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Caryophyllene is a rather unique terpene because it is known to interact with the endo-cannabinoid system (ECS) and produce a powerful anti-inflammatory response that can manage pain. Caryophyllene is the only terpene known to exist that can also act as a cannabinoid and interact directly with the ECS by binding to the CB2 receptors in the central nervous system.

Caryophyllene is found in many herbs/spices throughout the world; including Basil, black pepper, and oregano. People who smoke cannabis strains with high levels of caryophyllene often report a spicy warmth in the nose and mouth. This flavor is frequently compared to that of cinnamon and cloves.

Limonene is a wonderful aromatic found in the peels of citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes (Hence its name). It provides a fruity-citrus taste and often lends itself to a delightfully sweet smell. Unfortunately, there is not a large body of research into the specific biological effects or methods of action; However, some small studies exist and when combining data gathered from the experiences of those who smoke strains high in limonene, we can form a clearer picture of what effects it offers.

Limonene is most often associated with elevated mood and stress relief so there is limited clinical evidence that limonene-heavy strains have more powerful anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) properties.

Of Limonene’s most interesting medical benefits is its potential cancer-fighting capabilities. Limonene has been found to slow the growth of skin, breast, and mammary, tumors in both human and mouse models. Another study found that taking limonene supplements for 4-6 weeks helped stop the production of a protein called IGFBP-3, which in turn led to a reduction in breast tumor growth. Other labs have found benefits to limonene in Brain and Lung cancer models. It has also been found that limonene may help relieve the discomfort of heartburn and gastric reflux.

Limonene also seems to improve the absorption of other terpenes in delivery methods like topical lotions and balms as well as oral or sublingual administration routes. For this reason, it is ideal when making edibles or THC/CBD lotions.

α-Humulene produces earthy woody notes that consumers may relate to that of beer for a very good reason; cannabis and beer hops share Humulene as a common terpene.

The body of medical and biological research surrounding α-Humulene is augmented by the fact that it is an important ingredient to the medical effects of ginseng. Like Limonene, α-Humulene has been found to have some cancer-fighting properties. α-Humulene can produce Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) which plays an important role in the fight against tumors.

Another study from 2016 confirmed that α-Humulene has both anticancer and analgesic (pain-reducing) qualities.

β-Myrcene is terpene and a common ingredient in the essential oils of plants like hops, cannabis, lemongrass, bay leaves and most citrus fruits and citrus juices. β-Myrcene is one of the primary flavour components of hop essential oils and in all analyzed hop varieties is considered the most odour-active which is why Myrcene is regarded as being responsible for the “green hop” flavor and smell of beer. In cannabis it provides a sweet flavour with notes of spicy, earthy and musky on the nose.

β-Myrcene has been identified as being the primary terpene responsible for the ”couch lock” sedative effect commonly associated with Indica varieties of cannabis. Because of this, strains that are high in this terpene are more likely to produce powerful relaxing effects.

Generally speaking any strain with higher than 0.5% β-Myrcene content will primarily relaxing and ”couch locky”, while strains lower than 0.5% β-Myrcene will likely provide uplifting or euphoric feelings.