Terpineol terpenes: What is terpineol?

Terpineol is the perfect example of a small but powerful terpene as it is usually only available in tiny amounts, but nevertheless plays a key role in certain cannabis strains can play. In this article, we explain:

• What is terpineol?
• What does terpineol smell and taste like?
• Where can you find terpineol?
• Which strains contain a lot of terpineol?

What is terpineol?

Terpineol, also known as a-terpineol or alpha-terpineol, is one of a group of four monoterpene alcohol isomers. The others are β-, γ- and 4-terpineol. In short, terpineol is an insignificant terpene compared to others like humulene or caryophyllene, but it can still play a key role in the smell and taste of certain cannabis strains.

What does it smell and taste like?

Terpineol smells and tastes ... unique. The truth is that it has a variety of smells and flavors. Some people get pine undertones, while others give it more of a floral or even woody scent. Some suggest that it's actually more lemony, like lime. So what can we say for sure? Terpineol has a fresh scent.

Where can you find it?

Speaking of which, it can be found in cannabis strains. Terpineol can also be found in many other places in nature and on store shelves near you. Out in the world, terpineol can be found in lilacs, tea tree, linden blossoms, pine trees, eucalyptus sap, and even apples. (Makes sense why we said it's hard to pin down the scent of terpineol now, doesn't it?)

Terpineol has been used in a variety of different products including soap, cleaning products, pest control products, but it has also historically been used as a natural remedy. Here in the United States, however, we don't have definitive scientific research to back this up, but that doesn't change the fact that the aromatherapy industry has picked up this terpene for use in many essential oils.

Which strains contain a lot of terpineol?

It's difficult to find strains that are particularly rich in terpineol, but there are many strains that contain terpineol. These strains are just a few of our favorites:

• Jack Herer or JH, The Jack, Premium Jack, Platinum Jack: This sativa-dominant strain was named after the marijuana activist and author of The Emperor Wears No Clothes. It was developed in the mid-1990s and has since won awards for its quality and potency.
• White Widow (Green House Seed)Combining a Brazilian sativa landrace and a South Indian Indica and you get this balanced hybrid. White Widow is a strain full of white crystal resin, which makes it not only a potent but also a beautiful plant. White Widow is such a popular strain that it has been bred to create other famous strains, including White Russian (Serious Seeds) and White Rhino (Green House Seed).
• Ice Cream aka Ice Cream KushLooking for a unique flavor and aroma combination? Look no further than this cannabis hybrid strain. Here's why: the terpene combination in these dense buds creates a vanilla and pine flavor, but the aroma is fresh skunk. Don't let that put you off, though. This exotic strain is an award-winning strain .
• Gelato or Gelato #42To understand why this variety has its name, you need to know where it comes from. Gelato, a balanced hybrid, originated when Sunset Sherbet with Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies was crossed. You can probably guess its flavors, too. Gelato is sweet, fruity, creamy and delicious, and the flowers themselves are beautiful - a combination of dark purple bloom with bright orange hairs. Don't be surprised if you find other flavors on the market - Gelato helped create Gelato #3, #41 and #45.