What is terpinolene and what does this cannabis terpene do?

Let’s take a walk in the woods. 

Wildflowers are blooming. The morning sun is shaded by big, bushy branches. As you come upon a conifer tree overflowing with pine cones, slowly breathe in the fragrant air around you. 

That symphony of smells? That’s Terpinolene. 

Found in cumin, apple, lilac, and tea trees, Terpinolene is an earthy terpene that is curious and complex. Unlike other terpenes with sharp, individual notes, the Terpinolene smell has an array of scents that are woody, piney, citrusy, and sweet. Around the house, you may find it in tea tree oil, body lotions, soaps, perfumes, and cleaning products. 

The synergy in its scent extends to Terpinolene’s many different effects and health benefits, too. It serves as an antioxidant, can promote antimicrobial activity, and may even have anti-cancer properties! 

While Terpinolene may not be usually found in large quantities, the impact it leaves is big! Let’s learn more about the multi-faceted terpene that is earthy and fresh...

What Are the Health Benefits of Terpinolene?

Terpinolene is an Amazing Antioxidant

In a 2015 study, scientists wanted to investigate the genetic, oxidative, and cytotoxic effects of Terpinolene in cultured human blood cells. The results? When used in low concentrations, Terpinolene had antioxidant properties while also having no genotoxic effects on lymphocytes. 

In another study, when rats were given low doses of Terpinolene, the total antioxidant capacity of their brain cells increased. This could suggest that Terpinolene has antioxidant benefits that are dose-dependent. 

A big breakthrough came when a study suggested that Terpinolene’s antioxidant properties may reduce the risk of heart disease. Scientists found that Terpinolene could help control cholesterol by preventing the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL). 

Terpinolene is Antifungal, Antibacterial, and All-Around Antimicrobial 

When it comes to the antimicrobial health benefits of Terpinolene, we have to examine oil. Whether it’s found in the oil from plants or tea tree oil, oil containing Terpinolene can protect against fungus and bacteria. 

Scientists have been researching the antimicrobial activity of tea tree oil for years, so it’s no surprise Terpinolene supplies similar effects. In one study, an essential oil from Iran containing Terpinolene showed maximum inhibitory activity against bacteria like Bacillus subtilis. In another study, an essential oil with Terpinolene had antimicrobial activity against Staph and E. coli. 

More research also found that Terpinolene potentiated the antifungal activity of terbinafine against dermatophytes, making it a promising antifungal agent. 

Terpinolene Effects

Terpinolene May Have Anti-Cancer Effects

Amid all the studies done on Terpinolene, there are two studies that suggest the terpene may have an anti-cancer impact. First, a study from 2012 found that Terpinolene downregulates AKT1 expression in K562 cells. What does that mean exactly? Terpinolene was able to reduce the activation of cancer-contributing cell proliferation! 

Additionally, in that same study involving antioxidant capacity in rats, scientists said that Terpinolene is antiproliferative against brain tumors and may have potential as an anticancer agent. Although more research needs to be done, the anti-cancer effects of Terpinolene are promising. 

Click here to check out our collection of terpinolene dominant blends. If you're interested in terpinolene dominant cannabis-inspired blends, keep reading!

Terpinolene in Cannabis

Usually found in rousing sativas, Terpinolene-dominant strains have a legion of loyal fans for its distinct aroma of fresh, piney earth. Seriously, it smells like a beautiful, botanic garden. You’ll find a bouquet of notes including sage, nutmeg, and wood before a flutter of fruit closes it all out.

Here are four strains that are Terpinolene-dominant: 

Jack

Let us introduce you to our friend Jack! Named after the author, cannabis activist and presidential candidate with the same name, this stimulating strain is one of the most popular sativas in the country! Created by crossing Haze, Shiva Skunk and Northern Lights, Jack explodes with pepper and pine while the Terpinolene evokes fresh earth. Made for mornings, Jack is a jolt of happy, clear-headed energy that will keep you uplifted throughout the day and ready to create your own history. 

Trainwreck

What do you get when you cross a sativa from Mexico, a sativa from Thailand, and an indica from Afghanistan? The heavy-hitting sativa-dominant hybrid known as Trainwreck! A favorite among medical patients, Trainwreck puts users on the fast track to euphoric cerebral sensations. It’s enjoyably overwhelming and it only takes a few hits before Trainwreck’s body buzz hits you like (you guessed it) a train! You’ll enjoy pine, sour lemon, and subtle skunk while the Terpinolene follows with notes of freshly cut grass, fragrant flowers, and earthy green goodness. All-aboard! 

Ghost Train Haze

Speaking of strains about trains, here’s something a little more spooky! Born by breeding Ghost OG with Neville’s Wreck, Ghost Train Haze is a sativa beloved by professional stoners for its potency that is spine-chillingly strong. Once you leave the station, Ghost Train Haze hits you with happiness and energizing euphoria that may leave you laughing, creating and stimulating your spirit. You’ll get a gassy pine and subtle citrus on the nose while the Terpinolene brings out haunting herbs and fragrant flowers. Ghost Train Haze is so dank, it’s scary. 

Grape Soda

A potent and purple phenotype of Tahoe OG Kush, Grape Soda is a stress-killing hybrid that is indica-dominant and heady. You’ll taste gigantic grapes that erupt with a sugary sweetness while the Terpinolene treats you to an aroma that has amazing undertones of pine and earth. While Grape Soda quickly fizzes with focus, it also evolves into an experience that is euphoric, calming, and really, really unwinding. Want complete relaxation without carbonation? Grab some Grape Soda.