Phytol Effects and Benefits
The phytol terpene is a lesser-known but vital compound found in a range of everyday food products as well as some cannabis strains. Phytol has several known therapeutic effects and contributes to the flavor and aroma of many products in your fridge or pantry.
A working knowledge of terpenes like phytol can help you choose the perfect weed strain. This is because knowing how different terpenes work, how they could benefit your body, and how they impact the flavor and aroma of each strain allows you to pick the perfect strain to match your health goals and mood.
What Is Phytol?
Phytol is a terpene found in a wide range of different plants including green tea, tobacco, eggplants, tomatoes, and potatoes. Terpenes are the compounds that give plants their flavor, aroma, and color. Plants’ different terpenes work together to produce the characteristics or therapeutic properties we associate with each plant. In the case of cannabis, they interact with cannabinoids to produce each strain’s unique effects.
Phytol is a common ingredient in fragrances and in food products. Its fragrance and color make it a useful food additive and coloring agent to improve the flavor and appearance of different food products. It's also used in the production of synthetic vitamins like Vitamin E and Vitamin K1.
Where Is Phytol Found in Nature?
Phytol is found in some cannabis strains, green tea plants, raspberries, white cabbage, parsnips, and many other common plants. Green tea varieties like matcha are renowned for their antioxidant properties. This is partly thanks to the high concentration of chlorophylls in their leaves as well as the antioxidant properties of phytol.
What Does Phytol Smell Like?
Phytol has a grassy aroma with citrus notes.
What Are the Effects and Benefits of Phytol?
Phytol offers several impressive effects and health benefits:
Reduce Inflammatory Response
Phytol's anti-inflammatory properties attenuate inflammatory reactions in the spinal cord and the joints. Phytol may therefore help with arthritis symptoms.
Sedative Effects
Researchers found that phytol could produce sedative and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects. Strains with phytol could therefore be useful for insomnia and reducing feelings of anxiety.
Anticonvulsant
Phytol has been shown to exhibit anticonvulsant activity by modulating the neurotransmitter system. Though more research is needed, this could mean that phytol has potential in the treatment of seizures or epilepsy.
Which Cannabis Strains Contain Phytol?
Phytol is a common element in cannabis strains and contributes to various strains’ strong grassy scent. Ask staff in our Seattle dispensaries for weed strains containing phytol. Among them you'll find:
Jack Herer
Sativa, THC 18%, CGB 1%
This earthy, musky strain with hints of pine and a sweet/spicy kick is perfect when you need a boost of uplifting energy and creativity. Expect a blissful, clear-headed high after consuming Jack Herer.
Sour Diesel
Sativa, THC 19-25%, CBD 2%
Embrace a wave of energetic joy as you enjoy Sour Diesel, a stimulating, motivating, and uplifting strain that sets you up to face just about anything. Sour Diesel has a pungent, skunky aroma reminiscent of diesel with a hint of sweet, fruitiness and an earthy, herby, lemony flavor profile.
Cheese
Hybrid, THC 18%, CBD 0%
With a name like Cheese, what else could this strain taste and smell like? This is a skunky hybrid strain that will give you the best of both worlds; perfect for relieving stress together with a burst of joyful euphoria.
Caution: Avoid Vape Pens with Added Phytol
Vape pens are growing in popularity and are thought to offer a great alternative to smoking. However, researchers concluded in a 2021 study that inhaling phytol caused severe lung injury in rats. It's vital to proceed with caution when purchasing and using vape pens.
For the safest experience:
Only purchase vape pens from reputable, licensed dispensaries.
Check the certificate of analysis to determine which cannabinoids are present and the percentages of each in the vape pen (you should see a very high THC percentage and preferably zero phytol).
Look for “additive-free” vape pens.
To avoid safety concerns surrounding phytol, enjoy it in its natural form. Add phytol-containing strains to an edible or consume whole-flower products that naturally contain phytol as part of their terpene profile.
Phytol Weed Strains: A Return to Nature
Phytol weed strains are worth exploring if you’re seeking a strain that takes you back to nature. Their grassy, earthy flavor and aroma profile, reminiscent of a Sunday walk in the forest, could take you to a place of tranquility and peace.
Remember that phytol isn't a primary terpene, so research may be necessary to find the perfect phytol strain. You can also ask experts in your local dispensary to help you find some great phytol-rich strains to try.