The cannabis plant is abundantly blessed with a host of compounds present in it. From a wide variety of cannabinoids to flavonoids, essential oils, terpenes and fatty acids. Substances that are all quite beneficial to the human body in one way or the other.
Of these lot, cannabinol is the most popular, the most talked about, as well as the most beneficial. This does not mean though that other compounds found in this plant are of less value. For instance, flavonoids help the body function optimally by fighting off and protecting it against free radicals that can cause oxidative stress. They also help to regulate the activities of cells. You can learn more about flavonoids here.
Essential oils come with antiseptic properties and they help to soothe the mood as well as ease the body of stress, pain and headaches. Fatty acids are beneficial in reducing inflammation, risk of heart attack as well as obesity. They also help to ensure that the membranes surrounding cells in the body are working perfectly.
For terpenes; these are substances that give plants such as cannabis their distinct aroma and flavors. Like cannabinoids, they are contained within tiny glands on the cannabis plant’s leaves and flowers. These tiny glands are known as trichomes. These trichomes are what produces the resin containing the beneficial terpenes and as well gives the plant buds its shiny, crystal-like appearance.
Terpenes have anticancer, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory properties, etc. that makes them quite useful and beneficial. They are also useful for enhancing the skin and in the creation of scents and flavors for food, and body products like perfumes and cosmetics.
Much like cannabinoids, terpenes are also quite abundant and found in large numbers in the cannabis plant. There are over 200 of them present in cannabis alone but over 20,000 are available in plants generally.
One of the many terpenes that can be found in cannabis is called pinene.
What is Pinene?
The different types of terpenes we have can be categorized into either minor or major. Pinene is considered as one of the major ones available. It is one of the most popular terpenes available and it is useful in many applications. Its scent is like that of a forest of pines trees.It can be used as a flavoring agent, an insecticide and also has its application in the biofuel industry. For the cannabis industry, it is used for its fragrance as well as its stimulating effects.
Pinene is a fragrant oil that is secreted in the trichomes of a cannabis plant and it is meant to protect the plant from predators. Much more than that, humans have found it quite appealing with its several potential benefits.
Pinenecomes in two varieties – the alpha-pinene and the beta-pinene. The alpha variant in cannabis is responsible for the unmistakable scent of pine needles.It is thought to reverse the psychoactive effects of the popular cannabinoid THC. The beta on the other hand is responsible for the lovely scents of dill and basil. This terpene can also be found in many herbs such as parsley, rosemary, orange peel, pine needles, turpentine and conifer trees.
What Are its Potential Benefits?
Much like most terpenes, pinene also has its potential benefits to humans. It is one of the most therapeutic and it is known to help increase a person’s alertness. If you suffer from the downsides of cannabis either by smoking a lot of it or taking THC, it can help to combat any of its negative sensations. It has many other benefits which are considered below.
Anti-inflammatory
According to a 2015 study of pinene, it was discovered that it has some anti-inflammatory properties and therefore can be used to treat most inflammatory diseases. Additionally, it is used as an additive in sunscreen.When this is applied to the skin, it prevents damage by the UV light from the sun.
Antidepressant
It is common to see patients use cannabis as a medication for lifting their moods. This is not far-fetched as pinene is one of the terpenes in cannabis that helps to elevate the mood, especially when combined with linalool.
Antimicrobial
Pinene according to a 2012 study was found to be useful in fighting microbes such as viruses, bacteria, fungi and so on. It is especially useful for getting rid of Candia Albicans. This is a yeast fungus found in humans and has the potential to be harmful when it is out of control.
Anti-cancer
Both alpha and beta-pinene have also been found to have anti-tumor properties. When used together, it was discovered that they seem to have a synergistic effect in tumor reduction and as such can be used to treat prostate cancer.
Neuroprotective
Alpha-pinene is also potentially beneficial when it comes to treating neurological disorder. This makes it a potential treatment for diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, amnesia, dementia, memory loss and cognitive dysfunction.
Cannabis Strains that are High in Pinene
The availability of any terpene in a cannabis strain is dependent on several environmental factors and sometimes how it was cultivated.Below are some of the strains that have elevated levels of pinene.
- Blue Dream
- Hawaiian Haze
- OG Kush
- Lifter
- Big Smooth
- Harlequin
- God’s Gift
- Cotton Candy Kush
- Skywalker OG
- Sour Space Candy
You can check https://cheefbotanicals.com/pinene-terpene/ if you are looking to buy some of the best CBD strains high in pinene. You will also find in there further readings and resources to learn more.
Conclusion
Terpenes are abundant in plants giving them their flavor as well as the aroma. Much more than this though, they are beneficial in several ways for human health.
Pinene is one of these over 200 beneficial terpenes found in cannabis. It is also very common. For lovers of cannabis, it is recommended that you find hemp products and essential oils that are filled with this wonderful substance. It will not only help make your day, it will also help boost your health.