Terpene Spotlight: Ocimene
March 4, 2024
This week’s terpene spotlight, we’re focusing on one that you smell often but may not be as much of a household name as pinenene or
Author 
Aspen Noonan
CEO More about me
Medically reviewed by 
Elevate Editorial Team
- Updated on: April 9, 2025
Table of Contents
Alphabetically, we’re nearing the end of the known terpenes within the cannabis plant. But, we can’t talk about terpenes without mentioning terpinolene.
The terpinolene terpene may be one of the lesser-common compounds within weed, but it’s still worth diving into. After all, you’ll come across this fragrant terpene elsewhere in your daily life, too.
So, what does the terpinolene terpene have to offer? What are its effects and benefits — and who would benefit the most from terpinolene-rich cannabis strains? Let’s find out.
What is Terpinolene?
Let’s start with the basics: what is terpinolene?
The terpinolene terpene is, to get technical, a monocyclic monoterpene that is part of the larger class of terpenes. But you don’t have to know all that.
What you should know is that this compound is one of many within the cannabis plant, and most people know it for its distinctively piney yet floral profile (which we’ll touch on next).
Specifically, terpinolene is one of the less common terpenes found in cannabis — but it’s still present in various strains.
In addition to cannabis, you can find the terpinolene terpene in a variety of other plants, including:
- Conifers
- Citrus fruits
- Herbs and spices
- Tea tree
- Apples
Flavor and Scent Profile
Terpinolene is popular for its complex flavor and scent profile. Most consumers describe it as being piney, floral, and herbal.
Terpinolene often has a distinct pine-like aroma reminiscent of pine trees or coniferous forests. This gives it a fresh, woody quality that is quite noticeable, especially in strains or products with higher concentrations of terpinolene.
Alongside its piney notes, terpinolene contributes floral undertones to its aroma and flavor profile. These floral notes can be reminiscent of flowers like lilacs or lavender, adding a delicate sweetness to the overall scent.
Terpinolene carries strong herbal characteristics, which can range from subtle hints of herbs like sage or rosemary to more pronounced herbal notes similar to basil or marjoram. This herbal aspect contributes depth and complexity to its overall profile.
While not as dominant as the piney and herbal notes, terpinolene may also exhibit subtle citrus undertones, adding a refreshing, zesty element to its aroma and flavor. Citrus notes can vary from hints of lemon or lime to sweeter orange–like aromas. Yum.
Terpinolene Terpene Effects and Benefits
The effects that you experience from terpinolene-rich cannabis strains may be different than those around you. However, in general, terpinolene offers the following effects and benefits — especially within the cannabis plant:
- Antioxidant properties: Terpinolene has been found to possess antioxidant properties, which can help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. By scavenging free radicals, terpinolene may help reduce oxidative stress and protect cells from damage.
- Anti-inflammatory effects: Studies suggest that terpinolene may have anti-inflammatory properties, which could be beneficial for conditions characterized by inflammation, such as arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, or certain skin conditions.
- Sedative and anxiolytic effects: Terpinolene appears to have sedative and anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects in animal studies. These calming properties may potentially be beneficial for individuals struggling with anxiety, stress, or insomnia.
- Antimicrobial activity: Terpinolene exhibits antimicrobial properties, making it effective against certain bacteria, fungi, and even some parasites. This antimicrobial activity may have applications in treating infections or preventing microbial growth.
- Potential anticancer properties: Some research suggests that terpinolene may have anticancer properties, with studies demonstrating its ability to inhibit the growth of cancer cells in vitro. However, more research is needed to determine its efficacy and safety in cancer treatment.
What Medical Conditions are Terpinolene Good for?
When you consider the effects that we listed above, it’s clear that the terpinolene terpene can be beneficial for various reasons.
Based on terpinolene benefits, we’ve compiled a list of medical conditions — most of which you can get an MMJ card for — that may experience relief with this unique terpene.
- Anxiety disorders: Terpinolene’s anxiolytic effects may help alleviate symptoms of anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), or panic disorder.
- Insomnia: The sedative properties of terpinolene may aid individuals struggling with sleep disorders, including insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns.
- Chronic pain and inflammation: Terpinolene’s anti-inflammatory effects may provide relief for individuals suffering from chronic pain conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, or inflammatory conditions like Crohn’s disease.
- Microbial infections: Terpinolene’s antimicrobial properties may help combat bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections, making it potentially useful in treating conditions such as bacterial skin infections or fungal nail infections.
- Cancer support: While more research is needed, terpinolene’s potential anticancer properties could be explored as part of complementary or alternative cancer treatment approaches.
Strains High in Terpinolene
We’ve talked a bunch about the terpinolene terpene and its effects. But, what strains have the most amount of terpinolene for those of you who want to try it?
Here are some great terpinolene-rich strains to buy with your medical marijuana card:
- Jack Herer: Named after the renowned cannabis activist, Jack Herer is a sativa-dominant hybrid known for its uplifting and energizing effects. It typically has a spicy, piney aroma with hints of citrus and herbal undertones, largely due to its terpinolene content.
- Dutch Treat: This popular hybrid strain originates from Amsterdam and consumers love it for its sweet and piney aroma with earthy undertones. Dutch Treat tends to induce a relaxed, euphoric, and uplifting high.
- Ghost Train Haze: Ghost Train Haze is a potent sativa strain that’s a cross between Ghost OG and Neville’s Wreck. It often has high levels of terpinolene, contributing to its pungent citrus and floral aroma with hints of pine.
- Golden Goat: Golden Goat is a hybrid strain with a tropical and citrusy aroma, often with underlying herbal and earthy notes. Consumers cherish it for its uplifting and euphoric effects, making it a popular choice for daytime use.
- Super Lemon Haze: As the name suggests, Super Lemon Haze is renowned for its strong lemon aroma and flavor profile, complemented by hints of spice and herbs. This sativa-dominant hybrid is celebrated for its energizing and mood-lifting effects.
Getting Terpinolene-Rich Weed With Elevate Holistics
Now, you know everything there is to know about the terpinolene terpene! The only thing left to do is get your hands on high-quality weed with terpinolene. And we can help you with that, too.
Elevate Holistics will get you an MMJ card recommendation in your state entirely online, within minutes. Our appointments happen over the phone or computer, and you can ask our expert marijuana doctors anything you desire about the world of weed.
If you live in a place where cannabis is fully legal, getting a medical marijuana card means paying less money for weed (lower taxes), recieving medical-only discounts, and so much more.
So, what are you waiting for? Get your medical marijuana card recommendation online today and start enjoying top-shelf terpinolene strains.
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