World of Cannabinoids and Terpenes -Alpha-pinene

Oh, the wonderful world of cannabis. Let us start with terpenes, which are aromatic compounds found in every plant, including cannabis. We know that the cannabinoids, terpenes, craft cultivars have effects and potential healing abilities. There are hundreds of different terpenes and cannabinoid combinations in the cannabis plant. While each has its own benefits, together, they have the ability to make up a potent combo. Terpenes and cannabinoids are the most important determinants of a cannabis plant’s potential. Not only its taste and smell but its medicinal properties as well. When they come together in the molecular synergistic effect, know as the entourage effect, finding the right cultivar could improve the quality of your life and state of being. I am in hopes this column can help you do just that. So let's geek out together.

Alpha-pinene, sometimes referred to just as pinene or written α-pinene, is a terpene with the aroma of a fresh, earthy scent reminiscent of an evergreen tree pine forest. Besides cannabis, Alpha-pinene can be found in olive, parsley, dill, basil, rosemary, bergamot, and some citrus varieties.
Alpha-pinene has a very unusual chemical structure. There are two identical versions, known as enantiomers. These are 3D mirror images of each other and identical. The two Alpha-pinene versions are known as (+) Alpha-pinene and (-) alpha-pinene, which you may have heard of when researching this particular terpene. Another member of the pinene family also exists, known as beta-pinene. It has a different structure but the same evergreen fresh pine scent. The distinction of Alpha -pinene vs. Beta -pinene really boils down to differences in sub-types of isomers. Which is very similar to the differences between THC and CBD.

Alpha-pinene potential properties or effects may include:

• Encouraging relaxation
• Decreasing stress and anxiety
• Physical pain relief
• Anti-Inflammatory
• Bronchodilator (helps open airways)
• May help combat short-term memory impairment
• Anti-cancer properties
• Increases alertness and counteracts some of the ill-effects of THC, such as anxiety​

You can find Alpha-pinene in cultivars such as:

• Jack Herer
• Pineapple Express
• OG Kush
• Vanilla Kush
• Blue Dream
• Big Smooth
• Cannatonic
• Cotton Candy Kush
• God’s Gift
• Grape Ape
• Harlequin
• Kosher Tangie
• Remedy

All information in this article is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources. Please check with your Cannabis Educated Primary Health Care Physician or Educated & Trained Cannabis Therapy Consultant before beginning any new diet or lifestyle change.

Written by Dr. Pepper Hernandez ND, Ph.D., CTC, CNHP in ECS & Naturopathic Medicine, Cannabis Therapy Consultant, The Founder and Education Director of the Cannabis Holistic Institute. To find out more about her Telemedicine Consultations, Educational Programs, YouTube videos, and other creative content, you can and find her on the massive inter-webs on all platforms or at drpepperhernandez.com.