10 Proven Health Benefits of Pinene | culti.media

If you’re an avid cannabis consumer, then you’ve probably heard about the “magical” powers of pinene. But what is it exactly? Where can you find it? What are the uses of pinene and what are the medicinal benefits? And most importantly, what are the side effects of pinene and how do you avoid them? Read on for everything you need to know about pinene in cannabis.
What is Pinene?
Pinene is an abundant terpene—a type of organic compound found in many plants, including the cannabis plant. It has a woody and pine-like aroma that makes it one of the more commonly-occurring terpenes in nature. Pinene is also found in essential oils like eucalyptus and fir needle oil, as well as some herbs such as sage and rosemary.

Alpha pinene vs beta pinene

Alpha-pinene and beta-pinene are two common terpenes found in plants — especially those from the Pinaceae family of conifer trees, such as the pine tree. Alpha-pinene is a monoterpene and has a strong, fresh scent that gives off a hint of pine. Beta-pinene also has an earthy, piney aroma — but it has a sweeter and more subtle smell than alpha-pinene. Both of these terpenes can be found in essential oils, extracts, and resins from various plants.

Alpha-pinene is known to be an anti-inflammatory agent that can help with respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis. It has also been shown to have mild antibiotic properties. Beta-pinene is believed to have antimicrobial effects as well, but its primary benefit lies in helping relieve pain and stress – both physically and mentally. Not only does it work fast, but it also lasts longer than some other terpenes — making it great for treating chronic issues.

Where Can You Find Pinene?

Pinene can be found in many different types of cannabis strains, both indica and sativa. However, certain strains tend to have higher levels of pinene than others, so if you want to get the full effect, your best bet is to go with a strain that has higher levels of this terpene. Some popular cannabis strains high in pinene include White Widow, Super Silver Haze, Sour Diesel, and Afghan Kush.

What Are The Uses Of Pinene And What Are The Medicinal Benefits?

The most common use for pinene is its ability to enhance other cannabinoids like THC or CBD by increasing their bioavailability. This means that more cannabinoids will be absorbed into your system when combined with pinene—which can lead to increased therapeutic effects. In addition to this, pinene also has anti-inflammatory properties which can help reduce pain and swelling associated with various medical conditions such as arthritis or fibromyalgia. It can also help reduce stress levels and improve focus and memory retention.
  • Pinene and entourage effects
    The entourage effect occurs when two or more compounds combine to produce a stronger effect than either one could achieve on its own. This effect can be seen with the most abundant terpene pinene, which is found in both alpha and beta varieties. When combined, these two forms of cannabinoid compounds work together to create a powerful anti-inflammatory agent that has been found to reduce pain and swelling. Pinene also has antimicrobial properties, so it can help protect against bacterial infections. Additionally, the combination of pinene's painkilling and mood-elevating effects can produce an overall feeling of relaxation and well-being. Research suggests that the entourage effect may even help treat some forms of cancer in addition to other beneficial health effects.

    Pinene has been found to work well with other terpenes, creating a potential cannabis synergy when pinene pairs with limonene and myrcene. Limonene helps improve mood and can provide relief from anxiety, while myrcene is known for its strong analgesic properties. Pinene can also enhance the effects of terpene linalool, which is known for its calming and soothing effects — making it great for aiding sleep or reducing stress levels. Finally, pinene works well with caryophyllene, an analgesic that has been shown to be effective in treating certain types of pain. Together, these terpenes create an "entourage effect," where their individual effects are amplified when combined.

  • Pinene - anti-inflammatory effects
    Research has shown that cannabis compounds like pinene are an effective anti-inflammatory agent. In one study, alpha and beta pinene were combined to create powerful anti-inflammatory effects that was found to reduce pain and swelling. Pinene has also been found to reduce inflammation in both laboratory tests and animal studies. In a mouse model of arthritis, oral administration of pinene was found to significantly reduce paw swelling and pain. Another study conducted on ferrets suggested that pinene could help reduce inflammation associated with chronic rhinitis, sinusitis, and allergies. These findings suggest that the terpene pinene could be a safe and natural way to relieve inflammation in humans as well.
  • Pinene and respiratory illness
    Research suggests that pinene can prevent respiratory illnesses. A study in mice found that pinene inhalation reduced inflammation and airway constriction associated with asthma. Additionally, pinene was found to reduce the symptoms of bronchitis in humans by decreasing mucus production, improving breathing and reducing coughing. In another study, pinene was found to be effective against influenza, suggesting it has antiviral properties as well. Pinene may also help reduce inflammation in the lungs caused by chronic illnesses like COPD and emphysema.
  • Pinene and stress levels
    Research has shown that pinene can be an effective way to reduce stress and anxiety. In one study, alpha and beta pinene were combined to create a powerful anti-anxiety agent that was found to reduce stress levels in both laboratory tests and animal studies. A separate research project showed that inhalation of pinene could reduce anxiety and improve cognitive performance in mice subjected to acute psychological stress, poor things. Pinene is also known for its sedative effects, which means it can help promote relaxation and counteract the effects of other compounds like caffeine or nicotine. Finally, a study conducted on humans suggested that pinene may help improve sleep quality, allowing people to wake up feeling less stressed and more refreshed.

  • Nootropic benefits
    Research suggests that the cannabis terpene pinene can have significant effects on memory and focus. In a study conducted on mice, inhaling pinene was found to significantly improve their performance in multiple memory tests. The researchers believed this to be due to pinene's neuroprotective properties, which may help protect the brain from oxidative stress and cell damage. Pinene has also been found to improve cognitive performance and reduce distraction in humans, allowing them to remain focused for longer periods of time. Additionally, studies conducted on ferrets showed that pinene could help improve their working memory as well as their overall learning ability.

What Are The Side Effects Of Pinene And How Do You Avoid Them?

While there are many therapeutic benefits associated with using many cannabis strains high in pinene, there can also be some potential side effects if too much is consumed at once or consumed too frequently over an extended period of time. These side effects may include dizziness, paranoia or anxiety due to its stimulating effects on the nervous system as well as dry mouth or thirst due to its diuretic properties (which increase water loss from the body). To avoid these side effects it’s important to consume only moderate amounts at a time and not consume too frequently over an extended period of time (like weeks or months). Additionally, it’s important to stay hydrated while consuming any kind of cannabis product – especially those containing high levels of pinene – so drink plenty of water!

TL;DR

In summary, pinene is a powerful terpene found naturally in many plants – including cannabis – that has numerous therapeutic properties including anti-inflammatory properties and enhanced bioavailability for other cannabinoids like THC or CBD when used together. They can also provide therapeutic relief from pain/swelling associated with certain medical conditions as well as improved focus/memory retention but caution should be taken when consuming any type of cannabis strain high in pinene due to potential side effects like dizziness or paranoia if too much is consumed at once or over an extended period of time without proper hydration. Finally, if you’re looking for high pinene strains then White Widow, Super Silver Haze, Sour Diesel and Afghan Kush are all good choices!
SOURCE
Weston-Green, K., Clunas, H., & Jimenez Naranjo, C. (2021). A Review of the Potential Use of Pinene and Linalool as Terpene-Based Medicines for Brain Health: Discovering Novel Therapeutics in the Flavours and Fragrances of Cannabis. Frontiers in psychiatry, 12, 583211.