Bisabolol: Discover This Lesser-Known Cannabis Terpene

The bisabolol terpene derives from the essential oils of plants typically used in traditional holistic systems, including chamomile and cannabis. Aside from the interest it's garnering from the scientific community, bisabolol also holds pride of place in the eyes (and taste buds) of cannabis users, as it contributes delightful flavors and aromas to certain strains. Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about bisabolol, from its flavor and aroma to its fascinating effects.

Chemistry of the Bisabolol Terpene

Terpenes are truly remarkable natural compounds that do much more than make cannabis smell and taste good. These chemicals play critical roles in ecosystems, from helping trees and fungi communicate amongst themselves to protecting plants against UV rays, pests, and pathogens. These are the functions of terpenes, but what about their form?

You can look at terpenes as chemical Lego sets. All of these compounds are made up of individual building blocks (or Lego bricks) called isoprene units—small molecules containing five carbon atoms. By forming head-to-tail connections with each other, isoprene units assemble into bigger structures, otherwise known as terpenes.

Monoterpenes, such as pinene and limonene, are the smallest of this chemical class, possessing just two isoprene units and a total of 10 carbon atoms. As a bigger molecule, bisabolol falls into the category of sesquiterpenes. These compounds are made up of three isoprene units and possess a total of 15 carbon atoms.

Bisabolol has a chemical formula of C₁₅H₂₆O. However, the terpene has several different isomers—molecules that feature the same atoms but in different arrangements. As the most common and well-studied of these chemicals, α-bisabolol exists as two different enantiomers: (+)-α-bisabolol and (-)-α-bisabolol (also known as levomenol). Other isomers include β-bisabolol and bisabolol isomer A.

Aside from its presence in certain cannabis strains, bisabolol also occurs elsewhere in nature, including in chamomile, sage, patchouli, and some varieties of lavender.

A-Pinene

Anti-inflamatoire
Aids Memory
Anti-bacterial
Bronchodilator

Also found in
pine needles

Linalool

Anesthetic
Anti-convulsant
Anti-anxiety
Analgesic

Also found in
lavander

Beta-CaryophYllene

Anti-inflamatory
Analgesic
Protects cells lining the
digestive tract

Also found in
black pepper

Myrcene

Sedative Effect
of strong Indicas
Sleep Aid
Muscle Relaxant

Also found in
in hops

Limonene

Treats Acid Reflux
Anti-anxiety
Antidepressant

Also found in
in citrus

A-Pinene

Anti-inflamatory
Bronchodilator
Aids Memory
Anti-bacterial

Also found in pine needles

Linalool

Anesthetic
Anti-convulsant
Analgesic
Anti-anxiety

Also found in lavander

Beta-Caryophillene

Anti-inflamatory
Analgesic
Protects Cells Lining the Digestive Tract

Also found in black pepper

Myrcene

Contributes to Sedative Effect of Strong Indicas
Sleep Aid
Muscle Relaxant

Also found in hops

Limonene

Treats Acid Reflux
Anti-anxiety
Antidepressant

Also found in citrus

Aroma and Flavor of Bisabolol

As a minor or secondary terpene in cannabis, bisabolol shows up in far lower concentrations than major terpenes such as limonene and myrcene. That said, α-bisabolol still contributes noticeable flavors and aromas to select cannabis cultivars. The aromas of bisabolol can be divided into three categories. Sweet and floral notes, reminiscent of chamomile flowers, dominate the profile, while secondary undertones of honey and vanilla contribute further sweetness. Finally, notes of fruit, nuts, and pepper complete the profile. The flavors of the terpene largely match its smell, with sweet, floral, herbal, and earthy tones dominating the mix.

Effects Associated With Bisabolol in Cannabis

Aside from contributing pleasant flavors and aromas to specific cannabis strains, bisabolol may also directly influence their effects. While cannabinoids such as THC and CBD are most responsible for the effects of certain cannabis varieties, terpenes are capable of synergising with cannabinoids and steering the effects in certain directions.

Overall, bisabolol exerts a soothing, relaxing, and physical effect. Research hasn’t yet uncovered whether bisabolol directly binds to receptors of the endocannabinoid system in the same way as THC; however, both bisabolol and THC activate T-type calcium channels^[1], which are the targets of drugs aimed to combat pain and other neurological ailments, hinting at a possible molecular synergy.

Bisabolol Terpene: A Look at the Research

Researchers are currently testing a range of cannabis terpenes for their therapeutic potential, including bisabolol. Currently, research on this sweet and floral terpene remains in the early stages. While each study offers important insight into its potential effects, it’s important to note that cell and animal studies don’t always accurately represent how compounds work in the human body. With this in mind, let’s take a look at what the research has to say about bisabolol's clinical potential.

Bisabolol: Evidence Continues to Mount for This Cannabis Terpene

Bisabolol plays an important role in the cannabis experience. In certain strains, it contributes to a soothing and relaxing high. On top of this, it also imparts complex yet complementary flavors of earthiness, flowers, herbs, honey, and vanilla. Aside from this, studies continue to test the terpene against various cell and animal models of disease in hopes of uncovering its therapeutic potential.

Strains High in Bisabolol

After reading all of that, we’d hazard a guess you’ve developed a newfound interest in the bisabolol terpene! If you want to experience what this phytochemical has to offer in the context of cannabis, try your hand at growing some of the strains below that offer relatively large quantities of this minor cannabinoid.

• Wedding Gelato

As our version of the legendary Ice Cream Cake, our skilled breeders created Wedding Gelato by crossing parent strains Wedding Cake, Gelato, and Gelato 33. This potent mix created a slightly indica-dominant hybrid that produces a staggering THC content of 25% alongside high levels of the bisabolol terpene. Start your grow by soaking your seeds in a glass of water for 12–24 hours. Then, sow them into cell trays filled with a high-quality potting mix. Add a pinch of mycorrhizal fungi to assist root development and boost resilience against fungal infections. At the end of week one, you’ll have 3 cm tall seedlings ready to transplant. Move them into 10–15 l pots amended with organic matter and additional nutrients. Expect your plants to grow to 10–15 cm by the end of week two and 20–25 cm by the end of week three. Apply LST and topping at this stage if you want to keep your plants stealthy and compact. Move any plants outdoors at this point if you plan on finishing them under the open sky. Depending on pot size and training techniques used, you can expect your plants to reach anywhere between 40–150 cm by the end of veg.

Defoliate your canopies as your plants transition into bloom, ensuring each bud site has exposure to direct light. Expect your plants to stretch up to 60–200 cm during flowering. Flush your plants during the final two weeks to improve the flavor of your harvest. Prepare to pull in up to 450–500 g/m² from indoor plants after a flowering phase of 8–10 weeks. Outdoors, plants will produce 350–400 g/plant ready to harvest during early October. After processing your flowers, prepare to experience a powerfully uplighting and euphoric high alongside delicious flavors of citrus, earth, fruit, and herbs.

Wedding Gelato

Wedding Gelato

	Wedding Cake x Gelato x Gelato 33
	16 to 19 oz/m²
	2 to 3 feet
	8 - 10 weeks
	THC: 25%

	Sativa 40% Indica 60%
	12 to 14 oz/plant
	4 to 7 feet
	Early October
	Calming, Euphoric, Physically Relaxing, Uplifting

Buy Wedding Gelato

• Diesel Auto

If you’re seeking to experience the benefits of bisabolol, then you have to try Diesel Auto. Not only does this strain provide ample levels of bisabolol, but she charges from seed to harvest in a matter of weeks. Our breeders created this lightning-fast cultivar by crossing the original Diesel with a high-performing ruderalis specimen, a pairing that infused Diesel Auto with 40% sativa genetics, 30% indica, and 30% ruderalis. To get started, simply directly sow your seeds into 11 l fabric pots. Keep them moist and turn on your lights for 24 hours per day as soon as sprouts emerge through the soil. Your seedlings will reach a height of 2–3 cm by the end of week one, 9–11 cm by the end of week two, and 15–20 cm by the end of week three. Your plants will be mature enough to handle outdoor conditions at this point if you plan to move them out into the elements. During week four, they’ll start to produce pre-flowers and shift into bloom.

Prepare to watch your specimens stretch up to 40–110 cm during flowering depending on pot size and the training techniques used. They’ll develop thick, resinous and tapered colas over the coming weeks. Flush during the final 1–2 weeks and prepare to harvest up to 375 g/m² indoors and 110 g/plant outdoors after an entire growing cycle of just 13–14 weeks. Get ready to enjoy a mellow and relaxing high alongside pleasant flavors of diesel, citrus, and fruit.

Diesel Auto

Diesel Auto

	Diesel x Ruderalis
	11 to 13 oz/m²
	1 to 2 feet
	8 - 10 weeks
	THC: 14%

	Sativa 40% Indica 30% Ruderalis 30%
	2 to 4 oz/plant
	2 to 4 feet
	13 to 14 weeks after sprouting
	Calming, Clear

Buy Diesel Auto

• Candy Kush Express

As the offspring of Sweet Special and the legendary OG Kush, Candy Kush Express boasts quick flowering times, excellent yields, and high quantities of bisabolol to boot. Sow seeds directly into 10–15 l pots and switch on your lights for 24 hours per day once sprouts pop out of the soil. Only water your plant once the top 3 cm of soil dries out completely to minimise the emergence of fungal diseases. Apply organic liquid fertilisers high in nitrogen and watch your plants grow to 5 cm, 12 cm, and 20–25 cm by the end of weeks one, two, and three, respectively. Move plants outdoors once the risk of frost has entirely passed to capitalise off of free solar energy. Apply light defoliation as your plants transition into bloom to aerate the canopy and increase light penetration.

You’ll notice potent aromas of candy and fruit permeate the air every time you enter your growing space during bloom. Your plants will stretch to 60–170 cm as flowering hormone production spikes. Make sure you have enough stash jars to store away up to 525 g/m² from indoor plants and 500 g/plant from outdoor specimens after a brief flowering phase of 7–9 weeks. Brace yourself for a deeply stoning and relaxing high alongside scrumptious tastes of sugar and fruit.

Candy Kush Express (Fast Flowering)

Candy Kush Express (Fast Flowering)

	Sweet Special x O.G. Kush
	17 to 18 oz/m²
	2 to 3 feet
	7 - 9 weeks
	THC: 18%

	Sativa 40% Indica 60%
	16 to 18 oz/plant
	3 to 6 feet
	Early September
	Physically Relaxing, Stoned

Buy Candy Kush Express (Fast Flowering)