Caryophyllene
Terpenes: It's All In Your Nose - Caryophyllene By. Tone Chan
Most humans make contact and experience the effects of terpenes without even knowing it. They are found in several common spices many of us consume daily. The same terpenes present in spices and essential oils are also found in cannabis. If you’re a fan of black pepper, rosemary, or cinnamon you’ll probably also like Skywalker OG and Purple Punch because they all contain a popular terpene – caryophyllene.
Caryophyllene has been described as floral and earthy in some plants to citrus and musky in other plants. It’s also available in basil, fig, oregano, and cloves. This terpene has range, and it is probably one of the most interesting terpenes because of how it changes and how it works in the endocannabinoid system (eCS). It’s the most dominant terpene and can be found in high levels in the strains it is present in, making up 25% or more of the total terpene profile of a strain.
Similar to how linalool is found in many lavender scented soaps and lotions, caryophyllene can be found in common household products like cooking sauces, face products, and hair products because of the warm scent and sensation it provides. When in contact with or consuming products containing caryophyllene, users can experience pain relief and anti-bacterial benefits.
“BCP (Beta-Caryophyllene) has been found to affect the CB-2 receptors of the body’s eCS in much the same way as the CBD found in cannabis. It thus affects the peripheral nerve system, rather than the brain. As such, it affects the immune system in similar ways, reducing inflammation and associated pain,” according to Wikileaf “ A 2014 study found BCP and BCPO to reduce the neuropathic pain and pain caused by inflammation through both the endocannabinoid and the opioid systems of the body.”
Other benefits of caryophyllene includes;
- Pain management and reduces inflammation
- Immune booster
- Decrease anxiety and depression symptoms
- Helps addiction withdrawals including from nicotine
- Anti-malarial
- Gastroprotective
- Antibacterial and Antifungal
- Anti-tumor properties, studies found it can slow tumor growth
As more studies are being conducted on terpenes, including caryophyllene, scientists and consumers are finding that their uses go far beyond what we originally understood. However the effects of each terpene vary for each user since every human body has a unique eCS.
Caryophyllene is abundant in many cannabis strains and can be found in some classics including Girl Scout Cookies, Cookies and Cream, Bubba Kush, Sour Diesel, Gelato, Master Kush, and Chemdog. It’s fairly easy to find hints and detect in a strain. Cannabis and CBD topicals also contain high levels of caryophyllene due to it’s anti-inflammatory benefits and pleasant scent. If you’re a consistent cannabis user you have probably experienced caryophyllene and it’s vast effects. For those that are new to cannabis and terpenes, when shopping simply ask your budtender or caregiver which strains available, are high in caryophyllene so you can find out for yourself why this terpene works so well for those looking for highly effective pain and anxiety relief.
