Guide to terpineol, a cannabis terpene

Cannabis contains more than 150 terpenes, including terpineol. Terpenes like terpineol contribute to a plant’s smell, taste, and effects.

Terpineol is an umbrella term for four different terpenes found in cannabis and other plants.

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What is terpineol?

Terpineol is a plant-derived chemical that helps protect plants from insects.

There are four types of terpineol:

• Alpha-terpineol has notes of lilac and peaches.

• Beta-terpineol has a woodsy aroma.

• Gamma-terpineol has notes of citrus.

• Terpenen-4-ol has an earthy and woodsy scent.

Alpha-terpineol is the most common form of terpineol. It’s a common ingredient in cosmetics, household cleaners, and insect repellents.

In addition to cannabis, terpineol can be found in:

• Apples
• Grapefruit
• Lilac
• Cardamom
• Basil
• Limes
• Pine trees
• Rosemary

Terpineol effects

Terpineol may offer certain health benefits. But most studies on its effects have only been done in animals and cells. More human studies are needed to confirm the effects of terpineol.

Relieves inflammation

A mouse study found that terpineol may be used to help lower inflammation and pain. A study in cells showed similar results.

Reduces cancer cells

Some studies show that terpineol may be effective against certain types of cancer, including:

• Breast cancer
• Lung cancer
• Leukemia (a type of blood and bone marrow cancer)

A cell study found that terpineol may help prevent certain types of cancerous cells from multiplying and spreading in the body. Another cell study demonstrated the same effects.

However, more studies in humans are needed to confirm the potential anticancer benefits of terpineol.

Fights mouth bacteria 

In one study, a combination of terpineol and linalool, another cannabis terpene, helped fight bacteria that can contribute to gum disease and tooth decay.

Reduces seizures

A rodent study found that terpineol may help reduce the frequency and severity of seizures.

Eases depression

Terpineol displayed antidepressant-like effects in a rodent study.

Terpineol terpene in cannabis

The amount of terpineol in cannabis can vary depending on the strain. Most strains contain between 0.04% and 0.29% of the terpene.

Anecdotally, cannabis users report that terpineol in cannabis helps:

• Boost mood
• Lower stress
• Relieve pain

Strains high in terpineol

Some strains contain higher amounts of terpineol than others. High-terpineol cannabis strains include:

• Girl Scout Cookies may offer stress-relieving and mood-lifting effects.

• White Widow might help you feel more energized, focused, and social.

• Blue Dream may help promote focus, creativity, and relaxation.

• Skywalker OG may help improve sleep, stress levels, and pain.

• OG Kush is known to help ease anxiety and pain levels.

• Jack Herer may provide mood-lifting and relaxing effects.

• Fire OG may help fight fatigue and depression.

Terpineol side effects

Terpineol isn’t known to cause serious side effects. But applying pure terpineol to the skin may cause irritation. Be sure to dilute terpineol in essential oil forms with a carrier oil, like coconut oil, to avoid skin irritation.

The bottom line: Terpineol can contribute to the health benefits of cannabis

Terpineol is a terpene in cannabis that may offer health benefits, including antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-seizure effects.

You can get access to high-terpineol cannabis strains with a medical cannabis card. A Leafwell provider can help you obtain your medical card quickly and easily.

Resources

• 11 essential oils: Their benefits and how to use them https://health.clevelandclinic.org/essential-oils-101-do-they-work-how-do-you-use-them
• Alpha-terpineol: A potential anticancer agent which acts through suppressing NF-kappaB signalling. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20651334/
• Antimicrobial effect of linalool and α-terpineol against periodontopathic and cariogenic bacteria. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22537719/
• Antidepressant-like effect of terpineol in an inflammatory model of depression: involvement of the cannabinoid system and D2 dopamine receptor. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7280984/
• α-terpineol reduces mechanical hypernociception and inflammatory response. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22380944/
• Characterization of alpha-terpineol as an anti-inflammatory component of orange juice by in vitro studies using oral buccal cells. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17867636/
• Evaluation of the antioxidant and antiproliferative potential of bioflavors. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21540069/
• Monoterpenoid terpinen-4-ol exhibits anticonvulsant activity in behavioral and electrophysiological studies. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1155/2014/703848
• Secondary terpenes in Cannabis sativa L.: Synthesis and synergy. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9775512/
• Terpenes in Cannabis sativa  — from plant genome to humans. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168945219301190
• Terpineol. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/terpineol

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