What is pinene in cannabis?

Pinene is a natural compound and a terpene in the cannabis plant that gives the fresh, pine-like aroma to many strains. But that’s not all this aromatic compound does. Pinene contributes its potent therapeutic benefits to the overall cannabis experience.

Pinene occurs naturally in both indica and sativa plant species, but its effects truly come to life in hybrid cannabis strains. To capture this balanced terpene profile, we've incorporated pinene into our low-dose THC gummies. Crafted with microdoses of THC and CBD, our edibles offer a well-rounded, controlled way to reap the unique benefits of hybrid strains.

What is pinene?

Pinene is a common terpene most famously found in pine trees. It's responsible for that fresh, woody scent you might recognize from a forest walk. In cannabis, pinene contributes to both the aroma and potential effects of many cannabis strains.

Pinene is a bicyclic monoterpene, with the molecular formula C10H16. It exists in two main isomeric forms: alpha-pinene and beta-pinene. Both isomers share a distinctive bicyclic structure featuring a reactive four-membered ring, contributing to their unique properties and interactions.

It may sound contradictory, but pinene is a liquid that's constantly evaporating. This evaporation doesn't happen instantly. Instead, liquid pinene continuously releases vapor into the air. This volatility is a characteristic of terpenes, all of which evaporate at room temperature. 

Apart from pine trees and cannabis, pinene is also a significant component in many aromatic herbs and plants, including:

• Rosemary
• Basil
• Eucalyptus
• Sage
• Parsley
• Conifer trees (spruce, fir)
• Tea tree
• Orange peel
• Juniper berries
• Cypress

Its wide presence in nature influences many scents and tastes we experience daily. Which brings us to its distinct flavor profile.

The flavor profile of pinene

Pinene's presence in so many common plants is the reason why we often encounter its scent in everyday life, even if we don't realize it. Here’s all you need to know about the distinct pinene aroma: 

1. Alpha-pinene isomer has that classic pine scent. Beta-pinene is similar but with a touch more freshness, sometimes described as having hints of basil or dill.
2. Pinene can have slight herbal undertones, similar to rosemary or sage. There's often a subtle earthy quality to pinene's taste.
3. Some people detect faint citrus notes, particularly in beta-pinene.
4. Pinene’s pleasant, fresh scent is often used in perfumes, air fresheners, and cleaning products. That's why many household items smell "pine fresh."
5. Pinene's scent isn't just for our benefit. In nature, it serves as a defense mechanism for plants, repelling certain insects and animals.
6. The intensity of pinene's aroma is often influenced by the temperature and humidity. On warmer days, you might notice pine scents more strongly because the heat causes more pinene to evaporate into the air.

In plants, pinene acts as a natural pesticide. Humans use it in everything from food flavoring to perfumes. 

In cannabis, pinene contributes to the overall experience, enhancing the effects of other compounds.

What are the effects and benefits of pinene in cannabis?

Pinene offers more than a distinctive aroma. This compound has caught the attention of researchers and consumers for its potential therapeutic applications such as:

1. Increased alertness and enhanced focus
2. Improved memory and cognition
3. Counteracting THC’s psychoactivity
4. Pinene’s respiratory benefits
5. Anti-inflammatory properties
6. Pain-relieving properties
7. Anti-anxiety and anti-stress benefits
8. Potential sleep-promoting effects

One: increased alertness and enhanced focus

Pinene has stimulating effects. Pinene-rich cannabis strains make users feel more awake and mentally sharp. This can manifest as improved concentration, a clearer thought process, and a greater ability to stay focused on the tasks at hand. 

Weston-Green, et. al. report that the fresh, pine-like scent of pinene has an invigorating effect on mood and senses. This aroma might contribute to feeling more alert and refreshed. If you want the mental fog lifted, paving the way for better cognitive function, choose a strain rich in invigorating pinene. 

With a rich terpene profile—including pinene and other beneficial compounds—our low-dose edibles sharpen your mental focus and enhance concentration, so you can navigate your day with clarity and purpose. 

Two: improved memory function

Pinene has potential benefits for enhancing short-term memory. This effect counteracts the short-term memory issues sometimes associated with THC consumption. A 2024 study suggests that alpha-pinene may have protective effects against cognitive deficits caused by neonatal hypoxia in rats. Rats treated with alpha-pinene showed improved performance in tests of memory, learning, and motor skills.

Three: counteracting THC effects

Pinene may balance out some of THC's psychoactive effects. It might reduce the anxiety or paranoia that some users experience with high-THC strains, creating a more balanced and enjoyable experience, especially for those who are sensitive to THC's effects. 

Apart from calming anxiety and paranoia, pinene might counteract the mental fogginess sometimes associated with THC, contributing to a clearer, more focused high. Its potential to open airways might counteract any respiratory constriction caused by smoking cannabis.

Four: respiratory effects of pinene

Pinene is a bronchodilator, which means it can open up airways. It relaxes the smooth muscles in the airways, allowing them to expand and facilitating easier breathing. Korean researchers found that pinene acted as a bronchodilator in human volunteers at low exposure levels and that this could be valuable for patients with asthma.

For cannabis users, this effect might translate to smoother inhalation and potentially less coughing or throat irritation when smoking or vaping. We have no doubt that pinene is great at opening up your airways, but we try to steer clear of smoking or any other harmful cannabis consumption method. 

Here at nama™, we love THC edibles with small amounts of THC and CBD, so you can reap all the benefits without intense experiences. Our low-dose edibles offer a carefully balanced blend of cannabinoids and beneficial terpenes, allowing you to experience the full spectrum of cannabis benefits without overwhelming effects. 

Our carefully crafted Energy gummies pack a flavorful punch with real fruit and hemp-derived extracts, offering a balanced 2.5mg of THC per serving along with stimulating pinene, soothing myrcene, and other beneficial terpenes in cannabis.

Five: pinene’s anti-inflammatory properties

Pinene has anti-inflammatory effects. Research shows that alpha-pinene suppresses major inflammatory pathways in mouse cells by reducing the production of inflammatory molecules like IL-6, TNF-α, and nitric oxide. It also inhibits enzymes associated with inflammation.

Shabani, et. al. posit that alpha-pinene reduces inflammation and cell death by inhibiting inflammatory pathways and enzymes in different brain regions. By dampening inflammatory responses, pinene could reduce pain and swelling associated with many chronic conditions.

Read more about how microdosing cannabis can counteract inflammation in the body.

Six: analgesic (pain-relieving) effects

Pinene exerts pain-relieving properties through multiple mechanisms, including reducing inflammation and interacting with pain receptors. Weston-Green, et. al. investigated its promising pain-relieving effects in animal studies and found that pinene reduces inflammation and provides long-lasting relief similar to indomethacin and gabapentin. 

Its pain-relieving mechanisms may involve GABA-A and μ-opioid receptors. GABA-A receptors reduce nerve excitability, leading to pain relief by calming the nervous system, while μ-opioid receptors are involved in pain modulation. Pinene interacts with both of them to reduce pain and inflammation.

It’s not just pinene that relieves pain and brings relief. Discover the potent pain-soothing properties of THC and CBD.

Seven: anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects

Pinene calms the nervous system by interacting with GABA receptors in the brain. A 2014 study investigated the anti-anxiety effects and accumulation of alpha-pinene in the brain and liver of mice after repeated inhalation over several days. Mice inhaled α-pinene for up to five days and showed consistent anxiety-reducing effects. The amount of α-pinene in their brain and liver was highest on the third day but the calming effects stayed steady. 

Go with microdosing cannabis if you're looking for a gentle way to manage anxiety. Small amounts of THC and CBD are better for relieving stress and anxiety than higher doses. That’s why our low-dose Buzz Drops are perfect, with only 2.5mg of THC and 2.5mg of CBD per full dropper. Add them to your favorite drink for a mild, anxiety-easing buzz that lets you stay in control and enjoy your day.

“...I got my resent bottle yesterday and I had 2 N/A beers and I added a dropper in each one. The first one definitely hit fast enough and I felt like I had had a beer (like an IPA -higher alc) so it was perfect. Gave me the perfect little buzz on a Friday night after a long work week! This will be a new staple for me as the plan is to give up alcohol completely!...”

—Leilani E.

Eight: sleep-enhancing effects

Some studies suggest that pinene might improve sleep quality. It appears to work by enhancing the effects of GABA, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and sleep. Yang, et. al. found that pinene binds to GABAA-benzodiazepine receptors in the brain, enhancing GABAergic synaptic transmission. This increases the duration of non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREMS) and reduces sleep latency. In other words, pinene helps you fall asleep faster and stay in deep, restful sleep longer.

Pinene's ability to reduce anxiety could also contribute to better sleep because anxiety is a common cause of sleep disturbances. For a natural and effective sleep aid, try our Sleep Plus gummies. With only 2mg of THC, 25mg of CBD, a touch of melatonin, and a rich terpene profile, these gummies work synergistically to help you fall asleep faster and wake up feeling refreshed.

This cannabis synergy is referred to as the entourage effect. It occurs when cannabis compounds, such as THC, CBD, minor cannabinoids, and terpenes, work together to enhance their effects and benefits. This interaction makes the combination more effective at reducing anxiety, relieving pain, and promoting better sleep and memory than any single compound alone. 

Order the best entourage effect gummies and harness the benefits of this powerful cannabis synergy. 

What are the side effects of pinene?

Like many natural compounds, pinene can cause side effects when consumed in excessive amounts. Here are some potential side effects of pinene:

• Skin irritation (when applied topically)
• Allergic reactions
• Respiratory irritation
• Nausea or gastrointestinal discomfort
• Headache or dizziness
• Eye irritation
• Increased heart rate
• Difficulty breathing 
• Drowsiness or sedation
• Interference with certain medications
• Anxiety or agitation 
• Dry mouth
• Coughing or throat irritation
• Altered sense of taste 
• Fatigue or lethargy

The best way to enjoy the therapeutic and recreational potential of pinene and other terpenes is to stick to microdosing. That way, you avoid adverse reactions and get only benefits. Try our Bliss Delta 9 gummies with only 5mg of THC and 5mg of CBD and experience a perfectly balanced, mellow high.

What cannabis strains have the most pinene?

With its fresh, forest-like aroma, pinene is one of the most abundant terpenes in nature and a crucial element of many cannabis strains. The following list showcases some popular cannabis strains that are particularly rich in pinene.

1. Jack Herer
2. Blue Dream
3. OG Kush
4. Strawberry Cough
5. Chemdawg
6. Romulan
7. Purple Kush
8. Dutch Treat
9. Grape Ape
10. Bubba Kush

Order our hybrid edibles for a rich terpene profile

Looking for the perfect hybrid cannabis experience? Look no further than nama™. We've mastered the art of combining the best of sativa and indica in our cannabis edibles and THC-infused drinks. Our unique recipes blend carefully selected cannabinoids and terpenes, including pinene, to deliver a full spectrum of benefits. Our gummies and drinks are crafted to provide the invigorating effects of sativa paired with the calming properties of indica, all in one convenient package.

You don't have to choose between strains or terpenes. With nama™, you only need to decide which delicious flavor of our gummies you're craving or what refreshing mocktail you're going to infuse with our Buzz Drops™.

Our buzztails™ are a sophisticated and enjoyable way to experience cannabis. They're perfect for social gatherings or a relaxing evening at home. Plus, they're incredibly easy to make. Add our precisely dosed liquid drops to your favorite non-alcoholic beverages for a customized cannabis experience.

Need some inspiration? Try adding our Buzz Drops™ to a sparkling blackberry lemonade, or mix them into our virgin mojito for a minty, tropical buzz. For a cozy night in, all you need is a THC-infused pumpkin cream mocktail or a cannabis twist on a classic Tom Collins. 

The possibilities are endless, and the control is in your hands. With nama™, creating delicious THC recipes has never been more enjoyable.

At nama™, we're committed to providing federally legal, rigorously tested products, so don’t worry—all our edibles are federally legal in the U.S.

Resources

Weston-Green, K., Clunas, H., & Naranjo, C. J. (2021). A Review of the Potential Use of Pinene and Linalool as Terpene-Based Medicines for Brain Health: Discovering Novel Therapeutics in the Flavours and Fragrances of Cannabis. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.583211

Bakhtazad, S., Ghotbeddin, Z., Tabandeh, M. R., & Rahimi, K. (2024). Alpha-pinene ameliorate behavioral deficit induced by early postnatal hypoxia in the rat: Study the inflammatory mechanism. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-56756-1

Kim, T., Song, B., Cho, K. S., & Lee, I. (2019). Therapeutic Potential of Volatile Terpenes and Terpenoids from Forests for Inflammatory Diseases. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 21(6), 2187. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21062187

Kim DS, Lee HJ, Jeon YD, Han YH, Kee JY, Kim HJ, Shin HJ, Kang J, Lee BS, Kim SH, Kim SJ, Park SH, Choi BM, Park SJ, Um JY, Hong SH. Alpha-Pinene Exhibits Anti-Inflammatory Activity Through the Suppression of MAPKs and the NF-κB Pathway in Mouse Peritoneal Macrophages. Am J Chin Med. 2015;43(4):731-42. doi: 10.1142/S0192415X15500457. Epub 2015 Jun 28. PMID: 26119957.

Shabani M, Erfani S, Abdolmaleki A, Afzali FE, Khoshnazar SM. Alpha-pinene modulates inflammatory response and protects against brain ischemia via inducible nitric oxide synthase-nuclear factor-kappa B-cyclooxygenase-2 pathway. Mol Biol Rep. 2023 Aug;50(8):6505-6516. doi: 10.1007/s11033-023-08480-8. Epub 2023 Jun 17. PMID: 37329479.

Clunas, H., & Jimenez Naranjo, C. (2021). A Review of the Potential Use of Pinene and Linalool as Terpene-Based Medicines for Brain Health: Discovering Novel Therapeutics in the Flavours and Fragrances of Cannabis. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 12, 583211. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.583211

Satou T, Kasuya H, Maeda K, Koike K. Daily inhalation of α-pinene in mice: effects on behavior and organ accumulation. Phytother Res. 2014 Sep;28(9):1284-7. doi: 10.1002/ptr.5105. PMID: 25340185.

Yang H, Woo J, Pae AN, Um MY, Cho NC, Park KD, Yoon M, Kim J, Lee CJ, Cho S. α-Pinene, a Major Constituent of Pine Tree Oils, Enhances Non-Rapid Eye Movement Sleep in Mice through GABAA-benzodiazepine Receptors. Mol Pharmacol. 2016 Nov;90(5):530-539. doi: 10.1124/mol.116.105080. Epub 2016 Aug 29. PMID: 27573669.

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Further reading

The best sleep gummies for adults

How does the hybrid weed trigger the entourage effect?

Indica vs sativa vs hybrid: what you need to know

Will a hybrid strain get me high?

THC drinks vs edibles

Can you get a headache from edibles?

Are edibles beneficial for mental health?

How much Buzz Drops™ should I use?