Complex, multifaceted aroma with sedating and antioxidant properties.
Terpinolene has one of the most complex aroma profiles of any cannabis terpene — simultaneously piney, floral, herbal, and citrusy. Despite its energetic scent, it tends to produce sedating effects. It is the dominant terpene in strains like Jack Herer and Dutch Treat and has demonstrated significant antioxidant, anticancer, and sedative properties in research.
Aroma Profile
Primary Effects
Also Found In
Apples, Cumin, Lilac, Nutmeg
Produces dose-dependent CNS depression in animal models, reducing locomotor activity and increasing sleep time via mechanisms not yet fully characterized.
Potent free radical scavenger. Reduces LDL oxidation and protects against oxidative stress-induced cellular damage.
Induces G1 phase cell cycle arrest in cancer cell lines, inhibiting proliferation without significant toxicity to normal cells.
Terpinolene is the dominant terpene in several classic sativa strains but produces paradoxically sedating effects. Its complex aroma contributes significantly to strain character and may modulate the overall effect profile through multiple receptor interactions.
Insomnia
Moderate EvidenceSedating effects documented in preclinical studies. Reduces locomotor activity and increases sleep time in rodent models.
Condition guideCancer (adjunct)
Preliminary EvidenceInhibits cancer cell proliferation in multiple cell lines including brain, lung, and breast cancer. Mechanism involves cell cycle arrest.
Condition guideCardiovascular
Preliminary EvidenceReduces LDL oxidation and demonstrates cardioprotective antioxidant effects in preclinical models.
Condition guideSedative effects of terpinolene in rodent models
Terpinolene produced significant dose-dependent sedation in mice, reducing locomotor activity by 45% at 100mg/kg, confirming CNS depressant activity.
Terpinolene inhibits cancer cell proliferation
Terpinolene inhibited proliferation of brain, lung, and breast cancer cell lines with IC50 values of 15–45 μM via G1 cell cycle arrest.
Antioxidant properties of terpinolene
Terpinolene demonstrated DPPH radical scavenging activity comparable to vitamin E and reduced LDL oxidation by 38% in ex vivo models.
Jack Herer
Sativa
Dutch Treat
Hybrid
Ghost Train Haze
Sativa
XJ-13
Hybrid
Chernobyl
Hybrid
GRAS status. Skin irritant at high concentrations. Safe at cannabis concentrations.
All terpene information is for educational purposes only. Consult a healthcare provider before using cannabis therapeutically.