Beta-pinene (β-pinene) is one of the two isomers of pinene, along with its sibling alpha-pinene (α-pinene). β-pinene is most known for it’s a woody and piney smell. It is one of the main compounds released by forest trees.¹

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Pinene is one of the most common terpenes in the plant world and is produced in significant quantities by basil, cedar, pine, and conifer trees, dill, eucalyptus, oranges, parsley, rosemary, and hundreds of other plants, including cannabis.

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Because both β and α-pinene share the same plant sources, they also share similar therapeutic qualities and characteristics. The main differentiator between these two terpenes is their smell. Whereas α-pinene possesses the unmistakable fresh and earthy scent (think pine and rosemary), β-pinene has a fresh, woody, and spicy aromatic quality (think dill, parsley, basil or hops).

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β-pinene is commonly used in fragrance, essential oils, cooking as a flavoring additive and it also can serve as a preservative.²

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Both α-pinene and β-pinene are perhaps most noted in the scientific community for their ability to increase mental alertness, clarity, and overall cognitive functions. They also have been researched for their significant applications in bronchodilation, pain relief, epilepsy and cancer treatment, and neuroprotection. The pinenes are also widely recognized as an anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, (targeted at treating conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia), antiseptic, and antioxidant.

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β-pinene is present in a wide array of Sativa dominant cannabis plants such as Jack Herer, Dutch Treat, Romulan, Blue Dream, Island Sweet Skunk, OG Kush, Bubba Kush, ChemDawg, God Bud, LA Confidential, Mango Haze, Strawberry Cough, Haze Berry, Royal Jack, and Trainwreck.