Pineapple Express

Family and aromatic profile

Cannabis (genus Cannabis, family Cannabaceae) synthesises terpenes in glandular trichomes — volatile compounds that define smell and flavour notes. Tropical and citrus notes are often linked to limonene and myrcene; «skunky» tones — to sulphur-containing compounds and certain terpenes. Combining these profiles in one cultivar is the result of targeted breeding.

Cultivar and origin

Pineapple Express is a hybrid cultivar associated with the seed bank G13 Labs; according to their information, the strain was developed in the mid-2000s. The lineage includes a Hawaiian line (Hawaiian or Hawaiian Skunk) and Trainwreck; some sources cite a Big Bud × Hawaiian Skunk cross. Hawaiian genetics give a tropical and citrus character; Trainwreck adds a stimulating, «sativa-like» effect. The name became widely known after the release of the 2008 comedy «Pineapple Express», though the cultivar existed before that.

Terpenes and inflorescence morphology

The terpene profile is dominated by myrcene and limonene, with caryophyllene and pinene present. Aroma when rubbed or when dried — tropical: pineapple, lemon, citrus, with a light skunky tone. Inflorescences are dense, with abundant trichomes; the sativa/indica ratio in descriptions is usually around 60:40. Flowering cycle in cultivation is about 56 days.

Cannabinoids and effect

THC content is most often in the 20–23% range. Effect — uplift, energy and clarity without marked anxiety; body relaxes moderately. In the botanical collection Pineapple Express is presented as an example of a cultivar with a tropical terpene profile and a «media» naming history.