Myrcene may be the most common terpene among all strains of Cannabis [1], but pinene is the most common found in nature, period [2]. As with limonene [3], and many other terpenes, pinene comes in 2 forms: α- and β-pinene [4]; the alpha-isomer is the more commonly found of the two, especially in Cannabis [1]. Pinene is a bicyclic monoterpene with a highly reactive 4-membered carbon ring [4]. Pinene’s volatile structure may explain why it is such a versatile and powerful little terpene.

As you might have guessed, pine trees (and other conifers), are rich in pinene; you can also find it in orange peels, rosemary, and basil in decent amounts [6]. Pinene is commercially obtained by distilling pine resin (or oleoresin), and is then converted into turpentine, and other useful chemical products [5].



In Cannabis, there are a few varieties that are known to contain large amounts of pinene: Blue Dream, Strawberry Cough, and Jack Herer are among the notable sativa-dominant strains rich in pinene; Bubba Kush, OG Kush, and Critical Mass are in the indica-dominant camp.

Alpha-pinene is aromatically recognizable, with a fresh, earthy pine needle fragrance, whereas beta-pinene tends to smell more of hops, basil, or parsley. As with many terpenes, pinene serves as a natural pest repellant [7], and has been shown to play a role as an antimicrobial agent [8]. Pinene was also shown to have anti-inflammatory effects [9] in addition to bronchodilating effects at low levels, which increases uptake in the lungs, and might be of benefit to those with certain asthmatic conditions [10].



Perhaps the most interesting therapeutic role pinene plays in humans is its ability to aide memory and increase alertness [11, 12]. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter molecule in the brain involved in memory and learning [13]; when a specific enzyme known as Acetylcholinesterase is inhibited (or blocked) in Alzheimer's patients, some of their symptoms show improvement [14]. Consequently, pinene is sometimes referred to as an “anti-Alzheimer’s agent”, but to be fair, the disease is notoriously degenerative, and its progression continues its course regardless any temporary reduction in symptoms.

"the most interesting therapeutic role pinene plays in humans is its ability to aide memory and increase alertness"

There are a number of references to pinene as an anti-cancer agent that can be found in the Cannabis blogosphere. A number of articles cited a study conducted in 2013 by Ayden et al [15] in an effort to portray pinene as a cancer fighting medicine; although some efficacy was discovered, researchers stated: “our results suggest that α-pinene is of a limited therapeutic use as an anticancer agent”. While this might be a bit of a bummer to those searching for answers to help fight cancer progression, we must remember to retain hope in the entourage effect [16].

Through the entourage effect, it's possible that "full spectrum" Cannabis consumption may extend the benefits of individual terpenes like pinene in a manner that is difficult to study. More research is clearly needed as we are barely scratching the surface for potentially beneficial aspects of Cannabis and its associated terpenes.