• It is believed to have uplifting effects.
• About one in ten strains is said to be terpinolene-dominant.
• Its aroma is characterized as piney, floral, and herbal.
• Also found in nutmeg, tea tree, conifers, apples, cumin, and lilacs.
• Popular strains with Terpinolene include:
  • XJ-13
  • Ghost Train Haze
  • Chernobyl
  • Jack Herer

An outstanding metaphorical druid, capable of concocting hundreds of cannabinoids and terpenes, is the cannabis plant. Even outside the cannabis community, some cannabinoids, like Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD), are widely known.  Others are just entering the mainstream cannabis lexicon, including terpenes such as the woody pinene and the citrusy limonene, helping consumers understand what gives cannabis its distinctive taste and smell. Terpinolene is, however, a lurker for now. But what is terpinolene and what does this cannabis terpene do? Lilacs, nutmeg, cumin, and apples contain terpinolene. It is found in many strains of cannabis, but it is usually only present in small amounts. In fact, it may be the least common terpene: often among the cast of characters of a strain, but rarely in a leading position. That does not, however, mean that it is unimportant. Terpinolene plays a key role in defining the taste and smell of many cannabis strains, including Dutch Treat, XJ-13, and Golden Pineapple, the immensely popular, terpinolene-dominant strains. It’s also likely to affect a strain’s therapeutic and experiential qualities.

The smell and taste of terpinolene

The aroma of terpinolene is more multifaceted than some other terpenes in cannabis. Linalool has the smell of flowers. Limonene has a citrus smell. And Pinene smells of pine. However, terpinolene carries an array of odors that can be found in cannabis: it is piney, floral, herbaceous, and even a bit citrusy. One word that often comes up when describing the taste and odor of terpinolene is refreshing. It is part of the reason why terpinolene appears in soaps and perfumes as an additive (although the other qualities of the terpene, which are equally if not more worthy of discussion, also help). Terpinolene, like most terpenes, is not unique to cannabis. It also appears in lilacs, tea trees, cumin, nutmeg, conifers, and apples.

High-terpinolene cannabis strains

Although there are slightly exotic terpinolene-dominant strains, you will recognize a few of these flavorful favorites:

• Dutch Treat

• Jack Herer

• Ghost Train Haze

• Golden Goat

• Golden Pineapple

• J1

• XJ-13

• Orange Cookies
• Chernobyl

Almost all of these are potent Indicas, Sativas, or hybrids with high THC content. In other words, there are not many high CBD content strains with a ton of terpinolene at present. Why would that be? Likely, it is simply because cannabis breeders with CBD dominant and balanced hybrid strains have yet to fully explore the full array of terpenes. For most breeders, THC has historically been a more profitable cannabinoid to aspire to represent. That may change as the CBD rises in prominence. Terpinolene dominant strains of CBD remain uncommon, but there is certainly the potential prospect to produce more of such strains.

Terpinolene’s potential effects and benefits

According to a 2005 study, terpinolene may have antibacterial and antifungal properties as an essential oil, which could be another reason, in addition to its fresh scent, that it is a popular additive in soaps and cleaning products. Other research demonstrates that it can potentially help to repel pests like mosquitoes and weevils.

Recent studies are also in the process of looking at terpinolene’s potential to reduce the risk of heart disease when used in combination with other supplements, and its potential role in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. Keep in mind, the potential effects of terpinolene are still teased out by researchers. Furthermore, many scientists believe that terpenes and cannabinoids work together to produce the overall effect of a strain, so do not expect a strain containing terpinolene to necessarily have relaxing, sedative properties.  So make sure your products are full of rich terpenes, at Budderweeds you can see many such strains. The same applies to CBD, it doesn’t matter if you’re looking for the best CBD oil or CBD lube.