Beta-Caryophyllene is a bit of a rebel in the terpene world. While most other terps are out there binding to the CB1 receptors in your brain and nervous system, Beta-Caryophyllene (BCP for short) prefers to roll with the CB2 crowd in your peripheral system. It’s not here to give you a heady high, it cares only about making sure your joints feel lubed and your body feels grooved. In fact, it’s the only known terpene with the power to directly activate a cannabinoid receptor on its own.
BCP is a pain reliever, anxiety treater and inflammation reducer. It’s also been found to reduce alcohol dependency in some studies, opening the pathway for this terp as a natural addiction treatment. Its anti-inflammatory capabilities show big promise in the science of anti-aging as well, since brain inflammation is a precursor to cognitive impairments.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that this feel-good terpene is also naturally found in most ingredients you’d put on a pizza. Beta-Caryophyllene has a spicy kick to its taste and scent, and it’s a key component of hops, black pepper, oregano, rosemary, basil and cinnamon. In cannabis strains that have a high level of BCP, you can expect an herbaceous kick that wakes you up before mellowing you out.
Interested in trying the benefits of Beta-Caryophyllene for yourself? Talk to our cannabis advocates in Sun City and Tempe to get fitted with the best strains for you.
Caryophyllene features:
The only terpene that can bind to a cannabinoid receptor by itself
Aroma:
Dry, sweet, spicy, woody
Also found in:
Black pepper, oregano, cloves, basil, rosemary
Observed benefits:
Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic, Antibacterial, Antidepressant, Antioxidant
Notable sample strains:
501st OG, Monster Cookies, Sour Cherries, Z Cube
