Spice/Gasoline • Vaporises at 119°C (246°F)

Caryophyllene can show up smelling musky and spicy or earthy and sweet. You likely consume caryophyllene without even realising it in black pepper; as well as cinnamon, cloves, and oregano.

Caryophyllene was one of the first cannabis-derived compounds – other than THC, CBD, and CBN – which was found to bind directly to endocannabinoid receptors in the body.

Caryophyllene is unique because it’s the only terpene that also acts as a dietary cannabinoid. That means it activates our endocannabinoid system, binding with CB2 receptors. This activation is responsible for its reputation as a pain reliever, but this terpene has a variety of other purported medicinal benefits, ranging from better sleep to protecting our brain, and even extending our lives.

Caryophyllene is a unique terpene in several ways; the molecular structure has three isoprene units, making it bigger than other terpenes, which only have two. It also contains a cyclobutane ring, where the shape of the cyclobutane compound is twisted.

Cyclobutane rings are rare due to torsional strain (resistance to twisting) and aren’t present in other cannabis terpenes.

Description provided by ACS Lab.