By Luke Sumpter


Even if you’ve never heard of this terpene before, you’ve certainly smelled it! Every time you take a stroll in a conifer forest, you have pinene to thank (in part) for the pleasant aroma in the air. Pinene also occurs as one of the most dominant terpenes in cannabis flowers. Continue reading to learn more about its chemistry, effects, and the latest research surrounding this promising molecule.

Pinene Cannabis Terpene

Introducing Pinene: A Refreshing Forest Terpene

Pinene is one of around 30,000 terpenes that exist in nature, and one of around 150 found in cannabis flowers. These compounds aren’t directly involved in plant growth and reproduction. Rather, they act as chemical shields against pests, diseases, and environmental stress. In the case of cannabis, they’re made in the resin-producing trichome glands alongside cannabinoids such as THC and CBD.

As a monoterpene, pinene is a small and volatile compound made up of just two isoprene units—the building blocks of terpenes. Pinene exists as two different isomers: alpha-pinene and beta-pinene. These molecules don’t only show up in cannabis plants; pine trees, rosemary, dill, basil, eucalyptus, and sage all manufacture pinene. As mentioned, pinene is responsible for the signature scent you experience every time you step foot in a pine forest.

Pinene, Forest Bathing, and Cannabis

Forest bathing, known in Japan as the practice of shinrin-yoku, involves spending time in wooded environments. Research ties the practice to a wealth of health benefits[1], including improved sleep, mood, and immune function. Many factors underpin the benefits of forest bathing, including airborne terpenes such as pinene. Walking in a pine forest essentially serves as a form of aromatherapy that can lift our spirits and alter our physiology. We also inhale pinene while smoking or vaping an assortment of cannabis strains—another means of experiencing the effects of this terpene.

A Synergistic Cannabimimetic Terpene

The constituents in cannabis don’t work in isolation. Rather, they act in concert via the entourage effect. Recently, scientists have found that some cannabis terpenes, including pinene, target receptors of the endocannabinoid system. Through this cannabimimetic action (that which mimics the effects of cannabis), pinene is able to activate[2] the CB1 receptor—the same site that underpins the psychoactive effects of THC. While researchers are still trying to figure out the significance of this finding, it suggests that pinene could work synergistically with other cannabis compounds, such as THC and CBD, and could thereby influence the effects of each strain.

The Aroma and Flavor of Pinene

Both pinene isomers offer distinct yet similar aromas and flavors. Alpha-pinene has more of an earthy and sweet aroma, not dissimilar to that of pine needles and the general environment of a conifer-rich forest. When it comes to taste, alpha-pinene offers flavors of sweetness paired with rich notes of rosemary. What about beta-pinene? Well, this isomer serves up sharper aromas and flavors of wood and spice, along with hints of dill, pepper, and basil.

Effects Associated With Pinene in Cannabis

The presence of a-pinene and/or b-pinene influences the effects of certain cannabis cultivars. Users often describe the effects of strains containing high concentrations of pinene as clear, lucid, and crisp. As such, pinene-rich strains generally aren’t associated with the strong memory impairment credited to many other varieties. The cerebral effects of high-pinene varieties make such strains ideal for use during the day or when looking to maintain productivity.

Pinene Cannabis Characteristics

Pinene: A Look at the Research

Scientists have made great strides when it comes to studying the cannabis plant and its components. Yet, despite such advances, barriers to research have kept us from determining the scope of how terpenes such as pinene work in the human body. However, a collection of cell and animal studies provide clues into what future findings could uncover. But remember, it’s important to note that these studies don’t necessarily represent how pinene works in humans. Check out some of the most interesting investigations below.

  • Pinene & Inflammation

Inflammation plays a fundamental role in many of the chronic diseases of the modern era. Scientists are keen to find ways to combat this physiological state, and some have turned their attention to pinene. Describing pinene as a potential terpene for brain health, researchers at the University of Wollongong, Australia, found the terpene to suppress pro-inflammatory markers[3] in mice.

  • Pinene & Cognition

In his paper[4] titled “Cannabis Pharmacology: The Usual Suspects and a Few Promising Leads”, cannabis scientist Ethan Russo discusses the potential benefits of alpha-pinene on memory and cognition. Russo posits that a-pinene's ability to inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase allows it to reduce or eliminate short-term memory impairment—a hallmark side effect of smoking high-THC strains.

  • Pinene & Neuroprotection

The effects of the alpha-pinene terpene also span into the domain of neuroprotection. Scientists have tested the molecule in various animal models of neurological illnesses. These findings[5] show that pinene has the potential to improve behavioural neurological scores mediated through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant pathways.

  • Pinene & Microbes

Not all microbes are bad. We rely on a plethora of beneficial bacteria for optimal health. However, other forms of bacteria, fungi, and viruses can cause troublesome infections. Researchers from the Department of Environment and Forest Resources, Korea wrote an extensive review on the antimicrobial properties of pinene. The paper provides evidence of its antifungal and antibacterial activity on pathogens including Candida and Helicobacter pylori.

While antibiotics are enough to conquer many bacterial infections, antibiotic resistance poses a major threat to the global population. To fight back, researchers are turning to natural compounds in an effort to control antibiotic resistance. A study published in the journal PLOS ONE applied alpha-pinene to a form of Campylobacter and found that the terpene managed to modulate antibiotic resistance in several ways, including by damaging cell membranes.

  • Pinene & Epilepsy

Based on animal models, pinene also shows potential in the realm of epilepsy. A research team at the Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman administered Ducrosia anethifolia essential oil, which contains alpha-pinene as its principal component, to rats. They found the terpene to exhibit both anticonvulsant and antioxidant effects against induced seizures.

  • Pinene & Diabetes

Research suggests that pinene could mimic some of the effects of insulin, a sugar-storing hormone used to prevent diabetes complications. A 2024 study[6] published in the International Journal of Molecular Science suggests that the terpene emulates insulin’s effects by influencing the expression of the glucose transporter-4 (GLUT4), thereby affecting glucose uptake in skeletal muscles.

Similarly, another 2024 study[7] published in the Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences pitted alpha-pinene against a cell model of hyperglycemia—a metabolic condition tied to diabetes that results in oxidative stress and inflammation. The researchers found that alpha-pinene exhibited protective effects against high-glucose conditions.

  • Pinene & Neuropathic Pain

Around 8% of the population in Europe is believed to live with neuropathic pain, with some estimates putting the figure at 20%[8]. Several different drugs are currently prescribed to deal with the condition to treat symptoms of shooting, burning, and stabbing sensations. Now, some scientists are turning their attention to pinene as a potential solution. A 2024 study[9] published in the journal Pain tested various cannabis terpenes, including beta-pinene, against a mouse model of chronic neuropathic pain. They concluded that cannabis terpenes are potential therapeutics against neuropathic pain and could work by targeting the adenosine A2A receptor site.

Pinene Pain Transmission
  • Pinene & Tumours

Under normal biological circumstances, cells undergo controlled programmed cell death when diseased, old, or damaged. Also known as apoptosis, this process contributes to the overall health of an organism. In the case of cancer, however, disease cells become resistant to apoptosis, allowing them to multiply uncontrollably. Early cell studies show that alpha-pinene successfully induces apoptosis[10] in human ovarian cancer cells.

More recently, a 2024 study[11] published in the journal Cancer Science investigated the effects of alpha-pinene on T-cell tumours. The research team administered the terpenes to different T-cell tumour cell lines and found that it managed to inhibit malignancy in certain cases by triggering apoptosis.

Alpha-pinene also exhibits antitumour effects in mouse models. Researchers from the Shizuoka Cancer Center in Japan exposed mice to a fragrant environment infused with the terpene. Incredibly, this simple intervention, which in some ways mimics the effects of forest bathing, reduced tumour sizes by around 40%. The team looked at biological markers that changed under these conditions and found increases in immune system components, including B cells.

  • Pinene & Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress plays a significant role in the development and progression of many chronic diseases by causing cellular damage and dysfunction. A 2024 study tested the effects of alpha-pinene in a ketamine-induced model of schizophrenia in mice. By mitigating oxidative damage, cognitive deficits, and depression and anxiety behaviours, the terpene demonstrated neuroprotective properties, particularly against oxidative stress.

  • Pinene & Depression/Anxiety

Pinene’s benefits could also one day span into the domain of mental health. Several rodent studies[13] show that both a-pinene and b-pinene demonstrate antidepressant and anti-anxiety behaviours. The possible underlying mechanisms may involve dopamine, serotonin, and adrenaline receptors.

A-Pinene

Anti-inflamatory
Bronchodilator
Aids Memory
Anti-bacterial

Also found in pine needles


A-Pinene

Linalool

Anesthetic
Anti-convulsant
Analgesic
Anti-anxiety

Also found in lavander

Linalool

Beta-Caryophillene

Anti-inflamatory
Analgesic
Protects Cells Lining the Digestive Tract

Also found in black pepper

Beta-Caryophyllene

Myrcene

Contributes to Sedative Effect of Strong Indicas
Sleep Aid
Muscle Relaxant

Also found in hops

Myrcene

Limonene

Treats Acid Reflux
Anti-anxiety
Antidepressant

Also found in citrus

Limonene
 

Pinene: A Fresh Cannabis Terpene With Unique Potential

Looking at the available research, the potential of alpha-pinene and beta-pinene seems impressive. However, at this time, the lack of clinical trials makes it impossible to draw any solid conclusions about pinene's effects on human health. With that said, advances in cannabis science make it clear that strains high in pinene offer a unique effect. While we wait for more research to emerge, try growing and sampling high-pinene strains and see how you get along!

External Resources:
  1. Effects of forest environment https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. Cannabis sativa terpenes are cannabimimetic and selectively enhance cannabinoid activity https://www.nature.com
  3. Potential Use of Pinene and Linalool as Terpene-Based Medicines https://www.frontiersin.org
  4. Cannabis Pharmacology http://ethanrusso.org
  5. Potential Use of Pinene and Linalool as Terpene-Based Medicines for Brain Health https://www.frontiersin.org
  6. α-Pinene, a Main Component of Pinus Essential Oils https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  7. The protective effects of alpha-pinene on high glucose-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in HepG2 cells - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  8. A burden of illness study for neuropathic pain in Europe - PMC https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  10. α-Pinene Induces Apoptotic Cell Death via Caspase Activation in Human Ovarian Cancer Cells https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  11. Antitumor activity of α-pinene in T-cell tumors https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  12. Neuroprotective effects of alpha-pinene against behavioral deficits https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  13. A Review of the Potential Use of Pinene and Linalool https://www.frontiersin.org
Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources.

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Privacy Policy - Royal Queen Seeds

To ensure a safe online environment and guarantee adequate data protection, we strictly comply with all legal requirements. In this privacy statement, we provide information about how and for what purpose data is collected, safety measures, storage periods and contact details.


COMPANY NAME: SNORKEL SPAIN, SL (hereinafter ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS)

C/ Vilar d'Abdelà, 5 (nave 1) CP: 08170 de Montornès del Vallès

+34 937 379 846

support@royalqueenseeds.com


The present Privacy Policy sets out the terms on which we will treat personal data at ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS; this includes any personal data collected through our website https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/ as well as any other data we process in the course of our business activities.

ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS collects the following personal data for the purposes listed below:

SECTION 1 – PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT

1.1 Account purchases

Account purchases can only be made if you are in possession of a personal account. When you create an account or purchase something from our shop, as part of the buying and selling process we collect the following personal information that you provide to us:

This information is required for delivery. In addition, when you browse our shop, we automatically receive the Internet Protocol (IP) address of your computer. Based on this information, we can optimise your online experience and at the same time protect our online environment.

Purpose of data collection

We collect and store account-related data for the following purposes:

(a) to carry out obligations arising from any contracts between you and us, and to provide you with information, products and services that you may request from us;

(b) to set up, manage and communicate with you about your account and your orders;

(c) to conduct market research and analysis;

(d) to confirm your age and identity, and to detect and prevent fraud.

1.2 Newsletters

With your explicit permission, we may send you newsletters about our shop, new products and other updates. We send newsletters based on your explicit consent. In the event that you purchase a product, and in accordance with current regulations, we may send you commercial communications in accordance with the legitimate interest of our company, always about products or services similar to those you have purchased or contracted. In any case, you may exercise your right of opposition through the channels announced in this Privacy Policy. The following information is collected in relation to the newsletter:

We do not need to know the sex of the person in order to send the newsletter (data minimisation: by law we must ask for data that is strictly necessary to provide the service, and in this case knowing the sex is not necessary to send the newsletter).

Purpose of data collection

The data collected is used to:

(a) personalise our emails, including your name and gender;

(b) provide gender-specific content.

You can withdraw your consent at any time by using the link provided in the newsletter or the contact information provided in section 2.

1.3 Customer service and contact form

In order to provide appropriate support, our customer service employees have access to information related to the account. Consequently, their support will be highly effective and friendly. The data provided in our contact form is used by our CRM provider, SuperOffice. We will only use your details to respond to your message.

SECTION 2 – LEGITIMATE INTEREST

If you have purchased any of our products, please note that we may process your personal data for promotional purposes, based on Royal Queen Seeds' legitimate interest only to offer you products or services from our company and about products or services similar to those you have purchased. You may exercise your right to opt out of future messages by the means set out in this Privacy Policy or through any notification you receive.

2.1 How do you withdraw consent?

If you change your mind, you can withdraw your consent for us to contact you for the purpose of collecting, using, or disclosing your data at any time by reaching out to us at: support@royalqueenseeds.com.

SECTION 3 – DISCLOSURE

We may disclose your personal information if we are required to do so by law or if you breach our Terms of Service.

SECTION 4 – HOW LONG DO WE KEEP YOUR DATA?

At Royal Queen Seeds, we will not retain your data for longer than is necessary for the purposes described in this Policy. Different retention periods apply for different types of data; however, the longest period we will normally hold any personal data is 10 years.

4.1 Account information

Data relating to the account remains relevant for as long as the consumer is in possession of an account. Therefore, the data remains documented for as long as the account exists. When our customers delete an account, the associated data will be deleted within a reasonable period of time. Requests regarding the inspection or correction of stored personal data or the deletion of an account can be sent to support@royalqueenseeds.com.

4.2 Newsletters

In the event that you give us your consent to inform you about our products or services, we will keep your data until you express your wish not to receive any further communications from us. However, we regularly (every month) carry out a relevance check. Registered customers (and their personal information) will be deleted whenever customers do not reply to our request. In addition, our newsletter mailing has an opt-out feature. Consumers can withdraw their consent by using this opt-out feature.

SECTION 5 – COOKIES

Cookies are small information files that notify your computer of previous interactions with our website. These cookies are stored on your hard drive, not on our website. Essentially, when you use our website, your computer displays its cookies to us, informing our site that you have visited before. This allows our website to function more quickly and remember aspects related to your previous visits (such as your username), making your experience more convenient. At Royal Queen Seeds, we use two types of cookies: functional and analytical.

5.1 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies are used to enhance your online experience. Among other things, these cookies track what is added to your shopping cart. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

5.2 Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies are used for research and market analysis. The data collected with these analytical cookies is anonymous, making it unusable for third parties. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

SECTION 5 – THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Third-party services are required to conduct transactions and provide our services. In general, the third-party providers we use will only collect, use and disclose your information to the extent necessary to enable them to perform the services they provide to us.

However, certain third-party service providers, such as payment gateways and other payment transaction processors, have their own privacy policies regarding the information we must provide to them for your transactions.

We encourage you to read the privacy policies of these providers so that you can understand how these providers will handle your personal information.

In particular, certain suppliers may be located or have facilities located in a different jurisdiction than yours or ours. Therefore, if you choose to proceed with a transaction involving the services of a third party, your information may be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which that service provider or its facilities are located.

Once you leave our website or are redirected to a third-party website or application, you are no longer governed by this Privacy Policy or the Terms of Service of our website.

Web analytics service (anonymous data)

On this website we have integrated an element of a web analytics service (with anonymisation functionality). Web analytics can be defined as the gathering, processing and analysis of data about the behaviour of visitors to websites. An analytics service collects, among other things, data about which website a person came from (the so-called referrer), which sub-pages they visited or how often and for how long they visited a sub-page. Web analytics is mainly used for website optimisation and for a cost–benefit analysis of internet advertising.

Courier service

To complete deliveries we use a courier service. This courier service carries out the delivery between our company and the consumer's home. To complete these logistics, the company requires access to the consumer's name and address information.

Mailing service

Royal Queen Seeds uses a third-party mail service provider to send its newsletter. This provider has access to limited account information related to opt-in consent (e.g. email address).

Marketing services

Royal Queen Seeds has the support of a company that specialises in marketing and communication activities. Their access to personal information is very limited and mostly anonymous.

Payment services

At Royal Queen Seeds we use external payment services to handle our transactions (e.g. credit card payments).

SECTION 6 – SECURITY

To protect your personal information, we take reasonable precautions and follow industry standard best practices to ensure that it is not inappropriately lost, misused, accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed.

If you provide us with your credit card information, the information is encrypted using secure socket layer technology (SSL) and stored using AES-256 encryption. Although no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, we follow all PCI-DSS requirements and implement additional industry standards that are commonly accepted. Information related to the account is protected with a hashing method. This method transforms the information into a generated hash. As a result, confidential information is protected and invisible, even to us. In addition, our databases are exceptionally protected against unauthorised access. For example, access to the database is only possible and permitted via approved IP addresses (e.g. from Royal Queen Seeds headquarters). Other attempts and addresses are rejected at all times.

Furthermore, data is anonymised as much as possible, so it cannot be directly linked to a specific consumer. With this data, however, we may be able to carry out market research and analysis. In addition, the third parties concerned (e.g. mailing service) are examined prior to our collaboration, comply with the GDPR from the EU and receive a processing agreement. Within Royal Queen Seeds, employees are assigned different access permissions. Specific permission provides access only to information that is strictly required to perform a task. Digital security measures are subject to change and must meet high requirements to ensure the safety of online customers. That is why, at Royal Queen Seeds, we appoint a security officer. Regular verification and improvement of security measures (where necessary) are part of the role.

SECTION 7 – CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time, so please check back regularly. Changes and clarifications will be effective immediately upon being published on the Website. If we make substantial changes to this policy, we will notify you here that it has been updated so you will know what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances, if any, we use and/or disclose it.

SECTION 8 – YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: