When you open your container of dried cannabis. Does it smell woody, fruity, skunky or like pine? Those are the terpenes that you are smelling.
When you smell pine and earthy smells, the terpene you smell is Pinene. Pinene is the most widely found terpene in nature. It has been utilized in flavoring agents, fungicides, fragrances, antivirals/antimicrobial agents, and insecticides. Pinene is an essential part of cannabis therapy, your cannabis contains both an Alpha and Beta- Pinene.
Have you seen both Alpha- and Beta- Pinene in the terpene profile of your cannabis strain? Ever wonder what the difference is?
Both are naturally found in nature, alpha- is generally higher in quantity than beta-. Alpha-pinene aroma can be of rosemary, cedar, and pine needles. Beta-pinene has more of an aroma of hops, and parsley, earthy tones. Some describe it as earthy and having a woody smell.
The research around Pinene, has shown the therapeutic benefits. It can potentially increase alertness, help with memory, decrease anxiety. Work as an anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, antioxidant and can work as a bronchodilator. Some cannabis consumers report higher levels of creativity in strains with higher percentages of the Pinene terpene.
Strains high in Pinene
You can find Pinene in Indica-Dominant, Sativa-Dominant and Hybrid strains.
Sage N’ Sour
Blue Dream
Orange Dreamer
Jack Herer
Vaporizer Boiling Point Temperature: 312oF
Pinene and Forest Therapy 
“Trees can heal us even at a distance”. (3)
This past year has been challenging many times.
Having travel restrictions, social distancing and not
being able to have your friends and family around.
We suggest you trial forest bathing!
Pinene, is not only found in cannabis but also in conifers trees, such as; pine, spruce, cedar, hemlocks and more. You can easily obtain the therapeutic effects just from only taking walk. Nature is its own aromatherapy and can leave you feeling Zen.
Written By: Jennifer Comeau, CTE @ CHC Moncton.