~ Terpenes: ~ Beta-Caryophiliene ~

Terpenes do more than just give cannabis its flavor and aroma. Terpenes are found in more than 2,000 varieties of plants, flowers, trees and other vegetation. Their health benefits make them something to pay attention to when choosing strains of cannabis to treat your ailments. These pages will discuss the major terpenes in cannabis, their known benefits and which strains to find them in.


Fun Fact: Over 200 natural terpenes have been identified in cannabis strains. More than 20,000 terpenes exist in nature.
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Beta-Caryophyllene is found in items you likely eat regularly but may not even be aware of it. It is a spicy, earthy, somewhat peppery terpene that is commonly found in black pepper, rosemary, cinnamon and hops. This terpene is frequently used in cannabis and CBD topicals due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Potential medical benefits include:
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Anti-anxiety
  • Anti-depressant
  • Anti-cancer
  • Anti-carcinogenic
  • Analgesic
  • Gastric protectant
  • Curbs cravings for nicotine and alcohol
  • Reduces experience of pain
  • Neuro-protectant
  • Anti-proliferative
For those with chronic pain, cancer, anxiety and depression, this may be a terpene to seek out in your next cannabis purchase.

Sources of beta-caryophyllene include:
  • Black pepper
  • Cinnamon
  • Hops
  • Oregano
  • Cloves
  • Black caraway
  • Lavender
  • Basil
  • Copaiba balsam
  • Cannabis and hemp
Hops
Beta-caryophyllene was synthesized for the first time in 1964. Its cannabinoid-like properties were discovered in Europe in 2008. It attaches and reacts to CB2 receptors and may enhance the euphoric effects of THC.
Beta-caryophyllene is often abbreviated to BCP.

Health Conditions that benefit from BCP:
  • Atherosclerosis
  • Osteoporosis
  • Arthritis
  • Inflammatory disorders
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Gastrointestinal distress
  • Ulcers
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Neuropathy
  • Improve female reproductive system health
There are no known dangers or risks associated with ingesting natural sources of BCP.

Cannabis strains with higher concentrations of BCP include:
  • Rockstar
  • Sour Diesel
  • Chemdawg
  • Bubba Kush
  • OG Kush
  • Skywalker OG
  • Diamond Girl
  • AMS
Some of the above strains are commonly available in multiple recreational and medical cannabis markets. If they are not available, ask your dispensary to look for a grower to produce them to offer in the local area.