The Chosen One: Terpinolene

Terpenes are the plant compounds responsible for smell and flavor in cannabis. They also play a strong role in the therapeutic effects of weed and are well known for their role in the “entourage effect,” which enhances the benefits in comparison to cannabinoids by themselves. Of these compounds, the most commonly abundant ones you will find in cannabis are myrcene and caryophyllene. While there are a few other common terpenes in bud like limonene and pinene, we aren’t here today to talk about the common terps. We’re here to talk about one of the rarest terpenes in cannabis, Terpinolene.

“Terpinolene-dominant marijuana strains are hard to find because terpinolene, a citrus-smelling terpene, usually presents itself in only small amounts. In fact, around only one in ten strains are known to be terpinolene-dominant.” – Leafly

Terpinolene is known to have a floral aroma and a citrusy flavor that has a subtle, lingering sweetness with piney notes. Dominant in about one in ten cannabis strains, terpinolene is most known for its antifungal and antibacterial properties, but also may be effective for reducing the risk of heart disease and inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. Consumers often report mood boosting effects, lower stress and anxiety, improved sleep, and less pain and inflammation.

At High Desert Relief we have two strains that consistently have terpinolene as their dominant terpene, Skywalker OG Kush and Orange Cookies. One may notice the similarity in smell between these two strains, despite being very different from each other. Orange Cookies is much more on the “citrus” side of the spectrum while Skywalker OG Kush is more on the “piney” side. Both of these strains are fantastic expressions of what a terpinolene dominant strain has to offer. So if you are interested in this elusive terp, pick up some Skywalker or Orange Cookies on your next visit to HDR.