Caryophyllene
Spicy, peppery, with warm woody notes
At a glanceCaryophyllene (beta-Caryophyllene · a cannabis terpene) smells of spicy, peppery, with warm woody notes. Caryophyllene is the terpene that makes some strains smell like fresh-cracked black pepper. It is unique among common terpenes because it can also bind directly to CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system — a fact that makes it a favorite subject of cannabis research. Also found in black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, oregano, basil.
What is Caryophyllene?
Caryophyllene is the terpene that makes some strains smell like fresh-cracked black pepper. It is unique among common terpenes because it can also bind directly to CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system — a fact that makes it a favorite subject of cannabis research.
| Aroma | Spicy, peppery, with warm woody notes |
|---|---|
| Also found in | Black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, oregano, basil |
| Also called | beta-Caryophyllene |
Effects context
Because of its CB2 activity, caryophyllene is the most-studied terpene for potential therapeutic relevance, particularly around inflammation in preclinical models. Human data remains thin — promising chemistry, not a prescription.
Strains with caryophyllene-like flavor notes
Frequently asked questions
- What does caryophyllene smell like?
- Caryophyllene smells spicy and peppery, like black pepper, cloves, or cinnamon.
- Why is caryophyllene special?
- It is the only common cannabis terpene known to bind directly to CB2 receptors, which is why researchers study it more than most terpenes.
- Which strains are high in caryophyllene?
- Peppery, spicy, or diesel-adjacent strains are often caryophyllene-rich.