If you keep up on the ongoing cannabis research, there's a lot to learn! One compound that keeps coming up as high-interest is terpinolene, one of the many possible terpenes found in hemp. But what is terpinolene?

Cannabis strains are made up of a variety of terpenes. Terpinolene is one of the less common "standard" terpenes, dominant in about one of ten strains. It's uplifting and calming, and possibly a bit sedative. It can be found in many other plants as well, and has notes of citrus, flowers, and pine.

So what is a terpene, anyway, and why is terpinolene so interesting? Where can you find it, aside from cannabis? What are the effects, and benefits, of terpinolene? Keep reading and we'll break down everything there is to know. Even among the hundreds of cannabis compounds, terpinolene is a stand out!

What is terpinolene? To answer this, let's back up for some real quick science. The cannabis plant produces hundreds of different compounds, including well-known compounds like CBD and CBG, other cannabinoids, and terpenes. When all these assorted "ingredients" come together in a full spectrum product, they play off each other to create the best experience and results (and create the entourage effect).

If you buy a product that isn't full spectrum, some of these compounds have been mechanically stripped away. As a result, what you're getting may not be what you expect, or have the same benefits as cannabis that comes to you in a more natural state.

This is true for all cannabis plants, whether we're discussing marijuana, or hemp (which is legal in all 50 states due to a lower THC content, and is what we sell at Dreamland Organics).

Now, terpinolene is one of the possible terpenes. Terpenes are what gives cannabis its smell and flavor profile. They're the source of most aromas we associate with plants, and used to make essential oil.

Terpenes are present in other plants, such as linalool in lavender or limonene in lemon, lime, orange and grapefruit. They don't just smell nice - research is showing that they're medicinal powerhouses with a range of therapeutic effects.

Terpinolene terpene is often present in only small amounts in cannabis. While individual strains may contain a blend of as many as 100 different terpenes, terpinolene may be the least-common among the "standard terps". It's a common terpene, but not that common.

Terpinolene creates an entire bouquet of smells. It's noticeably citrus and flowery, but there's a hint of herbs and a woodsy pine aroma as well. It exists in more than just cannabis - you can also find terpinolene in parsnips, sage, nutmeg, cumin, and even apples. Terpinolene is dominant in tea tree oil, and that's also a good comparison to describe the smell.

In most strains, terpinolene is just one small piece in a mixture of assorted terpenes. However, about one in ten strains is considered terpinolene dominant. These strains are mostly thought to have an uplifting, mood-enhancing effect.

In marijuana strains, it's more likely to be found in a Sativa cannabis strain, including Jack Herer or Dutch Treat. When it comes to hemp, you can find terpinolene equally in Sativa, Indica, or hybrid plants.

Interestingly, high CBD strains can be hard to find - primarily because cannabis growers were typically focused on high THC content before the 2018 farm bill helped promote the breeding of smokable hemp.

You can expect terpinolene to have a moderately sedative effect, though this may not always be true. Cannabis effects are a complicated combination of all the different elements and terpenes present, so there's no "hard and fast" rule that's always true.

Like most things in the cannabis world, there isn't enough research yet to draw conclusive results. But studies have shown that terpinolene essential oil seems to have antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal properties. For this reason, you'll commonly find it in cleaning agents and soaps.

It may help prevent coronary heart disease, and help relieve cardiovascular disease. Terpinolene can also aid against hypertension. In particular, it seems to prevent oxidation of low density lipoproteins (LDL).

It may have anti inflammatory benefits as well, though research is still early. One study found that pairing it with a lower dose of an anti inflammatory drug Diclofenac had a synergistic effect. It helped to reduce the side effects experienced from a larger dose, while improving the effectiveness.

Other benefits include a positive effect on restless leg syndrome, insomnia, and anxiety or panic attacks. Some people have reported using smokable hemp high in terpinolene to deal with migraines.

One significant use for terpinolene was found in a 2013 study that showed it may help prevent the growth of cancer cells. The study examined the impact on brain tumor cells, finding that it also helped prevent damage from inflammation.

It may also help to repel pests - try smoking it at camp to relax and repel mosquitos! Terpinolene already is featured in many insect repellants.

As always, we are cannabis experts, not medical professionals. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any medical conditions. It does not replace appropriate medical care. Please consult your doctor with any questions or concerns.