Terpinolene is a terpene with a complex aroma that people describe as fresh, herbal, floral, piney and fruity all at once. It is found in tea tree, lilac, nutmeg, cumin and apples. In cannabis, it is less common as a dominant terpene than myrcene or caryophyllene, but when it leads, it gives strains a distinctive bright and slightly sweet smell.
A number of classic strains often sold as "sativas" are terpinolene-dominant. That has led to an association between terpinolene and a lighter feel, but as with all terpenes, research in people is limited, and the strain label does not guarantee effects. We describe terpinolene by aroma and flavor.
If you notice you like products with a fresh, fruity, slightly piney aroma that is hard to pin down, check whether terpinolene tops the terpene panel. It is a useful clue when you are trying to find similar products.
Terpinolene is volatile, so freshness and storage matter. It tends to come through best in fresh flower and live concentrates.
Comparing terpene panels is one of the easiest ways to learn your own preferences beyond strain names and the indica/sativa label.