Caryophyllene Terpene: Strains, Effects, Benefits, Characteristics & More

Have you heard of the iconic caryophyllene terpene? This naturally occurring compound gives some weed strains a spicy fragrance and taste.

Terpenes play a big part in the genetic makeup of marijuana plants. Each one has a unique flavor and scent that contributes to the strain’s aromatic profile.

Keep reading to discover all there is to know about caryophyllene, from its effects and benefits to its fragrances and flavors. We also investigate which strains contain the highest levels of this terpene.

Let’s dive in.

What is the caryophyllene terpene?

Terpenes have various flavors, from floral and sweet to citrus and spice. They’re a secondary compound found in almost all plants, including cannabis.

They’re made as a by-product to support the development of the plant’s main compounds, which in the case of marijuana are cannabinoids. 

Terpenes have various effects on stimuli that affect the crop, like bacteria, insects, fungi, and other stressors. They also give plants a distinct smell. 

Formally known as β-caryophyllene or beta-caryophyllene, caryophyllene results in a peppery scent and taste. This compound is also present in other spices, like black pepper, oregano, and basil. 

It’s found in chewing gum, used to stabilize beer, and mixed with detergents and cleaning products. When you enjoy an aromatic meal, it’s usually because it contains caryophyllene.

On a terpene chart, caryophyllene is most similar to myrcene, pinene, and humulene. Alongside it sit limonene, terpinolene, linalool, and ocimene, which deliver a more floral, sweet, and fresh scent.

The caryophyllene in weed binds with your brain’s CB2 receptors. This interaction potentially provides medicinal benefits from cannabis strains containing this terpene. A terpene can act similarly to a cannabinoid, even though it isn’t one.

Caryophyllene effects and benefits

Terpenes have several effects and benefits. The genetics of a weed strain decide what sensations it provides, and the terpenes work similarly to cannabinoids. 

These compounds typically bring positive feelings likened to a “runner’s high.” They bind with your body’s receptors to create chemical interactions that result in euphoric emotions.

Caryophyllene’s effects make it popular among weed enthusiasts. These sensations may ease many unwanted symptoms, bringing about calmness and tranquility.

Here’s a breakdown of the potential β-caryophyllene effects:

• Recreational effects: This terpene typically provides relaxing, soothing, and sedating sensations. 

• Anti-inflammatory: Caryophyllene may soothe inflammation, ease symptoms related to arthritis, and boost your immune system.

• Anti-anxiety: This terpene shares may ease anxious feelings. Many users report experiencing less stress after consuming weed with β-caryophyllene.

• Pain relief: Research points towards caryophyllene being able to soothe pain throughout your body.

• Anti-cancer: While unconfirmed, some researchers believe caryophyllene has properties that may treat cancer symptoms.

• Soothes gastric issues: If caryophyllene combines with THC, it may prevent or ease symptoms related to discomfort in the stomach.

• Addiction relief: The interaction between caryophyllene and CBD might aid users in combating addictions.

• Antibacterial: Caryophyllene potentially helps fight off infections caused by bacteria and plaque build-up.

Caryophyllene smell and taste

The beta-caryophyllene terpene’s weed flavor is pungent, musky, and peppery. It has a strong spicy and woody scent, giving you a nose-burning sensation.

Caryophyllene isn’t all spice, as combining it with other terpenes can produce a sweet, floral smell. You may also notice herbal fragrances wafting off weed buds with this dominant terpene, similar to humulene and myrcene.

Caryophyllene is well-known as the pepper terpene. You can commonly find this compound in food additives like black pepper and cinnamon.

This terpene has a nostalgic, cinnamon-sweet flavor with hints of spiced steak and pumpkin pie. It’s a complimentary taste to accompany the other terpenes in marijuana buds.

Cannabis strains with a high caryophyllene content

There are a couple of caryophyllene terpene strains, and I’ve listed my top three picks below.

Cereal Milk

Cereal Milk feminized is a sweet-tasting hybrid strain. It has high THC levels of 18–23% and an impressive parent lineage. This cultivar provides energetic and euphoric effects and potentially treats anxiety and depression.

Pink Rozay

Pink Rozay feminized buds have a delectable fruity, nutty, and spicy flavor. The indica-dominant genetics complement the 16–18% THC. Like a sweet Rosé, this strain offers arousing and euphoric sensations and may ease stress and anxiety.

CBD OG Kush

CBD OG Kush feminized gives off an earthy, citrus, and classic kush aroma. This strain has high CBD levels of 15% and is mostly indica. It delivers focused, relaxed, and uplifting effects and may eradicate insomnia and migraines.

A peppery sweet sensation

The caryophyllene terpene is commonly found in cannabis plants. It offers an array of benefits, including relaxation, sedation, and pain relief, among others.

People use this terpene daily in cooking to spice up their food. It provides marijuana buds with a herbal, peppery, and woody scent.

Do you want to give caryophyllene-dominant strains a try? Head to the Homegrown store to browse our cannabis seeds. We have a wide range of cultivars, sure to suit every need.

FAQs

Now that I’ve given you all the information about this terpene, do you have any unanswered queries? Read on for the answers to the most frequently asked questions.

How does cultivation affect the beta-caryophyllene levels in cannabis?

A study in 2023 revealed that weed crops cultivated outdoors tend to have higher levels of β-caryophyllene than indoor plants.

Are there any side effects of beta-caryophyllene?

Studies show there aren’t any adverse side effects of this terpene. Any unwanted sensations may come from overconsumption of cannabis.

Does the caryophyllene terpene affect the intensity of the high?

Caryophyllene increases the chances of a cannabis strain being able to treat pain, depression, and anxiety. It may enhance the intensity of positive emotions.

How does caryophyllene interact with other terpenes in cannabis?

If caryophyllene interacts with the humulene terpene, it may promote anti-inflammatory properties. Each compound offers unique benefits, so combining them may enhance various effects and flavors.

Is the beta-caryophyllene terpene indica or sativa?

Beta-caryophyllene is a terpene, which means it doesn’t fall into a specific genetic group. A strain with this compound can be an indica, sativa, or hybrid.