Terpenes provide the sweet aroma and flavor of your favorite cannabis buds. They can also enhance the potency and physical characteristics of cannabis plants. Terpineol is a specific terpene that is known to offer various therapeutic benefits. Let’s explore terpineol’s effects and uses, as well as other important terpenes below.

What are Terpenes?

Terpenes, also known as terpenoids or isoprenoids, are the largest group of naturally occurring compounds in the cannabis plant. Terpenes are classified as monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, and triterpenes. They are found in many plants, flowers, trees, fruits, and even some animals and typically offer a pleasant scent. Terps can also be extracted as an essential oil from dried flowers and herbs.

Terpenes provide desired characteristics like flavor profile, aroma, and color to weed products. You can use monoterpene perillyl alcohol essential oils (such as terpineol) in cannabis flowers, tinctures, topicals, and edibles to increase psychoactive effects. Although terpenoids do not influence cannabinoid potency, they work together with cannabinoids like THC and CBD to enhance medicinal benefits.

What are the benefits?

Recent scientific studies have begun to reveal encouraging results about the benefits of terpenes. Terpenes have shown to help with skin irritation and for their antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-anxiety, anti-nociceptive, antiseptic, antiplasmodial, and antioxidant effects.

Monoterpenes, such as THC, are the major components in cannabis that are responsible for its many medicinal benefits and may even help to treat colds. Its sedative effect in high concentrations can also be used for those with sleep disorders.

What is Terpineol?

Terpineol is a blanket term that refers to various terpene alcohols. A terpene alcohol shares characteristics with regular terpenes, with the addition of an oxygen-containing hydroxyl on one side of the chemical. Terpineol naturally occurs in over 150 cannabis plants, including apples, basil, grapefruit, eucalyptus, limes, lilac, limes, nutmeg, pine, rosemary, and more. Most tea tree oil and pine oil brands include terpineol in their products.

Types of Terpineol

Four types of monoterpene alcohol are grouped into the term “terpineol,” each with its own unique aroma:

• Alpha-terpineol (α-Terpineol) offers a lilac-like odor that reminds you of sweet, fresh peaches. It is commonly added to fruit juice for a flavoring agent and its effects can be compared to some commercial antioxidants.
• Beta-terpineol features a fresh woodsy and pine trees smell.
• Gamma-terpineol offers a sour citrus aroma.
• Terpinen-4-ol features earthy and woody notes.

Aroma & Flavor

Aromatherapy is long associated with terpenes; a big part of cannabis enjoyment comes from its aroma. Whether it is a sweet fruity smell, a musky, spicy scent, or a deep skunky fragrance that hangs around for a while, just smelling cannabis can elicit a response in the body. Taste is a big part of the experience; regardless of the method cannabis is consumed, terpenes are integral to the overall flavor and smell. 

Therapeutic Properties of Terpineol

This terpene has relaxing, sedative effects and can also be found in plants such as lilac, pine, and eucalyptus. It is a potential anticancer agent with anti-inflammatory effects that can be used as natural remedies for the following types of cancer:

• Small Cell Lung Carcinoma
• Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

Other potential biological applications of Terpineol may include the following:

• Antibiotic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antimalarial
• Antioxidant
• Anti-tumor
• Anxiolytic
• Sedative

Due to its pleasant odor similar to lilac, Terpineol essential oil is often used in skincare products, such as soap, lotion, and perfume. 

Terpineol can increase skin penetration, helping topical products to benefit and moisturize more layers. 

Terpineol occurs in lapsang souchong tea and is often a flavoring element in condiments and baked goods.

Clinical research also shows that a-terpineol can be an effective pest repellent against some insects. 

Recent studies characterize alpha-terpineol as an anti-inflammatory component of orange juice by in vitro studies using oral buccal cells and may be included in new medications in the future.

Adverse Risks of Terpenes

Cannabis consumers exploring terpenes should exercise caution. Be sure to read cannabis labeling carefully before pet or human consumption. Most accredited testing labs include terpene profiles for the three most prevalent terpenes and concentrations above two percent. As volatile organic compounds, terpene concentration will degrade over time. Inspecting the aroma of cannabis flowers is an effective method to determine quality. A diminished fragrance can indicate staleness.

Many cannabis oil-based derivatives often feature synthetic terpenes. These synthetics are frequently used in producing aromatic household cleaners and solvents. Extreme heat should be avoided when consuming these synthetics, as they can create harmful byproducts.

How to Use Terpineol

Pure terpineol is an excellent addition to cosmetics formulated to alleviate inflammation or irritation, and its floral aroma is an excellent addition to vape oils like concentrates and tinctures. Terpineol must be diluted before use at around five percent or less of the final volume.

Here are some of the ways terpineol can be used in today’s society. 

• Cosmetic Products 
• Vape Products
• Food Flavor Additives
• Therapeutic Aromatherapy
• Cosmetic Aromatherapy
• Massage Therapy
• Agricultural and Food Chemistry

Are there any uses or benefits of Terpineol similar to those of THC-O?

When it comes to understanding THCO compound properties, it’s important to consider the potential uses and benefits of other similar compounds. Terpineol, for example, has been shown to have therapeutic properties that may overlap with those of THCO, including anti-inflammatory and relaxation effects.

6 Cannabis Strains High in Terpineol

Here are six of the most popular cannabis strains that have a high content of Terpineol.

Girl Scout Cookies

Girl Scout Cookies is a high-quality Indica-dominant strain known to reduce fear and depression. High THC concentrations of up to twenty-eight percent make it a popular strain among medical users. This weed can cause intense bursts of excitement and profound calmness, helping relieve tension and anxiety. Many people report that taking girl scout cookies when compared to other strains in a social environment promotes laughter and good vibes.

White Widow

White Widow cannabis is possibly the most popular strain worldwide. It is a slightly Indica-dominant hybrid that emits a delicate balance between Sativa and Indica, producing a euphoric, upbeat high. The White Widow strain was initially bred by Green House Seeds in the Netherlands during the 1990s and later expanded from Green House Seed Company to become a European favorite.

Blue Dream

Blue Dream is one of the most commonly found strains worldwide. It can offer an energetic, euphoric effect due to the slightly high THC levels. Using this strain will result in a pleasant high ideal for beginners, MMJ patients, and experienced smokers. Blue Dream can be a difficult Sativa-dominant hybrid to grow since it attracts spider mite infestations. However, if you can cultivate it successfully, you’ll be sure to have a large, delicious yield of buds.

Skywalker OG

The Indica dominant hybrid, Skywalker OG is an ideal strain among cannabis users. Thanks to its physical effects and high THC content, you can find Skywalker OG in most dispensaries across the United States. Whether you’re looking to relax after work, awaken your creativity, or manage chronic pain, this strain offers something for most cannabis connoisseurs.

OG Kush

OG Kush originated on the West Coast and was first grown in Florida. It is a popular strain with 18 percent THC and zero CBD content. It crosses Chemdawg, Lemon Thai, and the Hindu Kush. OG Kush is a balanced hybrid breed and an excellent strain. The flavor is sweet citrus, while the aroma of OG Kush is piney with a strong diesel smell. OG Kush treats stress, depression, anxiety, nausea, chronic pain relief, and appetite loss. Users say OG Kush produces a euphoric, happy high leaving you carefree and hungry, and will provide symptom relief from acute pain.

Jack Herer

The Jack Herer weed strain was explicitly created by Dutch pharmacies to honor one of the most iconic cannabis activists in history and has won over nine Cannabis Cup Awards. Jack Herer is a superior blend that tastes amazing and provides euphoric cerebral effects, along with an immediate alleviation of pain and stress built up in the body.

The Takeaway

Terpenes enhance the impact of cannabinoids, like THC and CBD, producing an improved outcome. Some terpenes contribute to the relaxed feeling produced by certain strains, while others enhance energy and focus. Terpene composition can vary; only an accredited cannabis testing lab can identify a specific terpene profile.

Various well-loved cannabis strains contain high levels of terpineol. This particular terpene often appears in strains with high pinene levels, and terpineol’s soft lilac aroma compliments the fresh pine smell perfectly. Terpenes are essential to cannabis plants, so it’s no surprise we are seeing new products and research on them throughout the industry.