TERPINOLENE: A CANNABIS TERPENE WITH MANY THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS

The cannabis plant produces hundreds of cannabinoids and terpenes. By knowing the different substances contained in cannabis , we can discover new positive effects of different varieties. One of the less common terpenes found in cannabis is terpinolene. In today's article you will learn what terpinolene actually is, what its medicinal effects are and in which cannabis varieties you can find it.

What is terpinolene?

Like most other plants, cannabis produces terpenes. These substances are the cause of the scents that plants and trees give off, for example, pine, mint or rosemary.

Terpinolene is one of the main terpenes in some cannabis varieties, but it is usually only present in small amounts. In addition to cannabis, terpinolene can also be found in sage, lilac, rosemary, apple and is also found in many essential oils. The terpinolene content of cannabis is believed to have medicinal effects and has also been found to be typically found in higher proportions in high-THC varieties. It is therefore very rare to find a variety with a high CBD content and a high terpinolene content at the same time.

Therapeutic effects of terpinolene

Terpinolene has several unique effects. Research studies have found it to be antifungal and antibacterial and to have great antioxidant and sedative effects. Several studies have also demonstrated the anxiolytic properties of terpinolene, which is used to relieve stress and anxiety.

The main medicinal effects of terpinolene are:

Antifungal effects

One of the most commonly used essential oils, tea tree oil, contains terpinolene. This essential oil has been extensively studied for its antifungal effects, with one such study published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology in 2015 showing a link between tea tree oil and antifungal activity in gray mold.

Antioxidant effects

Terpinolene is also a powerful antioxidant. A 2005 study showed that terpinolene is also effective in fighting heart disease, which is still one of the leading causes of death worldwide. It also prevents the eventual oxidation of low-density lipoproteins. Low-density lipoproteins can accumulate in the arteries, which is one of the most common causes of heart disease.

Anti-cancer effects

According to some studies, terpinolene also has anticarcinogenic properties. Although it is not clear whether it can exert anticancer effects on its own and not in association with other substances in cannabis, it is of great interest to cancer researchers. In the treatment of some cancers , it helps to reduce protein expression in some cells and apparently prevents their spread.

Sedative effects

Terpinolene is also known for its extraordinary sedative effects, which make it ideal for treating insomnia or even anxiety. A 2013 study published in the Journal of Natural Medicines looked at the sedative effect of terpinolene in mice and found that terpinolene acts as an effective central nervous system sedative.

Repellent effects

A 2009 study revealed that terpinolene can serve as an important natural pesticide to repel mosquitoes, beetles and voles.

Remember that scientists are still researching the possible effects of terpinolene. In addition, many experts believe that terpenes and cannabinoids work together to produce the overall effect of a given variety, so don't expect a variety that contains terpinolene to necessarily be relaxing and sedating.

Cannabis varieties with high terpinolene content

Terpinolene is more commonly found in sativa-dominant cannabis than in Indian hemp varieties. It can be found in many varieties of cannabis, but terpinolene is predominant in only a few. All these varieties contain high levels of THC. At present, there are not many high-CBD varieties that also contain high levels of terpinolene.

You can also find essential oils in our e-shop. Get one that is dominated by the terpene terpinolene and see what it smells like!