What is Beta-Caryophyllene?
It is the most common sesquiterpene in cannabis and the most abundantly produced terpene in nature. It is the only terpene known to directly activate the CB2 receptor. Therefore, it is sometimes also classed as an atypical cannabinoid
Beta-Caryophyllene is naturally occurring in black pepper, cloves, hops, rosemary and in many of the known cannabis strains.
Beta-Caryophyllene in Cannabis
Caryophyllene is a terpene, so it can’t be a sativa or an indica. But it can be found in both indica and sativa strains, and there are plenty of hybrid strains that have high levels of caryophyllene.
POTENTIAL BENEFITS
Anti-inflammatory
There are numerous inflammatory diseases that affect the digestive tract. Colitis is one such disease where inflammation of the intestines causes pain, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and even increases risk for cancer. In mice that were experimentally given colitis, treatment with caryophyllene helped by decreasing inflammation in the colon.
Supports the immune system
CB2 receptors are found in immune tissues throughout the body and are increased in the brain in disease or following injury. Their activation reduces inflammation, which lessens pain and reduces the damaging consequences that chronic inflammation has on brain function and risk for developing brain diseases.
Promotes digestive health
Antimicrobial
Antibacterial
Antioxidant
Analgesic (relieves pain)
The data suggest that, in many cases, caryophyllene can provide pain relief. In one study, scientists injected mice with caryophyllene and found that they experienced less pain than those treated with the control solution. Furthermore, caryophyllene enhanced the pain-reducing strength of low-dose morphine. This could be one reason why those using prescription opioids from pain are often able to decrease their dose of opioids when they begin using medical cannabis.
Anxiolytic (relieves anxiety)
Beta-Caryophyllene can produce calming sedative effects and is valued for its anti-anxiety properties. In fact, this terpene may be responsible for the reported relief that comes from chewing black peppercorns during acute anxiety attacks.
