The Best Strains With the Pinene Terpene

Before we get into the effects of pinene in cannabis, it's important to understand that there are two forms of pinene, which are (α) alpha-pinene and (β) beta-pinene. Out of the two, alpha-pinene is the one that's most abundant in cannabis.

Despite how common it is, there are plenty of other terpenes. In fact, pinene is only one of the hundreds of aromatic compounds found in cannabis strains. Still, it can be one of the primary terpenes in some pinene dominant strains, giving the particular cultivar a strong piney flavor and aroma similar to (if not 1-to-1) the taste and smell of hashish. But this terpene doesn't have to be dominant to impart its distinctly earthy and herbal taste.

Beyond the aromatic qualities of pinene, the scientific community has also taken note of the potential therapeutic effects it gives to cannabis. While more research is needed to confirm, it's said that pinene may help treat depression and anxiety as well as pain and inflammation.

Pinene is also present in coniferous trees such as junipers, cedars, and spruces. Spruce trees have particularly high amounts due to the amount of pinene-rich resin they produce. Pinene can also be found outside coniferous trees in camphorweed and sagebrush.

Now that we've covered all the bases let's start strong with a potent indica-hybrid with a great flavor profile. LA Confidential boasts high THC levels ranging between 17% and 25% and brings a deeply relaxing buzz that will leave you couch-locked and sleepy. Its high will also have you feeling calm and uplifted, making it an excellent end-of-day strain.

The real appeal of this indica-hybrid, though, is its flavor and aroma. As one of few strains high in pinene, it's natural to expect the strong smell of hashish. With pinene as its dominant terpene, you'll likely experience a strong piney scent when lit. But what you get instead is a mix of hash with cookie dough and jasmine flowers. If anything, the hash smell is overpowered by the sweetness.

The flavor of L.A. Confidential is much the same as its aroma, except the hash isn't as overpowered by the sweetness. With each toke, you'll enjoy the robust flavors of hash and the sweetness of cookie dough with hints of jasmine.

Another top-tier strain is Green Crack. This sativa-dominant strain has a high THC concentration that ranges between 17% and 25% and offers a potent high that has had consumers feeling euphoric and energized. This strain was originally named Green Cush by its original breeder, Cecil C. But when Snoop Dogg got to try this sativa-hybrid, its strong, invigorating effects made him call it Green Crack instead, and from there, the name stuck.

It also goes by a third name, Mango Crack, because of the tropical fruit flavors of its smoke. One that blends the taste of pineapples, passion fruit, and of course, mangoes. It also has strong hash and woody notes.

Its aroma is strangely deceptive because it has a sweet and sugary smell, yet it still doesn't drop hints of its tropical fruit flavors. However, it does hint at the taste of hash. The aroma includes strong notes of hash and the smell of burning cedar. This unique profile is thanks to the pinene in Green Crack. Which, outside of providing its unique herbal and earthy notes, may also have the potential to provide relief against inflammation and nerve pain(1).

When talking about strains with a strong taste and hash scent, you must include Afghan. This indica combines hashish with sandalwood and a hint of earthiness. Its potent hash taste is likely thanks to the pinene in its flowers, but the dominant presence of terpinolene also enhances its already potent piney fragrance.

That said, this cultivar isn't just a strain that tastes like hash. It is the strain that was grown to make potent hashish. In fact, the story of Afghan hashish is similar to the story of corn in the Americas. Over centuries of growing Afghan, the plant selectively improved. Only the best plants were used to make seeds to be sown on the next round of growing. Eventually, it grew into the best source of sticky black Afghani hash, charas, and other hashish, which may arguably be more impressive than corn. 

Its production and sales increased during the height of the Hippie Trail.  This journey from Europe to Southeast Asia by bohemians looking to connect to Eastern religions made this strain very popular. Travelers took stops in Sri Lanka, Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Thailand, and, of course, Pakistan and Afghanistan, looking to experience the culture and some good hash. The next time you enjoy a toke of Afghan, know that in addition to its rich flavor, it also has quite a rich history. Don't forget that Afghan, due to its heritage and popularity, has an autoflower variant for years now.

Another strain that was likely enjoyed by many on the Hippie Trail is Hindu Kush. Similarly to Afghan, this indica strain naturally grew in the Hindu Kush mountain range and has the strong taste and smell of hash when smoked. Hindu Kush, however, has a more pronounced lemon citrus flavor and fragrance, adding citrusy notes to a very Afghan-like experience.

Hindu Kush is also appreciated for the high it provides. With THC levels ranging from 15% to 19%, this indica landrace offers a deeply relaxing body buzz that will leave anyone feeling sleepy. It can also increase your appetite, so you better prepare snacks before enjoying a sesh.

Hindu Kush has limonene as its dominant terpene, which explains its citrus flavors. It also has caryophyllene, which adds a spiciness to its aroma and taste. Lastly, the pinene gives Hindu Kush its distinct piney and earthy blend.

The last strain on this list is Power Plant. Like most strains from the 90s, its history isn’t well-documented. We can’t pinpoint the specific strains used to make Power Plant or the breeder and genius behind the creation of this cultivar. What we do know is that supposedly, Dutch Passion got their hands on the genetics from a South African cannabis breeder who used native strains to make Power Plant.

Dutch Passion then stabilized the mystery strain, resulting in a hybrid that carries a strong, energizing buzz that's great for any wake-and-bake sesh. And on top of its invigorating highs, the unique flavors and aromas that Power Plant offers complement its effects.

Power Plant has a floral sweetness to it that's mixed with tangy and spicy notes, and because of the presence of pinene, it also has the taste of hash. Its aroma is a strong pine fragrance mixed with sour citrus and floral notes.