There’s no shortage of information you can learn about strains, their terpenes, flavors, and potential effects. We’ve covered several cannabis terpenes over the last couple of weeks, and next on our list is pinene. Terpenes are what give cannabis strains their flavor, aroma, and potential mental and physiological benefits. You can find them in the sticky trichomes of female cannabis plants, and in pinene’s case, it tends to give strains a pine scent among other benefits when found in large quantities.
Trichomes are tiny plant appendages that can cover cannabis nugs in what looks like a white frosty layer. While cannabis can contain over 150 or more types of terpenes, they may only have high concentrations of some over others. The difference in effects and tastes can come from the genetics passed down from the combination of terpenes in parent strains. For example, if both parent strains have a large concentration of pinene, the offspring has a high chance of having a high concentration as well.
Pinene Terpene & the Types
According to Leafly, pinene is the most common terpene found in the natural world, but not in the weed world. While the terpene can be found in cannabis, it can also be found in pine needles, rosemary, and basil. Additionally, when it comes to effects, pinene may help as an anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and pain reliever, and may combat short-term memory impairment.
Furthermore, there are two forms of pinene you may find in your products: alpha-pinene and beta-pinene. Both were found to have antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, but you’ll find more alpha-pinene strains out there.
Pinene-Heavy Strains
Interested in trying strains that contain a large amount of the pinene terpene? Strains with high concentrations of pinene include Big Smooth, Blue Dream, Cannatonic, Cotton Candy Kush, God’s Gift, Grape Ape, Harlequin, Kosher Tangie, and Remedy, among others.
Continue reading to learn more about each pinene-heavy strain and what it may help with.
Big Smooth
Firstly, Big Smooth is an indica-dominant strain, created by Exotic Genetix, that was made from the cross of OG Blueberry and Cookies and Cream strains. The bud is rich in pinene, myrcene, and caryophyllene and smells sweet and doughy, sometimes compared to that blueberry pancakes. Big Smooth is often smoked for its delicious flavor and potential euphoric and calming effects; it may be best smoked when you need a pick me up or have minor aches and pains.
Photo by Caroline’s Cannabis
Blue Dream
Blue Dream has the same dominant terpenes as the Big Smooth strain but is more dominant in myrcene over pinene. Furthermore, it is a sativa-dominant hybrid strain, that is a fan favorite of both novice and veteran cannabis consumers alike. This is because it has a mid-range THC level and a low, but potentially helpful amount of CBD. It is made by crossing Blueberry with Haze strains, resulting in a potentially balanced high of cerebral stimulation and full-body relaxation.
Photo by Karing Kind
Cotton Candy Kush
If you like bold cherry flavors with floral undertones, Cotton Candy Kush may be for you. It is a hybrid marijuana strain made by crossing Lavender with Power Plant; resulting in a potentially relaxing smoke. Many consumers choose to smoke Cotton Candy Kush for the taste and to help manage chronic pain.
Photo by Hytiva
God’s Gift
For a name like God’s Gift, the strain has to be powerful; and with parents like Granddaddy Purple and OG Kush, it’s no doubt that the strain is set up for success. While pinene isn’t in the top three dominant terpenes of the God’s Gift strain, it is still present and may change the overall flavor and effects. The flavors of this strain can be described as a mix of grape, citrus, and hash. When smoking this indica strain, you may feel blissful and sleepy.
Photo by Bonza Seeds
Cannatonic
The first mostly CBD strain on this list is Cannatonic, created from the MK Ultra and G13 Haze strains. The bud has an earthy and sweet citrus flavor to it, and when smoked, may give off a potentially mellow high that may be uplifting and almost sedative. Furthermore, many medical marijuana patients choose Cannatonic to help treat pain, muscle spasms, anxiety, and even migraines.
Photo by Weedmaps
Remedy
Why settle for any old remedy over the Remedy strain? It is a cross between Cannatonic and Afghan Skunk, with a high concentration of CBD. As a result, you get the calming effects with little to no psychoactive effects. Many people consume this strain to help with seizures, pain, inflammation, and anxiety disorders.
Photo via Allbud
Grape Ape
Grape Ape, made by Apothecary Genetics and Barney’s Farm, is a mostly indica strain that has high concentrations of myrcene, pinene, and caryophyllene. Its genetics are due to the crossing of Mendocino Purps, Skunk, and Afghani strains, making for a distinct grape-like smell to the bud. When smoked, users have reported feeling deeply relaxed and noted some pain, stress, and anxiety relief.
Photo by Cannabis Now
Harlequin
The Harlequin strain’s genetics can be traced back to Colombian Gold, a Nepali indica, and Thai strains and is known for its mostly CBD-like qualities. When consumed, many say the strain provided focus and relaxation without making them feel too sleepy. As a result, many say it is potentially highly effective in treating pain and anxiety. Furthermore, the Harlequin strain gives off flavors of earthy musk and sweet mango.
Photo by Dr-Weedy.com
Kosher Tangie
DNA Genetics created Kosher Tangie, a mostly indica-dominant hybrid, made from two award-winning strains: Kosher Kush and Tangie. This strain has a complex palate of skunky citrus flavors and when smoked may give off balanced effects that calm the body while lifting your mood. According to Leafly, the dominant terpenes within Kosher Tangie are myrcene, followed by pinene and caryophyllene.
Photo by Leafly
Jack Herer
You won’t find many strains named after famous people but, Jack Herer is a unique exception. In life, he was a legendary cannabis activist and author of the 1985 book “The Emperor Wears No Clothes.” The Jack Herer strain has continued his legendary status with Sensi Seeds winning 9 first-place High Times Cannabis Cup awards with the strain. Many people report the flavor of the strain to be a mix of citrus, pine, wood, and spice while the effects are uplifting and euphoric.
If you want to read an in-depth article on the legend of Jack Herer, read here.
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