Author: offsidecannabis

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Terpene Spotlight: Beta-Caryophyllene

terpene spotlight: beta-caryophyllene

Welcome back to another edition of our terpene spotlight series. In each article of this series, we will explore a specific terpene and outline its effects and benefits within cannabis. To recap, terpenes are scented compounds that produce a unique taste and smell in plants like cannabis. They work together with cannabinoids like THC and CBD to maximize the benefits we can get from cannabis. We have learnt about limonene and linalool previously, and today we’ll be discussing beta-caryophyllene, a terpene that gives out a sweet aroma of clove with notes of wood.

What’s beta-caryophyllene?

Beta-caryophyllene, commonly known as caryophyllene, is one of the most well-known and well-researched terpenes in cannabis. This component is also present in the oils of numerous spices and food plants like black pepper, clove, oregano, and green vegetables. It can also be found in many essential oils and perfumes.

Beta-caryophyllene is the first known “dietary cannabinoid” that has GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) and is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for food use. It can be used as a flavouring agent or adjuvant and coloring agent for food. It can also be used as an anti-inflammatory agent and used to suppress intestinal bacteria.

Aromas and flavours

Beta-caryophyllene is often described as having a spicy, peppery, and woody scent, with a hint of clove and cinnamon. When it comes to taste, beta-caryophyllene can give a warm and peppery sensation to the palate with a blend of slight sweetness or bitterness.

Benefits of beta-caryophyllene in cannabis
Potential therapeutic strategy

Beta-caryophyllene activates many of the benefits of the endocannabinoid system – A system that consists of cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) and receptor type 2 (CB2) in our body. CB1 receptors are primarily responsible for the psycho-modulatory effects of cannabis, whereas CB2 receptors are powerful at treating inflammation, pain, atherosclerosis, and osteoporosis.

 

A 2008 research shows that beta-caryophyllene selectively binds to CB2 receptors in the human body, which makes it a functional agonist to treat inflammation, bodily pains, and muscle tension. This makes beta-caryophyllene a potential therapeutic strategy to improve metabolism and protect against neurodegeneration. Beta-caryophyllene may protect the brain and vascular system, improve stroke outcomes, prevent or help with Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, and provide many more benefits to our bodies.

Mood booster

Taking beta-caryophyllene may improve symptoms of mood disorders, and may reduce levels of depression and anxiety. Several studies found that Beta-caryophyllene has anti-cancer properties and antiproliferative effects, and the ability to prevent the spread of cancerous cells. Due to its powerful therapeutic properties, Beta-caryophyllene is considered by many as one of the most beneficial terpenes contained in cannabis.

 

Best way to get the most out of beta-caryophyllene

Beta-caryophyllene is found in various cannabis products, so there are many ways to consume it nowadays. For example, it can be ingested through inhalation or even consumed orally. Generally, a vaporizer with temperature control is usually the best way for you to get the most out of the terpenes found in cannabis, because the optimal temperature for each terpene varies widely. Additionally, we may also set our vaporizer at a different temperature depending on the desired effects we are looking for, so researching the temperature of the desired terpenes is key for a better experience.

Optimal temperature for vaping beta-caryophyllene

Beta-caryophyllene has a boiling point of around 246°C (475°F), which is a pretty high temperature to set if we want it to vaporize effectively. However, cannabinoids like THC and CBD and other terpenes may also vaporize at higher temperatures, which can affect the overall flavours and effects.

The range of 190-220°C (375-428°F) is often recommended for vaping cannabis, but some users may like a lower temperature for a more subtle effect, whereas some users prefer higher temperatures for stronger effects. It is always a good idea to consult your budtenders for advice when choosing a strain and vaporizer that suits your needs.

Beta-caryophyllene-dominant strains and products

Some strains like Cookies, White Widow, OG Kush, Bubba Kush, Sour Diesel, Sunset Sherbert, Gorilla Glue, and CNDYLND, are beta-caryophyllene-dominant. In offside cannabis, we offer a few beta-caryophyllene-heavy options for you to choose from, including in both buds and pre-rolls. Here are some that you may like.

 

Spinach – GMO Cookies – 3.5g – 28g

FIGR – GO STEADY BLACK CHERRY PUNCH – 3×0.5g

Broken Coast – Sunset Sherbert – 3.5g

 

Not sure what is best for you? Visit our store to ask our budtenders for recommendations. Click here to find your local store now.

References

  • Bahi A, Al Mansouri S, Al Memari E, Al Ameri M, Nurulain SM, Ojha S. β-Caryophyllene, a CB2 receptor agonist produces multiple behavioral changes relevant to anxiety and depression in mice. Physiol Behav. 2014 Aug;135:119-24. doi: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2014.06.003. Epub 2014 Jun 13. PMID: 24930711.
  • Fidyt K, Fiedorowicz A, Strządała L, Szumny A. β-caryophyllene and β-caryophyllene oxide-natural compounds of anticancer and analgesic properties. Cancer Med. 2016 Oct;5(10):3007-3017. doi: 10.1002/cam4.816. Epub 2016 Sep 30. PMID: 27696789; PMCID: PMC5083753.
  • Gertsch, J., Leonti, M., Raduner, S.,  Racz, I., Chen, J. Z., Xie, X. Q., Altmann, K., Karsak, M., & Zimmer, A. (2008, July 1). Beta-caryophyllene is a dietary cannabinoid. 105 (26) 9099-9104. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0803601105
  • Gordon, J. (n.d.). The 21+ Benefits Of Beta-Caryophyllene (The Common Cannabinoid). MyBioHack. Retrieved from https://mybiohack.com/blog/beta-caryophyllene-cannabinoid-pain-brain. 
  • Hartsel, J. A., Eades, J., Hickory, B., Makriyannis, A. (2016, February 19). Chapter 53 – Cannabis sativa and Hemp. Nutraceuticals: Efficacy, Safety and Toxicity. Academic Press. 2016. Page 735-754. ISBN 9780128021477. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-802147-7.00053-X.

National Center for Biotechnology Information (2023). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 5281515, Caryophyllene. Retrieved from https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Caryophyllene.

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Terpene Spotlight: Linalool

Terpene Spotlight: Linalool

terpene spotlight: linalool

Welcome back to another edition of our terpene spotlight series. each article of this series explores a specific terpene and outlines its effects and benefits within cannabis. To recap, terpenes are scented compounds that produce a unique taste and smell in plants like lavender, fresh oranges, and of course, cannabis. Terpenes are also meant to work with cannabinoids like THC and CBD to do the best job of cannabis. In the previous three editions, we have learnt about myrcene, pinene and limonene, and today we’re going to highlight a terpene that gives out a characteristic lavender scent – linalool.

What’s linalool?

Linalool is a floral and spicy terpene alcohol found in many flowers and plants, like lavender and coriander. This colourless oil acts as a metabolite, antimicrobial agent, and aroma compound in plants, which gives off a complex yet delicate floral aroma with a hint of spiciness. Linalool has significant medicinal benefits, which makes it one of the most commonly used terpenes by patients or those seeking balance in health and wellness.

 

In fact, you may have consumed linalool before, as linalool has been used in manufacturing products, like soaps, fragrances, household products and food additives, as a flavouring agent, although it may be called a different name – cariandrol. That’s why non-cannabis users are said to consume up to 2 grams of linalool every year. This amount of linalool may seem to be quite a bit to some, but there is very little risk of adverse effects indeed, as linalool does not stay in one’s body for long nor accumulate in the fatty tissues of our body or brain.

Lower stress levels and more

The benefits and effects of linalool are multitudinous, however, it is most widely used as a substance for the reduction of anxiety. Since ancient times, humans have started inhaling the scent of certain plants that may contain linalool to help lower their stress levels, fight inflammation, or combat depression.

 

This monoterpene compound is one of the most commonly found major components of essential oils of several aromatic species, many of which are traditionally used as sedatives. In the use of sufficient quantities, the serotonin released by linalool will help calm us down and fall asleep better.

 

Studies have shown that linalool could be a capable treatment for progressive brain diseases that cause cognitive and memory problems like alzheimer’s. Its sedative effects in larger quantities will also be significant enough to serve as a tranquillizer when administered properly by medical professionals.

Linalool in cannabis

We have already learnt how linalool is widely known for its relaxing and stress-relieving properties in the previous section, but linalool-heavy cannabis strains can actually do more than that. Since linalool is not the only component in a cannabis plant, it will interact with other terpenes and cannabinoids to create its unique traits. For example, when linalool interacts with limonene and cbd, it can help reduce anxiety or treat acne and other skin conditions like eczema. Some strains combine linalool with thc and cannabinol which enhance its soothing effects and help you sleep better.

 

The entourage effect – the phenomenon of the synergy between cannabinoids and terpenes, is what makes cannabis more valuable than terpenes or cannabinoids standalone. True efficacy relies on the combination of terpenes and cannabinoids, rather than an individual compound.

Best way to get most out of linalool

Gernally, a vaporizer with temperature control is usually the best way for you to get the most out of theterpenes found in cannabis. the optimal temperature for each terpene varies widely, so it is key to research the temperature of the desired terpenes you may want to release.

 

some strains are linalool heavy. in offside cannabis, we offer a few linalool-dominant options for you to choose from, including in both buds and vape carts. are also some that you may like.

 

Wedding Pie – Back Forty 

Back Forty, Wedding Pie is the marriage of wedding cake crossed with grape pie. This strain can reach very high potencies and is grown with organic practices. These vibrant green buds also have a flair of purple, almost three percent total terpene content and a spicy, cracked pepper profile. The top terpenes are trans-caryophyllene, linalool, farnesene, limonene and alpha-bisabolol.

 

Cherry Bomb – Jonny Chronic

Cherry Bomb generally has mild to moderate effects. It has gained popularity for daytime consumption. Effects take off fast, giving many consumers a strong buzz. Immediate effects tend to be active and mentally alert, but can border on antsy for some. With a tendency to smooth into a more focused state, you may want to tackle that to-do list or the next creative project. 


Mosa x Blood Orange – Mimosa and Blood Orange come together to offer a sweet orange flavour in a sativa-dominant hybrid cart with a terpene profile of limonene, alpha-pinene, and linalool.

 

Wedding Pie – Back Forty – 3.5g/28g

Animal Mints – Back Forty – 3.5g

Jet fuel Gelato- Pure Sunfarms – 3.5g/28g

Bubba – Pure Sunfarms – 3.5g

Cold Creek Kush – Redecan – 1g/3.5g

K-Tut – 1Spliff – 7×0.5g

 

Honeydew Boba Sativa 510 cartridge – General Admission – 1g

Mosa x Blood Orange 510 cartridge – Endgame – 1g 

Sour Apple 510 cartridge – Back Forty – 1g

 

References

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Linalool. Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linalool.

linalool