The Many Benefits of Caryophyllene

There are over a hundred terpenes in cannabis, and this terpene isolate might be the boldest. Learn about the aroma and properties of beta-Caryophyllene.

Known for its pungent and powerful black pepper aroma, beta-Caryophyllene (pronounced bay-tuh carry-oh-fi-lean) is one of the most unique terpenes. Not only is it commonly found in some of the most popular cannabis strains on the market, but β-Caryophyllene has many impressive properties. 

While some terpenes smell fresh and fruity, Caryophyllene is an unforgettable, undeniable blend of sweet and spicy. This isolate is even an approved food additive and can be found in cloves, cinnamon, hops, and basil. You can also find Caryophyllene in essential oils containing rosemary, ylang-ylang, and caraway. 

Read on and learn more about the potent, spicy terpene isolate, beta-Caryophyllene.

Alpha-Caryophyllene vs Beta-Caryophyllene

First, let’s get one thing straight. Simply saying “caryophyllene” can be misleading since alpha-Caryophyllene and beta-Caryophyllene are two different terpene isolates.

Also known as Humulene or alpha-Humulene, alpha-Caryophyllene is a sesquiterpene similar to beta-Caryophyllene. They have the same molecular formula, just different chemical structures. This allows alpha-Caryophyllene to bind with the same endocannabinoid receptors that Beta-Caryophyllene binds to. This is why some theorize that plants dominant in alpha-Caryophyllene provide some of the same sedative properties of cannabis dominant in beta-Caryophyllene.

This terpene has a uniquely earthy flavor with a bitter woody overtone that immediately makes you think of beer. That’s because this isolate is responsible for the recognizable aroma of hops! It’s also found in plants like sage, ginseng, coriander, and cannabis.

But enough about alpha-Caryophyllene. Let’s bring things back to beta-Caryophyllene.

Cannabis and beta-Caryophyllene

Did you know that most cannabis strains contain beta-Caryophyllene or alpha-Caryophyllene? It’s true! Cannabis product manufacturers often use them due to their unmistakable flavor. But which strains are more Caryophyllene-dominant?

Plants with lots of this isolate, including cannabis, often taste and/or smell like freshly ground pepper. It’s sharp, sometimes sour, and will immediately make your nose twitch in the best way possible. Sometimes, it’s VERY subtle. Don’t sweat it, though. Here are three cannabis cultivars dominant in beta-Caryophyllene.

Super Lemon Haze

While you might assume this zesty cultivar is dripping in d-Limonene, Super Lemon Haze is more dominant in beta-Caryophyllene. Originating from Lemon Skunk and Super Silver Haze, its sweet, candy-like lemon aroma has a hint of pine that’ll stimulate your mind and put a much-needed pep in your step. 

HAZE FACTOR: 97%

LOUD FACTOR: 79%

King Louie XIII

As the descendant of OG Kush and LA Confidential, it makes sense that King Louie XIII is straight gas. Its Gas Factor is literally 100%, and until recently, it was the gassiest cultivar we’d ever measured (check out Bacio Gelato for something EVEN gassier). The dank terpene profile of this cultivar is loud and in your face with elements of wood, earth, and the perfect sharp hit of lemon. 

GAS FACTOR: 100%

LOUD FACTOR: 100%

GG4

Dominant in both beta-Caryophyllene and alpha-Caryophyllene, GG4 is seriously potent. The cultivar is a powerful combination of Chem’s Sister, Sour Dubb, and Chocolate Diesel, and the couchlock it can induce is legendary. The terpene profile is mildly floral with tangible notes of wood, spice, and skunk. It’s got an in-your-face dankness that’ll overwhelm your senses in the best way possible. 

LOUD FACTOR: 94%

GAS FACTOR: 93% 

Abstrax Tech | Celebrate Spicy, Woody Aromas with β-Caryophyllene

At Abstrax Tech, we conduct industry-leading, peer-reviewed research to push the industry forward with better education and collaboration. We are passionate about the cannabis industry and the broad applications of aromatic compounds, and we’ll continue promoting excellence in research and innovation. 

Do you have questions about incorporating terpenes and flavorants into your formulations? Want expert assistance developing the right aroma and flavor for your products? We’re here to help.

Contact us, and let’s get started today!

Cannabis Profiles with beta-Caryophyllene

SHOP Super Lemon Haze

Super Lemon Haze has a zesty lemon aroma that’s candy-like without overpowering the senses. The subtlest hint of pine sets off the flavor and makes it a heady solution for daytime errands, hikes, or afternoon lulls.

SHOP King Louie XIII

Heavy is the head that wears the crown. Indeed, this monarch carries the traditional OG impact concentrated in a pleasantly cranial direction. This profile is just straight gas. If you want to get loud, look no further. The king is here.

SHOP GG4

Respected, often feared, and usually sold out - Gorilla Glue #4 is potent in more ways than one. The aroma is mildly floral but mainly earthy with tangible notes of wood, spice, and skunk. Just don’t try to fight the euphoric couch lock.

SHOP beta-Caryophyllene

A prominent terpene produced in trichomes, beta-Caryophyllene is also found in large quantities in traditional medicinal plants like black pepper, black caraway, cloves, basil, oregano, cinnamon, and many others. This is a uniquely spicy terpene. beta-Caryophyllene is a core ingredient of many contemporary spices, fragrances, soaps, and lotions.