What is Caryophyllene? Everything To know About this Cannabis Terpene

By: Jon Guinn

What is Caryophyllene? Terpenes, organic molecular compounds produced by many different plants and some insects, have recently peaked the interest of scientific researchers as well as cannabis growers and consumers.

Caryophyllene is one such cannabis terpene that really stands out from others on account of it’s kick of spice on the nose and it’s unique molecular design that gives it the potential to aid in many ailments of the human body, specifically:

Reduce inflammation
Reduce pain
Fight brain diseases
Improve immune function

According to researchers, finding Caryophyllene in nature is about as difficult as finding a decent cocktail on Manhattan’s Lower East Side on a Friday night.

There is a Darwinian explanation for this. According to an article on Medical News Today terpenes make themselves present in plant biology to help keep themselves from being eaten by animals, insects.

Caryophyllene isn’t the kind of molecular compound that will make you contemplate existence, or make pizza taste like you’re having it for the first time.

So what is the big deal about this cannabis terpene Caryophyllene? Why are researchers fawning over Caryophyllene as opposed to other terpenes ? And why should us cannabis consumers care?

Caryophyllene, aside from its peppery pungency, is distinguished by its unique structure that allows it to interact directly with the endocannabinoid system.

For those of us who got a D in high school biology, like myself, Pharmacologist Dr. Ruth Ross very eloquently explains in her Ted Talk the ins and outs of this fascinating body system.

It can get complicated but, in simple terms, it’s a web of neurons and receptors that help the brain communicate with the body in response to stimulus in our external environment as well as our internal environment.

She goes on to describe it as being similar to the fight or flight mechanism that we all have. For example, lets say your roommate is stressing you out.

Your brain senses your stressful roommate and sends a signal throughout your body. Your body produces adrenaline and noradrenaline which flows through your bloodstream to increase fitness to either destroy your stressful roommate or leave your apartment for a little while.

The endocannabinoid system works much in the same way, except way more chill. There are two kinds of endocannabinoids, anandamide and 2-AG.

They are produced in our brains at specific times to send signals via the endocannabinoid system to regulate specific body functions such as appetite, mood, memory, stress, pain, inflammation, immune function, sleep, motivation and memory. Yeah, pretty important stuff.

There are two different kinds of cannabinoid receptors (CBRs), CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are located primarily in the brain and central nervous system while CB2 receptors are mainly located in the immune tissues surrounding the central nervous system.

The two most well known and coveted phytocannabinoids THC and CBD act on these receptors. THC binds with the CB1 receptors in the brain and is thus responsible for the psychoactive effects experienced during cannabis use.

CBD has a different molecular structure that does not bind with these receptors found in the brain and, instead, binds with the CB2 receptors found in the surrounding tissues of the body.

This makes CBD a popular choice for people who want the health benefits cannabis has to offer without the psychoactive effects of THC.

You must be wondering now, what does this all have to do with Caryophyllene? Put simply, Caryophyllene’s unique molecular build, as expressed before, allows it to bind to CB2 receptors and facilitate many great benefits the same way that CBD does.

What are the Caryophyllene benefits?

Caryophyllene is quite an impressive terpene. Much like CBD, it helps to reduce inflammation, and pain throughout the body.

In one study, caryophyllene has also shown strong potential in helping reduce brain inflammation which is a root cause of Alzheimer’s disease.

CB2 receptors are largely responsible for reducing inflammation in the body. They increase in our body whenever there is internal or external physical trauma.

Endocannabinoids are produced by our brain and then sent to different CB2 receptors to decrease that inflammation and alleviate pain.

Essentially, the Caryophyllene found in plants has been shown to assist in the same role.

What cannabis strains test high in Caryophyllene?

Caryophyllene shows up in every type of strain (sativa, indica, hybrid) and isn’t necessarily more common in one type more than another.

A couple indica strains that test high in Caryophyllene are the herbaceous Master Kush as well as the danky and sedating Death Star.

A couple Sativa strains are Ohio’s very own Lemon G, as well as the energizing and citrusy Sour Diesel. Some hybrid strains are the classic GSC (Girl Scout Cookies), the equally tasty Moon Cookies, and Gelato.

FAQs

What else is Caryophyllene good for?

If it isn’t obvious by now, Caryophellene is a pretty kick ass terpene as far as health is concerned. It has many commercial uses such as being an ingredient in food as well as being used in many different topical skin-care creams and essential oils.

Caryophyllene is also one of the primary essential oils found in hops. However, you will not find these oils in the finished product of your favorite craft beer, as they do not endure the high heat of the brewing process.

What else is Caryophyllene found in?

Whether you were aware of the benefits of Caryophyllene or not before reading this article, it is very likely that your body has been aware of its benefits your whole life as it is found in some of the most common spice rack essentials; black pepper, cloves, oregano, rosemary and cinnamon.

So as you can see, Caryophyllene is a powerful terpene that deserves your appreciation as a cannabis consumer.

Moreover, Caryophyllene serves as an excellent example of the diversity of benefits existing within the cannabis flower and is a strong arm for cannabis researchers in the stance against the pervasive resistance frustrating the progress of cannabis normalization.

Jon Guinn is a writer who focuses on cannabis culture and lifestyle.