Cannabis has major and minor terpenes. The most common terpenes in cannabis are myrcene, caryophyllene, limonene, pinene, linalool, humulene, terpinolene and ocimene. However, the cannabis plant has many other terpenes known as “minor cannabis terpenes”. These minor terpenes are found in lower concentrations, and, although they are found in lower concentrations, they have an important role in the cannabis flavor, aroma, and medical properties. One these minor cannabis terpenes is Phellandrene. Phellandrene is found in the cannabis plant in low concentrations. This terpene has a characteristic minty and woody aromatic profile.
Phellandrene has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat digestive disorders. In addition, as many other terpenes, phellandrene is also used in the cosmetic industry.
Both alpha and beta phellandrene are very similar in their chemical structure. Prior to its identification, it was often confused with limonene and pinene. Phellandrene is very easily absorbable, and it’s commonly found in black pepper, mint, cinnamon, ginger grass, water fennel, pine parsley and lavender.
What are the Medical Benefits of Phellandrene?
As mentioned above, Phellandrene has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat digestive disorders. Furthermore, a study on mice showed that both these essential oils exhibited both anti-depressive and pain relief properties.
Moreover, as many other terpenes, phellandrene may have potential anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. However, research is still in a preliminary stage, which means that we still don’t know that much about their medical benefits in humans.
Ji-hong Zhang investigated this topic in a 2017 review conducted in Botanical Studies. The ability of alpha-phellandrene to prevent fungus development on post-harvest tomatoes and other plants was tested. The terpene was discovered to have the ability to suppress the growth of Penicillium cyclopium fungus in tomatoes.
Which Cannabis Strains Contain Phellandrene?
Although this terpene is classified as a secondary terpene, some strains in cannabis strains have higher concentrations of phellandrene than others. The following cannabis strains have phellandrene as a minor terpene or secondary terpene:
Trainwreck
This cannabis strain is rich in THC with 17% of THC and 1% of CBG. Trainwreck is a cannabis Sativa strain with myrcene pinene and caryophyllene as its main terpenes. Recent studies have shown that Trainwreck also contains phellandrene as a secondary terpene. This strain is useful in the treatment of anxiety, pain, migraines, ADD and ADHD and post-traumatic stress disorder.
SAGE
This strain has a similar THC content as Trainwreck (approximately 17%). SAGE, also known as Sativa Afghani Genetic Equilibrium, is a cross of a Haze strain with an Indica strain. In addition, this cannabis strain is ideal for users who are looking for an energizing cannabis strain. Its main terpene is terpinolene and it’s also rich in caryophyllene and myrcene. SAGE has phellandrene as a secondary terpene.
Jack Herer
This strain was named after Jack Herer, a famous American cannabis rights activist. This strain is also known as Premium Jack, Platinum Jack, JH or simply “The Jack”. It has 17% of THC with 1% of CBG. In addition, Jack Herer is rich in terpinolene and its two other major terpenes are caryophyllene and myrcene. Jack Herer has also phellandrene as a minor terpene. This strain is highly energizing which makes it ideal for recreational usage.
Ace of Spades
This strain is a cross between Black Cherry Soda and Jack the Ripper. Ace of Spades is a strain that induces a calming effect, and it has a distinctive lemony flavor. Ace of Spades is rich in myrcene and its two other major terpenes are limonene and caryophyllene. Recent studies have found that Ace of Spades contains phellandrene as a minor terpene.