Terpenes are becoming a household name these days. As we discover more about terpenes, we’re beginning to understand more about their significance. We previously covered some terpene basics in a previous post. Today, we’re going to dive into the traits and effects of one cannabis terpene in particular: caryophyllene.
What are Cannabis Terpenes?
Terpenes (which take their name from turpentine, one of the first terpenes used commercially) are a class of organic compounds. They’re famous for their sensory abilities: to convey smells and tastes.
Terpenes develop naturally in certain types of plants and animals, including cannabis plants. Some plants use them to ward off predators. Others use them to attract beneficial symbiotes. For example, plants use terpenes when they attract pollinating insects.
Cannabis plants develop terpenes as they mature, too. Researchers have discovered about 120 cannabis terpenes to date. These terpenes give different strains of cannabis plants their profile of tastes and aromas. One of these delightful terpenes is caryophyllene.
Terpene Profile: Caryophyllene
Caryophyllene, officially called “beta-caryophyllene,” is a spicy, herbaceous terpene. You can commonly find it lending a sharp, distinctive scent and taste to herbs and spices. Some common kitchen ingredients with caryophyllene include oregano, black pepper, cinnamon, and basil. It’s also prevalent in hops. Outside of cannabis, you can find caryophyllene in some food additives, cosmetics, and nutraceuticals.
Although more than terpenes exist, caryophyllene has something truly unique about it. It’s the only terpene that some researchers also consider to be a cannabinoid. That’s because it appears to bind readily with cannabinoid receptors in your brain. That’s given it quite the wide array of possible effects.
Caryophyllene: Possible Effects
Terpenes don’t just carry smell and taste. Many also have some effects on the human body. And caryophyllene is no different. Some of the benefits of caryophyllene may include:
- Antidepressant Effects: According to some researchers, caryophyllene may be able to reduce the effects of certain stress reactions that can trigger despair.
- Reducing Inflammation: A study in the Nutrients journal from 2020 discovered that caryophyllene appears to help control chronic inflammation.
- Neuroprotective Properties: This theory builds off of caryophyllene’s ability to reduce inflammation. Microscopic inflammation in the nerve cells appears to have an impact on several degenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s, MS, and dementia. At least one study surmises that caryophyllene could reduce this neuroinflammation to protect nerve cells.
Strains with Caryophyllene
- Sour Diesel: One of the most famous strains to contain caryophyllene is Sour Diesel (also called “Sour D”). This classic cultivar (another word for strain) features the unmistakable scent of diesel fuel. Caryophyllene contributes to Sour D’s complex aroma.
- Girl Scout Cookies: Caryophyllene earns a merit badge in the family of strains known as Girl Scout Cookies. As a result, many strains in that family—such as Tropicana Cookies, for instance—can have a terpene profile high in caryophyllene.
- Chemdawg: This one shouldn’t be surprising if you know Chemdawg’s ancestry as a descendent of Sour Diesel. The origins of Chemdawg are a bit mysterious, but we do know that it’s packed with plenty of caryophyllene.
Interested in learning about other strains that contain caryophyllene? You can check out our full inventory to discover new strains, extracts, and more that feature this intriguing terpene.
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