Sabinene — the cannabis terpene in depth

Sabinene is a monoterpene with molecular formula C₁₀H₁₆ and a boiling point of 164 °C. In cannabis, typical levels are 0.01–0.3 % dry weight. Outside the plant it is found in black pepper, nutmeg, juniper, tea tree, carrot. Within the cannabis aroma landscape, Sabinene is an important contributor, dominant in chemovars such as Super Silver Haze, Green Crack, Chocolope, Lamb's Bread. It shapes overall character via the entourage effect.

pepper, spicy, woody, citrus — Sabinene is a monoterpene that defines its own chemovar signature.

Aroma

Profile: pepper, spicy, woody, citrus. Perceivable from ~0.3 % dry weight. With limonene: citrus-fresh; with myrcene: earthy-spicy.

Occurrence

In cannabis, Sabinene is produced in the trichomes of the flower. It is quantified by GC-MS and appears on modern COAs. Strains rich in Sabinene include Super Silver Haze, Green Crack, Chocolope, Lamb's Bread. It usually co-occurs with myrcene and caryophyllene — the exact ratios determine the sensorial nuance.

Effect

Preclinically described as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory; contributes to spicy-fresh cannabis profiles. Evidence: Valente et al. 2013 (Food Chem Toxicol). Legal note: in Switzerland, cannabis with ≥ 1 % THC is a narcotic. CBD flowers below 1 % THC are legal; medical cannabis requires authorisation. Effect descriptions are not therapeutic claims.