularly appears alongside.
Myrcene
Myrcene is the most common terpene found in cannabis and is often dominant in terpene profiles, so it’s no surprise that it’s common to find it alongside pinene. Myrcene is known for sweet, herbal flavors with a hint of spice, as well as a pungent and fruity smell. It is known for producing relaxing effects that are good for recharging your batteries and getting a full night of restful sleep. Myrcene may also be effective for alleviating pain and discomfort. Besides cannabis, myrcene is found in plants like basil, hops, and mangoes.
Beta Caryophyllene
Another common terpene found in cannabis cultivars is beta caryophyllene. Also frequently dominant in a terpene profile, beta caryophyllene has the unique ability to selectively bind to the CB2 receptor of the endocannabinoid system, acting similarly to a cannabinoid while also retaining its characteristics as a terpene. It is known for producing peppery, spicy scents and flavors, and offers anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties. Beta caryophyllene is found elsewhere in the plant kingdom in cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper.
Limonene
Limonene frequently accompanies pinene and other major terpenes in cannabis and is named for its citrus flavor and aroma. Also found in the peels of citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and limes, limonene is known for its antibacterial and anti-viral properties, which make it a popular ingredient in many household cleaning products. It’s also known for contributing an uplifting, mood-boosting effect in cannabis cultivars, perfect for when you want an energizing experience that leaves you smiling.
Terpenes can have a big effect on your cannabis experience
When it comes to your cannabis experience, the terpene profile plays a big role. Understanding which terpenes are present in a cultivar or cannabis product can help you make the right choice for your goals. If you want to learn more about the terpenes in a product and how they might shape your experience, check out our cannabis terpenes list or just ask one of our friendly and knowledgeable budtenders at any of our Iconic Wellness dispensaries in Michigan. To see the latest cultivars we have in stock, check out the Iconic Wellness menu in Gaylord, Sturgis (medical and rec), and Lowell!
