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Pulegone

Pulegone Terpene Guide | Aroma, Effects, Vape Temperature | Elev8

Terpene Education

Pulegone Terpene Guide

Pulegone is the minty terpene found in herbs like peppermint and spearmint. Fresh, cooling, and aromatic, it stands out in profiles where mint dominates.

Aroma: minty, fresh, cooling Type: monoterpene Temp anchor: ~224°C (435°F)

Pulegone Infographic

Pulegone terpene infographic showing minty aroma profile, natural sources like peppermint and spearmint, and vaporizer temperatures around 224°C (435°F)
Visual breakdown of pulegone including aroma, common sources, and practical vaporizer temperature strategy.

What Is Pulegone?

Pulegone is a naturally occurring terpene in the mint family. It contributes a strong, fresh, mint-like aroma found in peppermint, spearmint, rosemary, and related herbs.

In cannabis, this terpene can give certain strains a distinctive minty or cooling profile. It is not one of the most common terpenes but shows up in aromatic cultivars with herbal character.

Aroma And Flavor Profile

  • Minty and cooling
  • Fresh herb green notes
  • Spearmint and peppermint hints
  • Herbal natural freshness

In a dry herb vaporizer, pulegone-rich flower can smell and taste crisp and mint-forward. Like other terpenes, its character is influenced by temperature and the overall terpene blend.

Best Vaporizer Temperature For Pulegone

Terpene boiling points vary by reference, but an often-cited target for pulegone is around:

  • 224°C (435°F) as a vaporization anchor point
  • Start lower: around 200°C to preserve minty top notes
  • Step up: toward 224°C to bring forward fuller herbal aromatics
Pro tip: Start low and build slowly. Jumping straight to 435°F can overwhelm delicate mint aromatics and flatten flavor.

Natural Sources Of Pulegone

  • Peppermint
  • Spearmint
  • Rosemary
  • Catnip and other menthol herbs

Pulegone is a defining aroma compound in many minty herbs, which is why peppermint oil, spearmint leaf, and similar botanicals smell so fresh and cooling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is pulegone?

Pulegone is a minty terpene found in peppermint, spearmint, and other aromatic herbs. It contributes a fresh, cooling mint aroma.

What does pulegone smell like?

It smells fresh, minty, and cooling — like peppermint or spearmint essential oils.

What vaporizer temperature is good for pulegone?

Many sources reference around 224°C (435°F). For best flavor build slowly from lower temps to preserve the delicate minty aroma.

Where else is pulegone found?

Peppermint, spearmint, rosemary, and other menthol herbs are common natural sources.

Is pulegone safe?

At natural levels in plant material, pulegone contributes aroma and flavor. Concentrated isolates are potent and should be handled with care: avoid heat, sparks, and prolonged skin contact.

Educational content only. Nothing here is medical advice.