ter-PIN-oh-leen
Fresh, floral, piney. The uplifting terpene found in Jack Herer and Durban Poison. Antioxidant and sedating in isolation.
Terpinolene produces a complex fresh, floral, piney aroma and is associated with uplifting, creative effects. Despite being sedating in isolation, it contributes to the energizing character of sativa-dominant strains through entourage interactions.
Terpinolene is a monoterpene with a complex, multifaceted aroma profile — simultaneously fresh, floral, piney, and slightly citrusy. It is found in relatively few cannabis strains but in high concentrations when present, making it a dominant terpene in strains like Jack Herer, Durban Poison, and Ghost Train Haze.
Paradoxically, terpinolene is sedating when studied in isolation but is associated with uplifting, energizing effects in the strains where it dominates. This is a perfect illustration of the entourage effect — terpinolene's effects in cannabis are shaped by its interactions with other terpenes and cannabinoids, not its isolated pharmacology.
Terpinolene has demonstrated significant antioxidant properties, inhibiting LDL oxidation (a key step in cardiovascular disease) more potently than many other terpenes. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties and has shown anti-proliferative effects against cancer cells in preclinical research.
In cannabis, terpinolene is a reliable marker for certain strain families. If a lab report shows high terpinolene, the strain is almost certainly from the Jack Herer or Durban Poison lineage. This makes terpinolene one of the most useful terpenes for strain identification.
To maximize Terpinolene in your vapor, set your vaporizer to just above its boiling point:
Lower temperatures preserve more terpenes; higher temperatures extract more cannabinoids.
Full-spectrum products preserve Terpinolene and all other terpenes alongside cannabinoids for the complete entourage effect. Our editorial team's top picks:
World-leading scientist formulation. Standardized full spectrum profiles, not just a CBD count. Pioneered the cannabis topical liniment spray.
Liniment spray is the most effective topical staff have tested.
Best For
Same world-leading scientist as CBDWellness. Verified THC non-detect on every batch by ISO 17025 accredited lab — trusted by military, athletes, and law enforcement.
The only broad spectrum brand staff trust for drug-tested professionals.
Best For
Same world-leading scientist as CBDWellness. Standardized THC formulations for consistent, reliable therapeutic effects. Available at licensed dispensaries.
THC topical liniment spray is the most effective cannabis topical staff have tested.
Best For
Editorial Disclosure: These brands are selected by our editorial team based on independent staff testing, lab result analysis, and 7 years of annual awards data. We do not accept payment for editorial placement. See our Annual Awards methodology for full details.