By Luke Sumpter


You’ve heard of pinene and you’re familiar with myrcene. But the world of cannabis terpenes goes much deeper than these two aromatic constituents. Below, you’re going to learn everything you need to know about ocimene—a minor terpene with huge potential. Find out how this often-overlooked molecule influences the aromas and flavours of certain strains, and how it impacts the effects of the herb.

Two images side by side: a cannabis plant and an orchid flower, with the text 'Ocimene' in the center. The image highlights the natural sources of the terpene ocimene.

The Chemistry of Ocimene

Before we explore the specific chemistry of ocimene, it’s helpful to understand the general chemistry of terpenes themselves. These aromatic molecules occur widely in nature, are made up of smaller building blocks known as isoprene units. These simple structures consist of five carbon atoms and eight hydrogen atoms, with a chemical formula of C₅H₈.

Isoprene units link together through either head-to-tail or tail-to-tail connections to form larger structures—terpenes. Indeed, these compounds are grouped together depending on how many isoprene units they possess. Monoterpenes, the smallest of this chemical class, contain just two isoprene units, whereas sesquiterpenes contain three, diterpenes contain four, and triterpenes contain six.

As a monoterpene, ocimene consists of two isoprene units and a total of 10 carbon atoms. It features a chemical formula of C₁₀H₁₆ and occurs in two different isomers: α-ocimene and β-ocimene. These two molecules feature the same formula but differ in the arrangement of their atoms. Volatile in nature, ocimene has a low evaporation point, making it a volatile cannabis constituent.

Compared to several other terpenes, ocimene occurs in small amounts in cannabis plants. However, this molecule also shows up elsewhere in the plant kingdom, including in basil, mint, lavender, orchids, hops, mango, pepper, tarragon, and bergamot.

Diagram of the ocimene terpene characteristics found in cannabis, highlighting its energizing and uplifting effects. The image also features its aroma and flavor profile, including sweet, citrus, herbal, and woody notes.

Aroma and Flavour of Ocimene

Although ocimene only occurs in minor concentrations in certain cannabis strains, the sheer pungency of this terpene means that it still contributes significantly to their flavour and aroma profiles. This aromatic molecule lends aromas of sweetness, fruit, herbs, wood, and citrus to certain cultivars, as well as flavours of earth, citrus, and freshly cut herbs. Cannabis strains that contain ocimene are often described as refreshing and considerably complex when it comes to their scent and taste.

Effects Associated With Ocimene in Cannabis

Ocimene doesn’t just contribute to the flavours and aromas of select weed strains. Much like other terpenes, the molecule also has a direct influence on the subjective effects. Overall, ocimene steers the high in an energising, cerebral, and uplifting direction, contributing to what some would traditionally call a “sativa” experience. While research is lacking, it’s likely that ocimene, much like some of the major terpenes found in cannabis, either influences the endocannabinoid system directly or impacts how cannabinoids such as THC interact with this body-wide signalling network.

Ocimene: A Look at the Research

Researchers are extremely interested in studying naturally occurring compounds, including terpenes, as potential therapeutics in the management of certain diseases.

Ocimene has captured the attention of research teams around the world, who have pitted the terpene against models of different conditions, including inflammation and fungal pathogens. However, the studies surrounding this terpene remain in the preclinical stages; we simply don’t know how effective ocimene is at addressing these conditions in humans just yet.

  • Inflammation

Inflammation plays a vital role in human physiology, particularly when it comes to combating infections and healing injuries. However, chronic inflammation caused by modifiable factors such as diet and environmental toxins contributes to many modern diseases, and has become a serious public health issue.

With this in mind, a research term from Mahidol University, Thailand tested[1] both ocimene-rich lesser galanga essential oil and isolated β-ocimene on human immune cell lines. They found lesser galanga essential oil to significantly inhibit cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)—two important biomarkers for inflammation. They then isolated β-ocimene and found it to produce a similar effect. They concluded that the “essential oil of lesser galanga and its major compound could be potentially developed as anti-inflammatory agents”.

  • Apoptosis

Apoptosis describes a relatively simple biological action—programmed cell death. You see, all the cells in your body will eventually die. When their time comes, either through natural ageing or injury, they’ll essentially carry out controlled cellular suicide. This tightly regulated process results in the destruction of problematic cells, maintaining balance within bodily tissues. As you can imagine, problems occur when this mechanism fails. Cancer cells, for example, employ a range of strategies to evade apoptosis, allowing them to linger and spread. Therefore, researchers continue to test compounds that could drive apoptosis in cancer cells in hopes of tackling the disease.

A 2022 study[2] published in the Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology tested a range of terpenes for their anti-cancer potential against a treatment-resistant model of breast cancer. They found several individual terpenes and combinations of molecules to produce favourable results, including a pairing of kaempferol with ocimene.


  • Antifungal

When it comes to infections, most people think of viruses and bacteria. However, certain types of fungi can also cause big problems in the human body when left unchecked. Candida albicans, for example, can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms, including oral thrush, skin infections, and fever. A range of antifungal medications are available to counter the pathogen, and now researchers are turning to terpenes as another possible solution.

A study[3] published in the journal Advances in Microbiology tested several plant molecules, including the terpenes ocimene and farnesene, on different Candida strains. The authors of the paper documenting the study stated, “Our study showed that all the five plant molecules tested exhibited excellent activity against planktonic growth and morphogenesis”.


Ocimene: An Emerging Cannabis Terpene

Ocimene only occurs in small concentrations in certain cannabis strains. While often overlooked compared to major terpenes such as pinene and myrcene, ocimene still contributes distinct flavours, aromas, and effects to the cannabis experience. Aside from its refreshing notes, the molecule adds a cerebral and energising effect to select cultivars. On top of these effects, emerging research indicates that ocimene could have future clinical applications.

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
 

Cannabis Strain High in Ocimene

Now that you’re all clued up about ocimene, you’re likely raring to experience this terpene in all its glory. If so, we’ve got just the strains for you! Check out the four ocimene-rich varieties below to get your fix!

Sour Diesel

The ocimene terpene shows up in relatively high concentrations in Sour Diesel buds! Germinate seeds using the paper towel method and transplant directly into 15–20 l containers. Expect indoor plants to grow to 90–130 cm by the end of veg depending on any training techniques used; their outdoor counterparts will peak at around 150 cm. Defoliate well at the start of bloom to keep the canopy airy and well-lit. Indoor plants will stretch up to 160 cm, with outdoor specimens topping out at an impressive 200 cm. Prepare to harvest up to 525 g/m² indoors after a flowering phase of 10–11 weeks, and 550–600 g/plant from outdoor specimens during late October.

You’ll get a real sense of ocimene’s tastes and effects after curing these buds. Paired with a THC content of 19%, you’ll enjoy a clear-headed and creative high alongside moreish flavours of citrus, fruit, and herbs.

Sour Diesel
23_genetic background_1 Original Diesel x (Northern light x Shiva x Hawaiian)
33_Yield indoors_1 475 - 525 gr/m2
31_plant height outdoor_1 90 - 160 cm
25_flowering time_1 10 - 11 weeks
29_THC_1 THC: 19%
28_Type Blend_1 Sativa 70% Indica 30%
34_yield outdoor_1 550 - 600 gr/plant
32_plant height outdoors_1 150 - 200 cm
27_harvest period_1 Late October
22_Effect_1 Clear, Physically Relaxing

Buy Sour Diesel

Green Crack Punch

The offspring of Green Crack and Purple Punch, Green Crack Punch offers rewarding yields and fruity flavours. Sow seeds into 10 cm pots and transplant them into their final containers once they reach a height of around 5–7 cm. Apply LST during week three to keep plants more compact, and transplant any specimens outdoors during this point if that’s your goal. Indoor plants will grow to 90–120 cm by the end of veg, having formed a dense canopy with many bud sites. Outdoors, plants will surge up to around 180 cm.

During bloom, expect indoor plants to stretch up to 140–160 cm, with their outdoor counterparts peaking at a towering 220 cm. Indoor plants offer a rewarding return of up to 500 g/m² after a flowering phase of 8–9 weeks, whereas outdoor specimens will treat you to 550–600 g/plant. After drying and curing these buds, brace yourself for a euphoric and revitalising high alongside flavours of citrus, fruit, and herbs.

Green Crack Punch
23_genetic background_1 Green Crack x Purple Punch
33_Yield indoors_1 450 - 500 gr/m2
31_plant height outdoor_1 90 - 160 cm
25_flowering time_1 8 - 9 weeks
29_THC_1 THC: 18%
28_Type Blend_1 Sativa 60% Indica 40%
34_yield outdoor_1 550 - 600 gr/plant
32_plant height outdoors_1 180 - 220 cm
27_harvest period_1 Late September
22_Effect_1 Calming, Euphoric

Buy Green Crack Punch

Strawberry Cough

This sativa-dominant powerhouse descends from legendary parent strains Strawberry Fields and Haze. Sow Strawberry Cough seeds in cell trays and transplant them into their final containers once they reach a height of 3 cm. During veg, they’ll transition from stout seedlings into slender specimens equipped with long internodes and luscious fan leaves. Top and train your plants during week three of veg to keep them shorter, or leave them untrained if you’re after bulky central colas. By the time bloom swings around, indoor plants will have grown to 80–100 cm, with outdoor plants reaching 100–160 cm.

It doesn’t take long for pleasant odours of candy, fruit, herbs, and blueberry to permeate the air during bloom. After a flowering phase of 9–10 weeks, you’ll pull in up to 500 g/m² from indoor plants of around 150 cm in height. Outdoors, plants will top out at 200 cm and produce up to 650 g/plant ready to harvest during early October. Enjoy the motivating and uplifting experience that this high-ocimene strain has to offer!

Strawberry Cough
23_genetic background_1 Strawberry Fields x Haze
33_Yield indoors_1 450 - 500 gr/m2
31_plant height outdoor_1 100 - 150 cm
25_flowering time_1 9 - 10 weeks
29_THC_1 THC: 20%
28_Type Blend_1 Sativa 75% Indica 25%
34_yield outdoor_1 600 - 650 gr/plant
32_plant height outdoors_1 160 - 200 cm
27_harvest period_1 Early October
22_Effect_1 Calming, Motivating , Uplifting

Buy Strawberry Cough

Mimosa

Inducing a creative and laughter-filled high, Mimosa descends from parent strains Clementine and Purple Punch, and comes bearing high levels of ocimene. Sow these seeds directly in 11 l pots and watch them form compact and stealthy canopies throughout veg. Without training, indoor plants will grow to just 60 cm before bloom, while those grown outside will peak at 80 cm.

Expect indoor specimens to stretch to 80 cm during bloom, with outdoor plants peaking at 100 cm. Prepare to watch this strain’s small pre-flowers quickly unfurl into frosty and dense purple-green buds. Feed them well, and indoor plants will produce 350–400 g/m² after a brief flowering time of 9–10 weeks. If you grow this variety outdoors, prepare to pull in up to 550 g/plant during the middle of October. Get ready to enjoy flavours of earth and herbs alongside an uplifting THC content of 22%.

Mimosa
23_genetic background_1 Clementine x Purple Punch
33_Yield indoors_1 350 - 400 gr/m2
31_plant height outdoor_1 60 - 80 cm
25_flowering time_1 9 - 10 weeks
29_THC_1 THC: 22%
28_Type Blend_1 Sativa 70% Indica 30%
34_yield outdoor_1 500 - 550 gr/plant
32_plant height outdoors_1 80 - 100 cm
27_harvest period_1 Middle of October
22_Effect_1 Creative, Laughter

Buy Mimosa

External Resources:
  1. Abstract of In vitro Anti-inflammatory effects of thai herb essential oils https://pharmacy.mahidol.ac.th
  2. Anti-cancer potential of cannabis terpenes in a Taxol-resistant model of breast cancer - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. Effects of Cinnamaldehyde, Ocimene, Camphene, Curcumin and Farnesene on Candida albicans https://www.scirp.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: