Caryophyllene – only terpene to bind to the same receptors as THC

Caryophyllene is a terpene that is found in many plants, including black pepper, cloves, hops, rosemary, basil, oregano, and black caraway. It is a unique terpene because it is the only one that binds to the same receptors as THC. This means that caryophyllene can have a similar psychoactive effect to THC, but it does not produce the same level of intoxication.

Caryophyllene has a number of potential benefits, including:

• Pain relief
• Inflammation reduction
• Anti-anxiety
• Antidepressant
• Antibacterial
• Antifungal

Caryophyllene can be consumed in a variety of ways, including:

• Smoking or vaping cannabis strains that are high in caryophyllene
• Ingesting essential oils that contain caryophyllene
• Applying topical products that contain caryophyllene

If you are interested in trying caryophyllene, be sure to talk to your doctor or a qualified cannabis professional first.

Additional details about caryophyllene:

• Molecular structure: Caryophyllene is a sesquiterpene, which means that it has a long carbon chain. It has a chemical formula of C15H24.
• How it acts: Caryophyllene binds to the CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is a network of receptors and neurotransmitters that plays a role in a variety of bodily functions, including pain, inflammation, and mood.
• Potential benefits: Caryophyllene has been shown to have a number of potential benefits, including pain relief, inflammation reduction, anti-anxiety, antidepressant, antibacterial, and antifungal effects.
• How to consume: Caryophyllene can be consumed in a variety of ways, including smoking or vaping cannabis strains that are high in caryophyllene, ingesting essential oils that contain caryophyllene, or applying topical products that contain caryophyllene.

Caryophyllene Flavor and aroma:

A pungent, peppery smell and taste. Not spicy in the sense of tasting hot (that’s capsaicin you’re thinking of), but the bitter-sweet, musky aroma and flavor which even mild bell peppers have. Some might be able to separate the flavor better in cloves, which have similar flavors while accomplishing their hot sensation using a different active ingredient (eugenol).

What Caryophyllene does:

In brief, caryophyllene works as a separate, stand-alone drug. It is prescribed stand-alone in topical ointments and cremes, as an analgesic (which means it relieves pain). Caryophyllene has been clinically proven in extensive studies to alleviate or treat all of the following conditions:

• atherosclerosis
• osteoporosis
• colitis
• osteoarthritis
• diabetes
• cerebral ischemia
• liver fibrosis
• anxiety and depression
• Alzheimer-like disease types

In addition, cancer studies have shown caryophyllene to be synergistic with Paclitaxel, a chemotherapy drug, and even helps suppress tumor growth on its own.

Studies have shown that caryophyllene suppresses alcohol cravings and even retards some of the addictive and behavioral effects of alcohol consumption. So it’s been suggested as an alcoholism treatment as well.

So that’s an amazing amount of work for a terpene to do! Caryophyllene is one of the primary reasons “medical cannabis” is a thing.

Where to find Caryophyllene:

Caryophyllene is abundant in the following strains:

• Lavender
• Candyland
• Blueberry Cheesecake
• Death Star
• Original Glue
• Cookies and Cream
• Purple Punch
• Super Silver Haze
• Skywalker
• Rock Star

In short, most strains with a musky, cabbage or pepper aspect tend to be high in caryophyllene.

Caryophyllene Fun facts: