Get to Know a Cannabis Terpene: Caryophyllene

Black Pepper, Cloves, Cinnamon, and Cannabis all contain beta-caryophyllene. Image Source: Author.

Beta-caryophyllene (BCP or caryophyllene) is the terpene that gives certain strains of cannabis that spicy smell. It’s also found in spices like cinnamon, pepper, and cloves. Because it interacts with the endocannabinoid system’s CB2 receptor like a cannabinoid (THC, CBD, etc.), it also has some exciting medicinal potential. This has also made some researchers argue for its inclusion as a cannabinoid. Common in both cannabis and nature, this terpene is also an FDA-approved food additive. It was also the first cannabinoid classified as a dietary cannabinoid!

In the perfume world, beta-caryophyllene’s long lasting spicy, woody scent is versatile, and excels in many different applications such as soaps, perfumes, and fabric softeners.

With this vast array of uses and US government approval to use beta-caryophyllene in food, beta-caryophyllene is in thousands of patent applications. It’s included in applications for products that include CBD, melatonin, and beta-caryophyllene to promote sleep, it is included in topical applications to clear up acne. Because of its flavor it’s included in a stevia sweetener patent that includes taste profile modifiers.

The many uses of beta-caryophyllene are also standing up to the rigors of science. Its ability to interact with the CB2 receptor has made it a focus of many different…