Pinene

Pinene exists as two structural isomers: α-pinene (2,6,6-trimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-ene) and β-pinene (6,6-dimethyl-2-methylenebicyclo[3.1.1]heptane). Both C₁₀H₁₆. α-Pinene is the more abundant in cannabis and produces the characteristic pine/rosemary aroma. Preclinical studies report α-pinene is a reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor in vitro (Miyazawa & Yamafuji, 2005, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 53:1765) and a bronchodilator in guinea-pig models — observations Russo (2011) proposed might offset THC-associated short-term memory impairment, though direct human data are absent. α-Pinene also has documented antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity in vitro. Evidence level: in vitro and rodent; no confirmatory human RCTs. → See also: Terpene, Entourage effect.