Over the last few years, cannabis terpenes have established a prominent space in the cannabis industry. The use of terpenes in various canna-products is quite evident in the fact that it has a long way to go.
But what are terpenes? You already know a lot about terpenes and it is no surprise you and terpenes have a long history together. In other words, terpenes are chemical compounds that give lavender its sweet smell and orange its citrus smell.
Not only this but terpenes are also responsible for creating a relaxing effect. In fact, if you thought only cannabinoids have the ability to tend to certain health conditions, you are wrong.
Because terpenes also hold an important place. Both cannabinoids and terpenes work in tandem with each other to bring about a positive effect. Strikingly, the cannabis plant has several chemical compounds and each one of them is responsible for a specific task.
It is a collaborative effort of all the chemical compounds that produce positive results. Talking about the terpenes in general there are at least 20,000 of them in existence but the cannabis plant has around 100.
However, only some of the terpenes are present in high concentration and the rest of them occur in low proportions. Spice terpenes are one of them and this write-up is dedicated to this particular flavor profile.
What are spice terpenes?
Spice terpenes are not necessarily related to ‘spice’ in general but it produces flavors reminiscent of cinnamon, black pepper, and several others. There are many strains out there that fall under the spice category.
Some of the famous ones are Double Dream, Jack Herrer, Holy Grail Kush, and Super Jack. So it is fair to say that this terpene is a best fit for all the spice lovers out there. Spice terpenes go along with several food items but the spice is a flavor that comes out of caryophyllene terpene.
So basically, it is this terpene that has flavors similar to spice. Now, what is a caryophyllene terpene? Let’s read further and find out.
The king of spicy aroma – Caryophyllene
It is also known as BCP or beta-caryophyllene. If you want to know how exactly a strain with large quantities of caryophyllene smell like, pick a bottle of rosemary or clove oil, or sniff a stick of cinnamon.
Instead, other food items such as clove, black pepper, basil, and oregano too have caryophyllene in them. Talking about the composition, it is a bigger molecule that can be easily located in the cannabis plant. It is also bigger than terpenes like myrcene and limonene. Its molecular structure consists of a cyclobutane ring.
It is said that the presence of this ring makes this terpene an exception among others. It is a rare feature that is being studied regularly by experts and if you are looking forward to make a spicy treat. Make sure that strain has caryophyllene in it.
Additionally, caryophyllene is also associated with health conditions. How? Let’s delve deep into the endocannabinoid system and find out. Now the human body has an endocannabinoid system and it contains several receptors. Those receptors control an array of functions in the human body.
Two main receptors are CB1 and CB2. The former is located in the central nervous system and brain while the later in the peripheral organs. Now the cannabinoids of the cannabis plant have the ability to interact with the receptors in the ECS.
This is why it is possible for caryophyllene and other components to reduce the symptoms of conditions like pain, inflammation, anxiety, and depression. In fact, the molecular structure of this terpene permits it to bind with the CB2 receptors found in the peripheral system.
Also to understand how the receptors interact it is first vital to know that THC is the only compound of the cannabis plant that reacts directly with CB1 receptors and the reaction, in turn, leads to euphoria.
But the same is not the case with CBD or caryophyllene because its molecular structure is different from the rest of the terpenes as discussed earlier.
This means that it will not cause euphoria and can be easily associated with the activation of receptors to reduce inflammation or pain. Unlike other terpenes only it has the ability to come in direct contact with the CB2 receptor, thus making it one of the powerful terpenes.
Having said that, let us look at some of its potential benefits and discuss why you need to try them right away
Benefits of Caryophyllene
Strains that are rich in caryophyllene usually produce a relaxing effect. Most of the users who have experienced the benefits of this terpene are of the view that it creates an aura of calmness.
So if you are looking forward to relaxing yourself after a hectic day at office, strains like Sour Diesel, Bubba Kush, Gelato, Original Glue, etc will definitely work for you. Not only this but it is also effective in treating pain and inflammation. So it is fair to say that it is a medically promising terpene used for producing positive results.
In fact, many oncologists are researching its potential benefits and in a study, it was found that the activation of CB2 through caryophyllene can be an effective strategy in treating conditions like pain. The same study also went on to say that caryophyllene can treat cancer.
In addition to this, it is a valuable compound that has both anti-cancer and analgesic properties. Due to the fact that chronic pain is also associated with cancer, it becomes a particularly important compound for the oncologist to research. Mainly both compounds caryophyllene and caryophyllene oxide can be used as an alternative treatment for cancer.
So, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that this terpene does have a special place among the other chemical compounds of the cannabis plant.
Summing it up
Having talked about the benefits and essential properties of caryophyllene it is safe to say that if you want a taste of this terpene better get your hands on some of the good strains right now. With its pepper-like aroma, it will leave you wondering how can a spicy strain cause a relaxing effect.
But don’t stay away from the terpene because it has a pungent, and diesel-like smell. Because it can also be responsible for reducing the effects of chronic pain. So get yours today, sit, relax and decide if it can be one of your favorite terpenes too.
Author Bio:
Robert Sean is a writer by profession. He is working with Online Medical Card, a leading clinic that provides a medical marijuana card online. He aims at educating people about the medicinal use of cannabis.
