Most scientists that study cannabis flowers focus their attention on cannabinoids like CBD. However, a growing body of evidence suggests terpenes may play a crucial role in hemp strains. Not only are terpenes responsible for hemp’s unique aromatics, they may alter a strain’s effects. Even if two hemp strains have the same CBD concentrations, each could have a distinct impact if they have different terpene percentages.
Alpha-pinene is one of the major terpenes that influences many popular CBD hemp strains. Customers love the “woodsy” and “fresh” scent associated with alpha-pinene-rich strains. Plus, a few studies suggest alpha-pinene offers invigorating effects for CBD smokers. People looking for a “pick-me-up” CBD strain may want to prioritize alpha-pinene.
What Does Alpha-Pinene Smell Like?
You don’t have to be a master hemp cultivator to guess what alpha-pinene smells like. As its name suggests, “pine” is the key aroma associated with the alpha-pinene terpene. When you go out into a pine forest and take a deep breath, you’re inhaling a ton of alpha-pinene.
Unsurprisingly, hemp strains with high quantities of alpha-pinene smell similar to a pine tree. Other words people may use to describe alpha-pinene include “woodsy,” “cool,” and “herby.”
Does Alpha-Pinene Have Any Benefits?
Have you ever felt invigorated while hiking on a nature trail? Well, alpha-pinene may be partially responsible for the “feel good” qualities people report when going for walks in the woods.
Multiple studies suggest alpha-pinene has impressive anti-inflammatory effects, which may explain why it has a positive impact on our mind and body. Some researchers believe alpha-pinene’s anti-inflammatory action may improve lung function. Indeed, some in the asthma community believe alpha-pinene may benefit their condition.
Interestingly, alpha-pinene’s anti-inflammatory effects may also promote gastrointestinal health. Multiple trials have begun evaluating alpha-pinene’s potential for conditions ranging from GERD to IBS. Interestingly, a few studies suggest alpha-pinene may work as well as ranitidine for heartburn-related issues.
Anecdotally, many people who take CBD strains or tinctures with alpha-pinene say they feel “energized.” While CBD doesn’t provoke a head-rush “high” sensation, alpha-pinene makes people fend off fatigue and feel more alert. Some scientists have begun examining whether they could use alpha-pinene’s benefits to help people struggling with attention-deficit disorder (ADD).
While it’s too early to confirm the many potential benefits of alpha-pinene, it’s encouraging to see so much positive data. If CBD customers are looking for hemp flowers or extracts that lean on the energizing side of the spectrum, it’s probably a good idea to prioritize alpha-pinene concentrations.
How Do You Know A CBD Strain Has Alpha-Pinene? Check The COAs!
Since alpha-pinene is one of the most common cannabis terpenes, it shouldn’t be difficult to spot on a standard third-party lab report (aka Certificate of Analysis). Reputable CBD companies should send their products for thorough lab analyses, which includes terpene evaluations. Take a look at alpha-pinene’s percentage versus other prominent terpenes like myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, and limonene to see how much alpha-pinene will contribute to your strain’s flavors and effects.
If you have questions about how to evaluate terpenes or cannabinoids on standard lab tests, be sure to read the unbiased CBD reviews on Real Tested CBD. You can also visit Real Tested CBD’s blog for educational articles on all things hemp.
