Terpene of the Month: Terpinolene | AusCannaReviews
Terpinolene is one of the most fascinating terpenes in medicinal cannabis. (At least it is in my opinion.) However, it’s not that common appearing as the dominant terpene in only one out of ten cultivars.
Terpinolene is typically found in high amounts in apples, sage, tea trees, conifers, rosemary, and lilacs, but it’s also used in soaps, perfumes and as a component of some insect repellents. It has a complex aroma. Limonene smells like citrus; Linalool smells like flowers; Pinene smells like pine. Terpinolene smells like having them all smooshed together.
Unlike other cannabis terpenes, Terpinolene is neither analgesic nor anti-inflammatory.
Capitalized on for its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties Tea trees (also known as “paperbark trees”) essential oils have been used for more than 100 years in Australia both as neat oil and as an active component in various products. A 1998 study demonstrated that Terpinolene disrupted the structural and functional integrity of bacterial membranes decreasing growth in E. coli cells.
As an antioxidant, a 2005 study proved Terpinolene prevents LDL oxidation, which in turn reduces cell damage. Low-density lipoproteins, or LDL, also known as 'bad cholesterol', can accumulate in the arteries and is one of the most common risk factors for heart disease.
A 2013 study published in the Journal of Natural Medicine looked at the sedative effects of Terpinolene when inhaled by mice. This study showed that Terpinolene by itself is an effective central nervous system sedative.
Here’s where Terpinolene gets interesting… If ever there was a terpene that embodied the entourage effect Terpinolene would be it. That’s right Terpinolene enhances the effects of other terpenes.
There are indications that when Terpinolene is paired with Linalool their sedative effects are amplified. A study published in the December 2015 issue of the European Journal of Integrative Medicine showed that when Terpinolene is paired with Limonene and inhaled participants displayed significant changes in absolute and relative beta activities. The study also noted that women compared to men showed significant increases in absolute fast alpha activity. (Alpha brain waves induce feelings of calm, increase creativity, and enhance your ability to absorb new information.)
Lastly, in a study that represented the largest quantitative chemical mapping of commercial dispensary-grade cannabis flower samples to date (in the US), there was a significant difference, with Terpinolene showing up in approximately twice as many Sativa-labelled products and half as many Indica-labelled products as expected from the full population. Meaning that if you’re searching for “Sativa” effects you’re better off looking for a cultivar high in Terpinolene rather than one labelled Sativa.
If you’re looking for medicinal cultivars on the Australian market that are high in Terpinolene… (Information comes from COA listed on honahlee.)
Promethean BioPharma’s Super Silver Haze (Terpinolene 1.87%)
Tasmanian Botanic’s THC 23 Opal (Terpinolene 1.10%)
MedCan’s SC01 Strawberry Cake Flower (Terpinolene 0.86%)
MedCan’s WPA49 Wappa49 Flower (Terpinolene 0.86%)
Heyday Day Flower 19% THC (Terpinolene 0.76%)
Gandiosa’s Dry Flower Gorilla Glue 23% (Terpinolene 0.75%)
SatiVite’s Woomera (Terpinolene 0.72%)
Cannatrek’s T22 Tilba Flower (Terpinolene 0.59%)
Cultiva’s Lee Anne Womac (Terpinolene 0.58%)
MedCan’s ULTRA01 Ultra Sour Flower (Terpinolene 0.50%)