Terpene of the Month: Caryophyllene
The more we discover about cannabis the more we learn there is much more involved than simply THC and CBD. Prohibition of cannabis did not deter the cultivation on this medicinal plant, it simply moved it underground.
Because of the risk, cultivators learned growing techniques to produce the highest THC yields. We are learning that high THC may not be right for everyone and there are many compounds in the plant that have various medicinal benefits.
The different varieties or cultivars (“strains” are for viruses) all have different levels of cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes. All the various combinations are why some cannabis varieties may work better for some patients than others.
Beta-Caryophyllene is a natural bicyclic sesquiterpene found in many essential oils including lavender, black pepper, oregano, cinnamon, basil, black caraway, copaiba, ylang-ylang, rosemary, and clove.
Caryophyllene is anti inflammatory. This terpene has even been seen to reduce inflammation in the GI tract. Cannabis varieties high in caryophyllene would make a great choice for patients suffering stomach discomfort or other gastrointestinal issues.
Beta-Caryophyllene is a CB2 receptor antagonist. It has shown positive effects on anxiety and depression in mice. In mice, studies have also shown potential use for neuropathic pain and chronic pain.
The violent, costly, and unnecessary war on cannabis is finally coming to an end- thankfully, but not soon enough. Future generations will laugh at the fact narcotics departments trained drug sniffer dogs to detect caryophyllene and alert their handlers.
New users or those returning to cannabis after many years may also be excited to find caryophyllene may also reduce the high of THC. There are many reports coming from within the community that chewing (or even sniffing) peppercorn may bring you down if you get uneasy. CBD will also help with this, so if you’re new to this it may be helpful to keep a CBD vape or tincture nearby in case of an emergency.
Years of misinformation has left a lot of questions and caused countless of grief. We are finally being acquainted with a medicine as old as time. Keep an open mind and try new varieties and different ways of administration. Be sure to journal everything to help you find the perfect medicine for your wellbeing.
References
1. National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Database; CID=5281515, https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/5281515 (accessed Nov. 1, 2018).
2. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2008 Jul 1; 105(26): 9099–9104. Published online 2008 Jun 23. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2449371/
3. Bahi A1, Al Mansouri S2, Al Memari E2, Al Ameri M2, Nurulain SM3, Ojha S3. Physiol Behav. 2014 Aug;135:119-24. Epub 2014 Jun 13. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24930711
4. A.-L. Klauke1, I. RaczCorrespondence, I. Racz, B. Pradier, A. Markert, A.M. Zimmer, J. Gertsch, A. Zimmer DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euroneuro.2013.10.008
5. Somchai Rice, Jacek A. Koziel 2015; 10(12): e0144160. Published online 2015 Dechttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4684335/