Terpinolene: Health Benefits, Uses, Strains
Article written by
Dipak HemrajHead of Research and Education
Content reviewed by
Dr. Lewis JasseyMedical Director - Pediatric Medicine
Terpinolene is a primary terpene found in cannabis, as well as lilacs, nutmeg, cumin, tea tree oil, and apples. It has a piney, woody, herbaceous, citrusy, turpentine-like smell and antioxidative, antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, and potential anticancer properties.
Terpinolene is also known as delta-terpinene and is thought to have both sedative and euphoric, uplifting effects, depending on the other terpenes and phytocannabinoids (plant cannabinoids) it is combined with.
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What Is Terpinolene?
Terpinolene is a terpene part of a monoterpenes class called “terpinenes.” It is found in various plants, including cannabis, and contributes to fresh pine trees and citrus aromas.
Studies suggest that terpinolene has sedative properties. But anecdotal reports suggest that many cannabis strains (cultivars) high in terpinolene may have more energizing effects. Ultimately, its effects may depend on the other terpenes and cannabinoids combined with terpinolene.
For example, cannabis cultivars low in myrcene but higher in limonene, beta-caryophyllene, or pinene are often described as more energetic and uplifting. Varieties high in myrcene, linalool, and/or humulene tend to be more sedative.
So, if terpinolene is combined with limonene, beta-caryophyllene, and low doses of tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabidiol (CBD), expect the strain to have more energizing effects. Combining terpinolene with myrcene, linalool, humulene, THC, and high doses of CBD may induce more sedative effects. In this sense, terpenes can have a biphasic effect of their own, similar to cannabinoids. However, unlike cannabinoids, most terpenes (except beta-caryophyllene, an atypical cannabinoid) do not affect the endocannabinoid system (ECS). However, they can affect other receptor systems, like serotonin and dopamine receptors, and act as cannabimimetics.
Commercially and industrially, terpinolene is used as an insect repellant, a perfume, or a flavoring property due to its fresh, floral, pine-like scent, and to make plastics and resins.
Terpinolene is also delta-terpinene, although alpha- and gamma-terpinene are sometimes called “terpinolene.”
Health Benefits and Uses
Cannabis terpenes don’t just provide aromatics — they also offer some great health benefits, as well. Terpinolene is no exception. This terpene reportedly has anti-anxiety, antidepressant, anticancer, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Anti-Anxiety (Anxiolytic)
Gamma-terpinene has been shown to have a sedative effect on mice when inhaled. There is less research on humans, but it is widely accepted that delta- and gamma-terpinene have more sedative effects. Cultivars with a combination of alpha-terpinene (α-terpinene), gamma-terpinene (γ-terpinene), and delta-terpinene (δ-terpinene) are more likely to have a sedative effect, making them possible treatments for anxiety and insomnia.
Antidepressant
In contrast to alpha- and gamma-terpinene, when delta-terpinene is on its own, many people report it as having more uplifting, energizing effects, especially when combined with terpenes like limonene. This makes terpinolene useful for lifting mood and managing depression in aromatherapy environments.
Anticancer Agent
Several studies suggest that terpinolene (and terpinenes in general) might be an effective anticancer treatment that may inhibit the growth of cancer cells. However, these studies are in their trial phase, and there is little proof of efficacy in humans when it comes to treating cancer.
Antimicrobial
Alpha-terpinene, in particular, has been shown to have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. This could make the terpene very useful for managing treatment-resistant bacteria and viruses.
Painkiller
Oils from plants high in gamma-terpinene tend to have anti-inflammatory effects. Studies on mice have also shown that gamma-terpinene prevents pain and inflammation. More studies need to take place on humans to confirm these findings. Still, it does suggest that terpinolene works in conjunction with other terpenes and cannabinoids to add to cannabis’ pain-relieving properties via the entourage effect.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
There are few known risks associated with the use of terpinolene. However, exposure to extremely high concentrations or doses (e.g., from concentrates) may cause blisters, inflammation, kidney pain, and tachycardia (a heart rate over 100 BPM). The quantities required for these effects will not be found in cannabis.
Terpinolene may cause an allergic reaction in some people. Alpha-terpinene can break down into irritants when exposed to UV, heat, or oxygen.
Cannabis Strains High in Terpinolene
The following strains (cultivars) of cannabis have tested quite highly for terpinolene:
- Jack Herer
- Royal Jack Automatic
- Ghost Train Haze
- Lemon OG Kush
- Lemon Haze
- Super Lemon Haze
- Sentinel
- Ultra Sour
- Blue Dream
- Dutch Treat
- Orange Goat
- Orange Cookies
- Golden Pineapple
- J1
- XJ-13
Terpinolene is often found in varieties dubbed “sativa,” but many indica varieties could also contain terpinolene and variations of terpinene.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does terpinolene smell like?
Terpinolene has a strong, fresh, woody, piney, turpentine-like scent.
Which terpene is best for anxiety?
Which terpene is “best” for anxiety depends greatly on the individual’s preferences. One person may prefer the sedative effects of linalool and myrcene to manage their anxiety; another may prefer the uplifting effects of limonene and terpinolene. A person may even enjoy both at different times of the day.
What does the terpinolene terpene do?
Terpinolene “has a role as a sedative, an insect repellent, a plant metabolite, and a volatile oil component.” Regarding cannabis products, terpinolene provides woodsy pine scents and may play a key role in a strain’s sedative or energizing effects, depending on the other terpenes and cannabinoids present.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the terpinolene terpene do?
Terpinolene has a role as a sedative, an insect repellent, a plant metabolite, and a volatile oil component. Regarding cannabis products, terpinolene provides woodsy pine scents and may play a key role in a strain’s sedative or energizing effects, depending on the other terpenes and cannabinoids present.
Which terpene is best for anxiety?
Which terpene is “best” for anxiety depends greatly on the individual’s preferences. One person may prefer the sedative effects of linalool and myrcene to manage their anxiety; another may prefer the uplifting effects of limonene and terpinolene. A person may even enjoy both at different times of the day.
What does terpinolene smell like?
Terpinolene has a strong, fresh, woody, piney, turpentine-like scent.
