Searching for an uplifting yet calm cannabis flower?
Often considered a sativa-dominant hybrid, the Pineapple Express strain is a relaxing flower with a unique citrus-pepper scent.
Potentially useful for those hoping for high-THC relief from inflammation, this herb contains numerous anti-inflammatory and calming aroma molecules.
A far cry from the top-secret strain from the Pineapple Express movie, here’s the real scoop on the Pineapple Express cannabis strain:
The History of Pineapple Express
The Pineapple Express cannabis strain reached celebrity status in 2008 with the release of the action comedy of the same name.
Starring Seth Rogan and James Franco, the film was a box office hit. However, the real-life Pineapple Express strain is a bit different from the rare government creation depicted in the film.
Not rare in the slightest, this plant is quite popular and can be found at a variety of dispensaries and other access points throughout the United States and Canada.
While the exact origins of most cannabis strains can be difficult to trace, this plant is a rumored offspring of the Trainwreck hybrid strain and Hawaiian.
Hawaiian is a sativa plant which is a plant that did not originate in Hawaii but is expected to have developed adaptations to that particular climate over many generations.
However, it is important to note that because Pineapple Express has been around for a while, this plant likely now expresses many different phenotypes and genetic variations.
In fact, a Pineapple Express plant grown in one location may express markedly different features than plants labeled as the same strain grown in another.
So, while the characteristics mentioned in this article are generalizations of what the Pineapple Express strain has to offer, the herb can be quite different from sample to sample.
Effects of Pineapple Express
High in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), you can expect this plant to have significant psychoactive effects.
The plant can produce over 20% of the compound, making it ideal for consumers familiar with the states of altered consciousness THC provides.
High levels of THC mean that this plant will cause a quick, euphoric sensation.
Consumers may notice that they feel the desire to laugh, have less interest in worries or concerns outside of the present moment, and may experience a skewed sense of time and ample muscle relaxation.
However, high levels of THC means that this strain can also have some negative side effects for some people. Anxiety, racing heart, and paranoia are all common when consuming high dosages of the compound.
When trying THC for the first time, it is always recommended to start low and work up to strains with higher percentages of the psychoactive.
In popular culture, this particular cultivar has a reputation as an energizing flower that does not produce overly sedative effects.
However, lab results of the strain tell a different story.
While this plant may be less sedative than many cannabis strains on the market, Pineapple Express may produce a low-key and mellow vibe along with sensations of mental uplift.
Medicinal Benefits of Pineapple Express
There’s more to Pineapple Express than high levels of THC.
According to current thought, it is the interaction between cannabinoids like THC and the herb’s aroma molecules that give each plant its unique effects.
To get an idea of what types of medical benefits the strain will provide, taking a closer look at the plant’s fragrance is useful. The aroma molecules produced by plants are called terpenes.
Laboratory testing will help you determine exactly what terpenes the plant will produce.
Based on lab data, here are some of the most abundant terpenes in the Pineapple Express strain:
1. Beta-caryophyllene
Some of the terpenes found in the cannabis plant may have more therapeutic potential than others.
One of the most promising candidates is a pepper-scented terpene called beta-Caryophyllene (BCP).
Unique among terpenes, BCP acts like a cannabinoid in the body.
Cannabinoids are compounds like THC and cannabidiol (CBD) that are produced by the cannabis plant.
Like a cannabinoid, BCP connects with some of the same cell receptors as THC and CBD.
However, BCP does not have intoxicating effects.
Instead, early trials of this compound have found that it may have anxiolytic and antidepressant effects. The compound may also have anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties.
Pineapple Express has tested with high levels of this compound, perhaps suggesting that it produces a calming experience with inflammation-fighting potential.
2. Myrcene
One of the most common cannabis terpenes, myrcene, is a sedative compound also found in lemongrass.
This compound may be responsible for the “couch-locking” effects found in some cannabis strains, as it has tranquilizing, hypnotic, and muscle relaxation properties.
The presence of myrcene in the Pineapple Express strain means that this plant may produce a slightly drowsy experience with some pain-relieving effects.
This terpene may also enhance the feelings of physical relaxation this strain provides, making it a potentially good fit for those experiencing muscle tension or other signs of physical stress.
3. Limonene
While myrcene is sedative, limonene may have the opposite effect. Providing a distinct citrus aroma, this terpene is thought to have uplifting and energetic properties.
One of the most abundant terpenes in nature, limonene is an antioxidant with potential antidepressant and cancer-preventative effects.
In early studies, limonene has shown anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic effects.
Containing high concentrations of limonene, the Pineapple Express cannabis strain may promote feelings of uplift and ease while also easing inflammation and inflammatory pain.
Strains Related to Pineapple Express
As one of the most popular strains around, it’s no surprise that Pineapple Express has many high-quality relatives.
While the plant itself tends to grow tall and expresses more of a narrow leaf structure, offspring of Pineapple Express can feature a variety of effects and physical characteristics.
Some of the most common Pineapple Express strain relatives include:
- Pineapple Trainwreck
- Freedom Express
- Midnight Express
