Beta-caryophyllene (ß-caryophyllene) is perhaps the most commonly encountered terpene in both nature and household products. It is found in an abundance of cannabis strains as well as non-cannabis plants. ß-caryophyllene’s distinctive flavor and aroma contributes to the spiciness of black pepper and is also abundant in basil, copaiba, black caraway, oregano, lavender, allspice, fig, roman chamomile, cloves, hops, cinnamon, ylang-ylang, and rosemary. Because it is so frequently encountered in foods, it is one of the few terpenes that the FDA recognizes as “safe” to consume in large doses.¹

There is much excitement around ß-caryophyllene within the terpene and cannabis industry along with the medical sector because studies have shown it to be the only known terpene that also acts as cannabidiol.

To summarize terpenes versus cannabidiol (CBD) – terpenes are the isolated oil of a plant that makes up the plant’s natural flavor and scent. Alternatively, CBD is the naturally occurring oil in a cannabis plant that provides the non-psychoactive feeling of calm and wellbeing while also activating the human endocannabinoid system (ECS).² The ECS regulates the function of the nervous system, brain, endocrine, and immune systems while also modulating the production and release of hormones related to reproduction and in response to stress. Assisting the ECS through high-quality CBD consumption has wide-reaching implications in the healing of a variety of ailments, including arthritis, MS, and Alzheimer’s Disease.

Typically, when a terpene is combined with CBD, the terpene contributes to what is known as the entourage effect, which enhances the therapeutic and quality of experience that a consumer might have. ß-caryophyllene is unique because it is a terpene possessing its own therapeutic qualities while activating the ECS without the addition of CBD.

ß-caryophyllene is widely recognized for its use in both acute and debilitating states of pain relief, but also has applications for immune system enhancement,³ stress and anxiety reduction,⁴ and anti-inflammation. It also has been found to promote healthy gut and digestion by protecting the cells that line the digestive tract.

While ß-caryophyllene is widely found in a variety of non-cannabis plants, it is also found in high ratios in the cannabis strains Royal Cookies, OG Kush, White Widow, Death Star, Blueberry Cheesecake, Candyland, GSC, Cookies and Cream, GG4, Purple Punch.

Production of has ß-caryophyllene terpene oil has been the source of struggle for many terpene providers in terms of providing high quality and standardized ratios. LabEffects technology ensures that their pure isolated terpenes and profile matching of ß-caryophyllene and caryophyllene oxide (the oxidized form of ß-caryophyllene) contain standard proportions and molecule quality from bottle to bottle.