Terpenes 101 – Caryophyllene

You can find it in everything from black pepper and basil to oregano and cloves. It’s profoundly spicy and delivers a flavorful and pungent bite. Many people consume some level of it every day. What is it? The caryophyllene terpene, which just happens to be one of the most abundant terpenes found in cannabis.

While terpenes are often perceived as purely aromatic or flavor compounds, these cannabis chemicals bring far more to the table than is recognized. Take a closer look at caryophyllene below, as well as caryophyllene effects and where to find the most of this terpene when shopping for strains.

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What is the caryophyllene terpene?

Caryophyllene is one of the most prominent terpenes found in cannabis. Cannabis is an exceptionally terpene-rich plant. While the exact number of terpenes in cannabis can vary based on the strain and its genetics, it’s estimated that there are over 150 different terpenes that can be found in cannabis. Scientifically, caryophyllene is usually referenced as the beta-caryophyllene terpene or simply abbreviated as BCP.

Caryophyllene is unique in its form, effects, and size. This particular terpene is larger than most others like limonene or pinene. And its structure contains a unique structural element that differentiates it from other terpenes. This difference in structure also means that caryophyllene is the only known terpene known to interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) much like cannabinoids.

Caryophyllene Terpene Effects

While there have not been a lot of studies on the effects of beta caryophyllene, the few that have been conducted paint this terpene in a therapeutic light.

One of the most talked-about caryophyllene effects is its potential to target pain or physical discomfort. Animal studies have shown that caryophyllene may have its own analgesic properties. This could be important information for individuals that use cannabis or cannabinoids for pain. The proposed analgesic properties are likely to go hand in hand with the fact that caryophyllene has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Another noteworthy effect of caryophyllene is how it affects the reward centers of the brain to help with addiction. Studies have looked at caryophyllene as a supportive agent for everything from food addiction to substance abuse disorders related to drugs like cocaine. While the outcomes have been promising, more research needs to be carried out to get a better understanding of any roles the terpene could play in addiction treatment.

In addition to pain and addiction, caryophyllene has been studied for other therapeutic purposes, such as:

• Gene stress reduction to support longevity
• Targeting inflammatory conditions that affect the digestive system
• Supporting mood stability for people with certain mood disorders
• Combatting the development of dental plaque
• Targeting certain illnesses through antimicrobial properties
• Supporting the remineralization of bones

The Effects of Caryophyllene and Cannabinoids

Not only does caryophyllene seem to have a lot to offer alone, but it may also have important therapeutic potential when combined with cannabinoids. Researchers refer to cannabinoids and terpenes working together as the entourage effect, and this effect may be especially prominent when it comes to the caryophyllene terpene. Since caryophyllene also acts on the ECS, combining this terpene with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD) may enhance the overall therapeutic effects you experience for certain ailments.

High Caryophyllene Strains to Try

Caryophyllene is especially abundant in cannabis. Therefore, it can be found at some levels in many modern strains. A few strains to look for with more noteworthy levels of beta caryophyllene include:

• Miracle Alien Cookies (MAC) by Forest City
• Pineapple Upside Down Cake by Clovis Farm
• Rebel Cookies by Rebel Grown
• Planet of the Grapes by Green Castle Reserve
• Ghost Train by Smuggler’s Notch Cannabis
• Yellow Cab by Bern Legacy

Explore Premium Terpene-Rich Flower at Cambridge Cannabis Company

Whether you are looking for strains heavy-laden with caryophyllene or simply looking for terpene-rich strains for the best experience, we’ve got you covered at Cambridge Cannabis Company. We source cannabis from only the most trusted, attentive cultivators in Massachusetts. Therefore, the flower that becomes part of our inventory is always flavorful, aromatic, and high quality. Be sure to take a look at our picks for the top cannabis strains in MA, and explore our menu to see our inventory at any given time.

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By Cambridge Cannabis Company

August 17, 2023