Terpineol | Cannabis Terpene Guide
α-Terpineol - Effects, Benefits & Strains
Pronounced: TER-pin-ee-ol
Terpineol is a monoterpene terpene with a floral, lilac, sweet citrus, piney aroma. It's also found naturally in Lilac, Pine, Eucalyptus. Research suggests terpineol may contribute to relaxing effects, though more human studies are needed.
Boiling Point
424°F (218°C)
Aroma
Floral
Also Found In
Aroma Profile:
Floral, lilac, sweet citrus, piney
Research Sources
2 peer-reviewed studies
Verified Via
PubMed / DOI
Evidence
Research-Backed
Updated
February 2026
What is Terpineol?
Terpineol has a pleasant floral aroma often compared to lilac. It's frequently found alongside pinene in cannabis and may contribute to relaxing effects. Its high boiling point means it's better preserved in lower-temperature consumption methods.
How Terpineol Works
Terpineol shows sedative properties in animal studies and may contribute to the relaxing effects of cannabis strains where it's abundant.
Researched Effects
Relaxation
Emerging ResearchAnimal studies show sedative properties at high doses.
✓ Compliant Language
May contribute to relaxing effects
✗ Avoid Saying
Is a sedative or sleep aid
Sources
Antioxidant
Moderate EvidenceDemonstrates antioxidant activity in laboratory research.
✓ Compliant Language
Shows antioxidant properties
✗ Avoid Saying
Prevents oxidative damage
Sources
Understanding Evidence Levels
Safety Information
Terpineol is GRAS and widely used in cosmetics and cleaning products. Well-tolerated.
Scientific References
2 peer-reviewed sources cited
- 1
Quintans-Júnior LJ, et al. α-Terpineol reduces nociceptive behavior in mice Pharmaceutical Biology. 2011
α-Terpineol showed antinociceptive and CNS depressant activity.
- 2
Park SN, et al. Antioxidant activity of α-terpineol Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering. 2009
α-Terpineol demonstrated protective antioxidant effects.
Research Verification
All citations link directly to PubMed or the original source. You can verify any claim by clicking the reference link. Learn more about how we research.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does terpineol smell like?
Terpineol has a pleasant floral aroma often compared to lilacs, with hints of sweet citrus and pine. It's found in lilac flowers and lime blossoms.
Is terpineol relaxing?
Animal research suggests terpineol has sedative properties. It often appears alongside other relaxing terpenes like linalool and myrcene in calming cannabis strains.
Quick Facts
- Full Name
- α-Terpineol
- Category
- monoterpene
- Boiling Point
- 424°F (218°C)
- Aroma
- Floral, lilac, sweet citrus, piney
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Educational Information
This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before using cannabis products.
Strain Variability
Terpene profiles vary significantly between batches, growers, and growing conditions—even for the same strain name. Always check lab test results.
Indica/Sativa Note
The indica/sativa distinction is largely marketing. Effects are better predicted by cannabinoid and terpene profiles than strain classification.