Caryophyllene

Beta-caryophyllene is a sesquiterpene with a distinctive spicy, woody aroma that occurs widely in nature. You'll recognize it as the dominant terpene in black pepper, cloves, and oregano, and it's also found in significant concentrations in rosemary, basil, and copaiba oil [1]. In cannabis, caryophyllene typically represents 2-25% of the total terpene profile, particularly in strains with spicy or peppery notes.

What makes caryophyllene unique among terpenes is its larger molecular structure — as a sesquiterpene, it contains 15 carbon atoms compared to the 10 found in monoterpenes like limonene or myrcene. This structural difference allows it to interact directly with cannabinoid receptors, specifically functioning as a selective CB2 receptor agonist [2]. This receptor binding activity is unprecedented among dietary terpenes and explains why the FDA has granted caryophyllene Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status while acknowledging its cannabinoid-like properties.