Wondering how you can maximize your experience with hemp? Beta Caryophyllene is a spicy terpene with a wide variety of therapeutic properties. Learn all about this powerful terpene in our latest guide!

While cannabinoids like CBD get a lot of attention, hemp plants are chock-full of a long list of compounds that may also be worthy of notice. Beta Caryophyllene is the perfect example. Caryophyllene is exactly what delivers that hint of spice or peppery aroma you may get when you smoke certain strains of hemp flower. But, what is caryophyllene, what are its benefits, and how can you get it? Here’s a closer look to build your knowledge base about this interesting hemp compound.

What is Beta-Caryophyllene?

Beta-caryophyllene is one of many terpenes found in cannabis plants, including hemp. The beta-caryophyllene terpene is actually one of the most dominant in the cannabis family of plants, but it can also be found in many other plants like cloves, black pepper, hops, cinnamon, and rosemary. Technically, beta-caryophyllene is classified as a dietary cannabinoid because it directly interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The terpene is also sometimes referred to as an atypical cannabinoid.

Beta-caryophyllene is actually one of the first non-cannabinoids in the cannabis plant that seems to interact with specific receptors of the ECS. The terpene may be similar in action to cannabinoids, but it is classified as GRAS (generally recognized as safe) by the FDA. The GRAS designation is something yet to be achieved by cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, or THC. Therefore, the compound is perfectly legal and approved for use in a range of products from food to supplements.

Beta-Caryophyllene and the Endocannabinoid System

The ECS is made up of CB1 and CB2 receptors. Caryophyllene interacts with the ECS through CB2 receptors, which are found throughout the bodily tissues, including in the immune system and the brain. No other major cannabis terpenes seem to interact with the ECS receptors in a significant way. Generally speaking, CB2 receptors are thought to help with things like inflammation and pain, among other things, when activated by either endocannabinoids or phytocannabinoids.

The Potential Benefits of Beta-Caryophyllene

Due to the beta-caryophyllene interaction with CB2 receptors, it is easy to assume that the beta-caryophyllene may play a role in things like pain relief or inflammation just like certain cannabinoid compounds. However, not every compound that activates CB2 receptors will produce the same outcome. Nevertheless, researchers have found beta caryophyllene benefits.

The terpene is thought to be beneficial for a range of conditions, including Alzheimer’s, colitis, and Parkinson’s disease due to its suspected analgesic, antioxidant, and possibly anti-cancer properties. Beta-caryophyllene has even been found to potentially have promise when used in conjunction with certain cancer treatments to reduce cancer cell growth.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

One of the possible beneficial beta caryophyllene effects is that it may act as an anti-inflammatory. Some studies suggest the terpene may help with inflammation associated with arthritis and alcohol-induced liver inflammation, but the compound has also been looked at as a potential aid for conditions like colitis and certain types of neuropathic pain.

Diabetes

In animal studies published in 2014, beta-caryophyllene seemed to help stabilize blood glucose levels, specifically when paired with certain diabetes medications. Scientists concluded that the administration of the terpene could potentially help with glucose homeostasis.

Anxiety and Depression

Research published in the Journal Physiology & Behavior stated that beta-caryophyllene may be beneficial in the treatment of certain mood disorders like anxiety and depression. This conclusion was made after animal studies found that the terpene seemed to have therapeutic effects on mice with anxiety or depression

High Beta-Caryophyllene Hemp Strains

Many hemp strains do contain some level of beta-caryophyllene. Some strains naturally contain a higher concentration than others. Many of the strains available at TIMBR Organics have been shown through lab tests to contain this terpene, including:

• Special Sauce
• Suver Haze
• Hawaiian Haze
• Fire OG
• Jack Herer

Among this list, the highest concentrations of beta caryophyllene are found in Fire OG, Jack Herer, and Hawaiian Haze. Since most consumers are looking for cannabinoid content, not all hemp suppliers test for terpenes. If you want full terpene effects, be sure to look for a supplier that publishes their lab reports on different products and have terpene concentrations listed.

Get to Know Beta-Caryophyllene with Quality Smokable Hemp

One of the beautiful things about smoking hemp is you naturally take in the full-spectrum of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other constituents in the plant. While terpenes are just now gaining recognition, caryophyllene is definitely stepping forward as a shining example of why each one is worthy of a closer look.

If you’re ready to try out hemp strains with the terpene beta-caryophyllene, check out our collection of strains at TIMBR Organics.

Thanks for reading our latest article! We hope you enjoyed our beginner’s guide to Beta Caryophyllene!

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, we’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to visit our blog to stay up to date on our latest guides and articles!

This article is not intended to serve as a substitute for advice or consultation from a certified doctor or health professional. Before trying CBD or hemp flower products, it is strongly advised to conduct your own research and consult with a licensed doctor. While the World Health Organization considers cannabidiol to be “generally well tolerated with a good safely profile,” more research is needed to properly evaluate the safety and efficacy of CBD for general use.

TIMBR Organics products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.