Pinene is the most common terpene found in nature.[1] With evidence suggesting it may counter several of the negative effects of cannabis consumption, alongside it’s ability to boost focus and energy, many users are hunting for strains that contain some amount of pinene.[2] Looking out for these strains may help you find one that helps you achieve the perfect mood.
Balancing CBD and THC with Pinene
In order to achieve the Entourage Effect, finding a balance between THC, CBD and terpenes (among then alpha pinene) is critical.[3] The hypothesis here states that it takes more than THC to achieve cannabis’ full psychoactive effect. Some examples of strains that achieve this balance between THC and CBD with pinene are Crescendo, Gelato, and Orange Cream.
THC Domination for Experienced Users
For cannabis users who are looking for a more concentrated exposure, it is also possible to find several strains that have a higher concentration of both THC and pinene. Two examples being Gizmo and Citrus farmer, which range from 22%-28% THC. It is worth noting, though, that beginners should consume these strains with caution as the effects can be overwhelming.
Sativa and Indica Strains with Pinene
Indica is perfect for a relaxing night in when you are just looking to relax. If this is the kind of experience you’re searching for, then it is worth checking out Cherry Pie, Blueberry Indica, or Grape Ape. For a less drowsy effect, sativa is the way to go. Blue Dream, Pineapple OG, and Jack Herer are three examples of sativa dominant strains that contain large doses of alpha pinene. For the indiscriminate consumer, check out some hybrid strains like Cherry Gelato, Jenny Kush, or Crunch Berries to get a great blend of sativa, indica, and pinene.
Why Pinene Over Other Terpenes
Different terpene combinations have the potential to have radically different effects in cannabis. Not only does pinene improve the flavor, but there may also be some neurological effects that go with it as well. When experimenting on zebrafish, scientists found that larger doses of pinene could decrease anxiety.[4] Another study conducted on mice found positive indicators that pinene may help with memory retention.[5] Considering paranoia and short-term memory loss are two of the biggest downsides to cannabis consumption, pinene may be just the terpene to counteract some of these negative side effects.
References
1. Russo, E. B., & Marcu, J. (2017). Pinene. Science Direct. https://www.sciencedirect.com/
2. Russo, E. B. (2011). Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. British Journal of Pharmacology, 163(7), 1344–1364. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.
3. Ferber, S. G., Namdar, D., Hen-Shoval, D., Eger, G., Koltai, H., Shoval, G., Shbiro, L., & Weller, A. (2020). The “Entourage Effect”: Terpenes Coupled with Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Mood Disorders and Anxiety Disorders. Current Neuropharmacology, 18(2), 87–96. https://doi.org/10.2174/
4. Johnson, A., Stewart, A., El-Hakim, I. et al. Effects of super-class cannabis terpenes beta-caryophyllene and alpha-pinene on zebrafish behavioural
5. Lee, G. (2017, November 1). Increasing evidence suggests that neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are mediated via disruption of cholinergic neurons and enhanced oxidative stress. Therefore, attention has been focused on searching for antioxidant phytochemicals for the prevention and/or treatment of AD through their ability to fortify cholinergic function and antioxidant defense capacity. In this study, we have investigated the neuroprotective effect of α-pinene (APN) against learning and memory impairment induced by scopolamine (SCO, 1 mg/kg, i.p.), a muscarinic receptor antagonist in C57BL/6 mice…”. https://www.hindawi.com/
