Caryophyllene
Category: Scientific · Level: Expert
Caryophyllene is a cannabis terpene with a spicy, peppery aroma that uniquely acts as a CB2 receptor agonist, making it both a terpene and a functional cannabinoid.
Beta-caryophyllene (BCP) is a sesquiterpene that gives cannabis a peppery, spicy and woody note. It is also abundant in black pepper, cloves, hops, rosemary and cinnamon, so the smell is familiar long before anyone opens a jar of flower. In many modern cultivars it is one of the three most abundant terpenes, often alongside myrcene and limonene, and it is common in strains of the Cookies and Gelato families.
What makes it unusual: in laboratory studies beta-caryophyllene binds to the CB2 cannabinoid receptor, which is found mainly on immune cells. That makes it the best known example of a dietary compound that acts on the endocannabinoid system, and it is why it is sometimes called a dietary cannabinoid. It does not act on CB1, the receptor behind the THC high, so it is not intoxicating. Research in cells and animals has looked at anti-inflammatory and pain related effects; results in people are still limited, and it is approved as a food flavoring rather than a medicine.
In practice: caryophyllene is heavier than monoterpenes such as limonene and pinene, so it survives drying and curing better and remains in many extracts. Its oxidation product, caryophyllene oxide, is often cited as the compound drug detection dogs pick up. On a lab report it appears as beta-caryophyllene, often next to humulene, a closely related terpene that frequently travels with it.
Also known as
Beta-caryophyllene, BCP
Used in
- Medical
- Scientific
Related terms
- Entourage Effect: The entourage effect is the proposed synergistic interaction between cannabinoids, terpenes, and other cannabis compounds that may enhance overall therapeutic effects.
- Terpene: Terpenes are aromatic organic compounds produced by cannabis and many other plants, responsible for distinct flavors and scents, and potentially contributing to therapeutic effects.
- Limonene: Limonene is a cannabis terpene with a citrus aroma, studied for potential anti-anxiety, antidepressant, and anti-cancer properties.
- Myrcene: Myrcene is the most abundant terpene in commercial cannabis cultivars, producing earthy and musky aromas, and studied for sedative and anti-inflammatory properties.