The number of terpenes produced by cannabis is estimated at around one hundred. Among them is terpinolene, which isn't very well known to the general public. That's why we decided to offer you some content on this topic. So, what exactly is terpinolene? Find out in the following paragraphs!
Terpinolene in brief
Let's begin by exploring it in its overall form before delving into some specific points. To do this, we suggest the following areas: the cannabis that produces the most, its distinctive characteristics, and its role within the plant.
First, let's focus on the cannabis variety that produces terpinolene in large quantities. As we explained in this article on cannabis, there are several varieties of this plant. As a reminder, here are the main ones: Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid (a cross between the first and second). That being said, researchers* specify that this terpene is found primarily in Sativa. However, this does not mean that it is absent from other varieties!
Next, let's focus on its unique character. Indeed, each terpene has that little something extra that it brings to the plant it's found in. That said, terpinolene is no exception. In this vein, it offers distinct aromas of pine, wood, flowers, grass, and subtle citrus notes. Therefore, it's largely responsible for the woody and piney scent that cannabis often possesses.
Finally, let's talk about its role for the plant that contains it. Naturally, aside from the aroma it provides, as mentioned above! In addition to this aspect, it's important to add that it allows the cannabis plant to defend itself against harmful insects and pathogenic fungi, thanks to the larvicidal and antifungal properties of this molecule**.
To conclude this section, it's worth noting that terpinolene isn't found only in the cannabis plant. Many other plants also contain it. Examples include celery and the tea tree.
Main uses
Indeed, what remains interesting about the cannabis plant is that most of its components, however small, serve a purpose. In this vein, this terpene fits right in.
On the one hand—and this seems obvious—it is used in the cosmetics industry. Why? Precisely because of its rather unique aroma or scent. From this perspective, it is useful for making soaps and perfumes.
On the other hand, terpinolene is also useful to the pharmaceutical industry. Indeed, those who regularly follow cannabis news know that medicine and this plant have become inextricably linked. In fact, this terpene is said to produce a number of effects. In this regard, let's mention the following.
- Antioxidant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antitumor
- Analgesic
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Sedative
- Antibacterial
- Antimicrobial
Here, we have only mentioned those we know! With in-depth research on the subject, it is very likely that the list would be very long.
Finally, it is important to know that this terpene, limonene, is naturally present in CBD flowers.
Also read about CBD.
Co-founder of CBD.fr
Julien Cordobes is the editor of CBD.fr. Born in 1978 in the Paris region, he first trained in e-commerce before turning to natural health approaches, a dual perspective that now structures his way of writing about cannabidiol: reading the scientific literature as it is, without hardening the conclusions, and presenting it in a language that everyone understands.
He discovered CBD at a time when the French market was developing faster than the information available to it. He acquired CBD.fr in 2022 and then took on editorial responsibility for the blog. Since then, he has published numerous articles covering the daily use of CBD, the interpretation of laboratory analyses, the evolution of the legal framework, and precautions for use.
