The cannabis plant is famously comprised of many different cannabinoids and terpenes. The terpenes are responsible for giving cannabis its distinctive flavor and aroma, and they also have certain effects and benefits. Caryophyllene terpene is one of those terpenes.
But what exactly is caryophyllene terpene? What are the caryophyllene effects that you need to know about? And what are some caryophyllene dominant strains? In this guide, we’ll cover all you need to know about the caryophyllene terpene.
What is
Caryophyllene Terpene?
Before we look at caryophyllene terpene effects and strains, let’s first focus on what this compound actually is. Caryophyllene, which can also be known as beta caryophyllene, is a type of terpene – a natural compound found in many plants that gives those plants their scents.
Cannabis plants have over 100 known terpenes, and caryophyllene is just one of many. However, what makes this unique terpene different to all the others is that it can actually act like a cannabinoid, despite not technically being one.
What does this mean? Well, just like CBD and THC, beta caryophyllene is believed to be able to interact with cannabinoid receptors in the human body’s endocannabinoid system and trigger certain effects or benefits.
What Does
Caryophyllene Smell Like?
Every terpene has its own scent, and caryophyllene or β caryophyllene is no different. The smell of this terpene is said to be quite spicy or peppery. This makes sense, as it’s actually found in black peppercorns, as well as cannabis plants.
What is
Caryophyllene Used for?
So, what are some beta caryophyllene effects and uses? Well, as explained above, this terpene is found in pepper and is responsible for black pepper’s spicy flavor and smell, so it’s actually used quite a lot in cooking and place a key part in many recipes.
You might not know it, but you’ve possibly cooked with caryophyllene many times in the past and eaten lots of dishes and desserts that contain it. It’s also sometimes used by food companies as a flavoring, adding spicy or citrus scents to things like chewing gum.
Not only that, but another intriguing use of this terpene is to stabilize beer. It almost acts like a preservative, and it’s found naturally in hops, which are used to make beer and other drinks. And, if all that wasn’t enough, it’s also mixed in with certain cleaning products and detergents.
What Are the Benefits
of Caryophyllene?
Next, let’s look at some positive or desirable caryophyllene effects that might be of interest to you. Because, just like other terpenes, caryophyllene can actually offer certain tangible, noticeable benefits in the human body when consumed.
More studies are needed to find out about beta caryophyllene effects, but the evidence so far suggests the following:
- Anti-inflammatory – It is believed that caryophyllene could help to reduce or soothe inflammation in the body. A 2018 study on rats showed that this terpene helped to calm inflammation caused by arthritis.
- Anti-cancer – A 2016 study produced promising results on the concept of caryophyllene being used to help treat cancer. More studies are needed, but the 2016 research suggested that this terpene was able to slow the growth of cancerous cells.
- Anti-anxiety – Like many other terpenes, caryophyllene has been listed as a possible ingredient to ease feelings of stress and anxiety in the user. One 2014 study involving mice found that caryophyllene had mood-enhancing properties.
- Pain-relief – It’s even possible that caryophyllene could help to soothe pain. A 2013 study with mice showed that the animals experienced a lessening of pain responses after being injected with this particular terpene.
What Are
Caryophyllene Effects?
People can react differently to different terpenes, and the effects you experience may vary based on your health and bodily responses. In addition, more studies are needed to truly determine what this terpene is capable of. However, in many people, evidence shows that caryophyllene can bind to CB2 receptors and provide the following effects:
- Immune system support
- Possible pain relief
- Possible inflammation relief
- Promoting a soothing, relaxing mood
Cannabis Strains with
the Highest Beta
Caryophyllene Content
So, we’ve seen some of the main caryophyllene terpene effects and health benefits, and you might like to try this terpene for yourself. Here are some of the main cannabis strains that have been shown to contain high levels of caryophyllene.
- Sour Diesel – Also known as Sour D or Sour Deez, this is a Sativa strain made from a blend of Chemdawg and Super Skunk.
- Gelato – This is a hybrid and well-balanced strain, also sometimes called Larry Bird, made from Thin Mint GSC and Sunset Sherbet.
- Sherbet – Also known as Sherbert or Sherbet OG, this strain is Indica-dominant, and it’s made from a mixture of Girl Scout Cookies (GSC) and Pink Panties.
- Do Si Dos – Also referred to as Dosi or Dosidos, this hybrid cannabis strain is known for high THC levels.
