Pinene

Forest therapy: Find pinene terpenes in pine trees. (Leafly)
Forest therapy: Find pinene terpenes in pine trees. (Leafly)

One of the most prevalent terpenes found in cannabis, this aromatic compound smells like pine. It can also be found in conifer trees, orange peels, turpentine, pine needles, rosemary, dill, basil, and parsley. Researchers are currently investigating its ability to counter inflammation, respiratory conditions, anxiety, and pain. 

“This strain smells like a Christmas tree—it must have a lot of pinene.”

What is pinene?

Pinene is one of the most common terpenes found in nature, and as the name suggests, it smells like pine. Pinene can be found in many of the foods that are commonly found in the kitchen, such as the peels of oranges and limes, and in herbs like basil, parsley, and rosemary. 

For the growing cannabis plant, it functions as a natural insecticide. It is currently being researched as a treatment for neurological diseases.