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Terpenes are the compounds naturally found in plants which give them their individual aromas and flavours and they are all around us. The effects of terpenes are still being studied but research so far has suggested they may offer a vast array of therapeutic properties including the ability to alter and boost the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids (such as THC and CBD - which we’ll explore in a bit more detail later) in the body.
Different terpenes can also be found in medical cannabis. And below we’ll be exploring caryophyllene and medical cannabis.
Since 2018, medical cannabis has been legally available in the UK when prescribed by a specialist doctor through licensed clinics like Alternaleaf for 50+ conditions. You can find out if you’re eligible for a medical cannabis prescription by completing the quick questionnaire on our website.
Please note: Cannabis based medicines are prescription-only medicines. They may not be suitable for everyone, and eligibility is determined by independent clinical assessment. Treatment is not first-line and outcomes vary; benefits are not guaranteed, and side effects and risks exist.
But firstly, let’s dive into caryophyllene properties. Caryophyllene is a naturally occurring terpene found in cannabis and a range of other plants, including black pepper, cloves, oregano, basil, and hops. It gives these plants their distinctive spicy and peppery aroma.
Within cannabis, caryophyllene plays a role in shaping the plant’s overall profile, influencing both flavour and aroma. But it’s also attracted scientific interest because of how it interacts with the body, which we’ll be diving into below.
Why Is Caryophyllene Considered Unique Among Cannabis Terpenes?
Caryophyllene is notable and considered unique among cannabis terpenes because it can directly interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (more on that later). Unlike most terpenes such as limonene, myrcene, and linalool, which primarily influence aroma and may have indirect effects, caryophyllene is able to bind to cannabinoid receptors. But what are cannabinoid receptors? Well, let’s rewind to the endocannabinoid system.
How Does Caryophyllene Interact With the Endocannabinoid System?
The endocannabinoid system, also known as the ECS, is a messenger and receptor system that experts believe plays a big role in homeostasis (the management of balance) within the human body. Research suggests that the ECS influences and modulates mood, appetite, sleep, pain, inflammation and much more.
One of the core components of the ECS are the cannabinoid receptors, which includes CB1 and CB2. They’re one of the main reasons behind why some researchers believe medical cannabis has the potential to work positively on so many different conditions. THC and CBD, two compounds found in cannabis that you’ll hear about when researching medical cannabis, can interact with and influence these receptors to potentially regulate pain, mood sleep and more. And, like we mentioned above, caryophyllene is so unique, because unlike other terpenes in medical cannabis, research suggests that it is able to bind to CB2 cannabinoid receptors.
What Does Research Say About Caryophyllene?
So, you now know the link between the endocannabinoid system and caryophyllene. But what does this mean for you? Let’s explore caryophyllene research.
This interaction is thought to play a role in how the body responds to inflammation and discomfort, helping explain why caryophyllene is often discussed alongside cannabinoids rather than only as a flavour or scent compound.
And the potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of beta-caryophyllene in cannabis is part of the reason why medical cannabis may help ease these symptoms when they’re a result of certain health conditions.
But it’s also important to remember that a phenomenon known as the entourage effect, a hypothesis that suggests that sometimes THC and CBD, terpenes and other compounds like flavonoids working together, compared to when each compound is used in isolation, can potentially produce different effects on certain health conditions. We’ve got lots more information on the entourage effect here.
And just because there’s research that suggests a terpene may work a certain way, doesn’t necessarily mean it will be your reality. Different forms and strains of cannabis can impact everyone differently.
Which Cannabis Strains Commonly Contain Caryophyllene?
Terpene profiles can vary widely between different cannabis strains, meaning no two are exactly the same. The specific mix and concentration of terpenes is influenced by factors such as plant genetics, growing conditions, harvesting methods, and how the product is processed or formulated. As a result, even products derived from the same strain may have slightly different terpene compositions, which can affect aroma, flavour, and the overall effect. This phenomenon is known as phenotypes. For example, planting three seeds can result in three different variations of the plant. Or three different phenotypes.
Which links back to what we were saying above about how effects are often subjective. Not only do different blends of different terpenes have different effects on different bodies, but also the same blends! Basically, medical cannabis and terpenes in the UK and the rest of the world aren’t as simple as ‘this does this’ and ‘that does that’.
How Is Caryophyllene Used Outside of Cannabis?
Yes, like we said at the start of this article, it can be found in plants and foods such as black pepper, cloves, oregano, basil, and hops. But it’s also widely used in cosmetics, skincare products, and fragrances for its spicy, woody aroma.
Will Caryophyllene Make You Feel ‘High’?
Caryophyllene is not intoxicating and does not produce psychoactive effects, just like CBD.
THC is psychoactive, so it can produce the ‘high’ recreational cannabis users talk about.
THC and CBD are just two of over 100 cannabinoids, which are active compounds that can potentially cause effects throughout the body, found in the cannabis plant.
Caryophyllene FAQs
Does caryophyllene have medical benefits?
There is some research that suggests caryophyllene is able to bind to CB2 cannabinoid receptors, and potentially play a role in how the body responds to inflammation and discomfort.
Is caryophyllene prescribed on its own as a treatment?
No, caryophyllene is not prescribed on its own as a treatment. It’s naturally present as part of the terpene profile in certain cannabis strains - and originates from the plant itself.
Can caryophyllene help with inflammation or pain?
Research suggests that it may potentially play a role in how the body responds to inflammation and discomfort.
Will caryophyllene cause psychoactive effects?
No, caryophyllene is not intoxicating and does not produce psychoactive effects.
Summary
If you’re researching caryophyllene as a terpene or caryophyllene specifically in medical cannabis, we hope you found this article helpful.
If you’re considering medical cannabis, the best thing to do is speak to your clinician, or seek the help of a licensed medical cannabis clinic like Alternaleaf. Find out if you’re eligible by heading to our website and completing our 30 second eligibility checker.