Cannabis Strains Containing Caryophyllene Terpenes

Have you ever wondered what gives herbs like oregano distinct spiciness and heat? They contain caryophyllene, a terpene with a bite, and a spicy, sweet, and woody flavor. This aromatic compound isn't unique to oregano; it exists in other familiar ingredients like black pepper, basil, and cinnamon.

Cannabis also contains caryophyllene, which gives some strains their spicy flavor. Besides providing a sharp taste to some cultivars, studies support the claim that caryophyllene also offers various therapeutic benefits.

Caryophyllene in cannabis

Cannabis strains high in caryophyllene give the flowers a spicy, sweet, and woody aroma. The taste is much the same, providing a warm sting to your tongue accompanied by sweetness.

One thing to note is that caryophyllene used to have two types, beta-caryophyllene and alpha-caryophyllene, both present in cannabis. There used to be two types because alpha-caryophyllene was renamed alpha-humulene due to its high concentrations in hop plants. The name humulene refers to Humulus lupulus, the scientific name for hops.

Humulene's taste and aroma are spicy and woody, much like caryophyllene. It adds a layer of earthy bitterness, which is not surprising, considering this terpene contributes to the bitter taste of hops. However, humulene is also present in herbs like coriander and ginseng.

While it tastes similar to humulene, caryophyllene is the only terpene that binds with the CB2 receptor and induces antinociception and antidepressant-like effects. It is said to provide therapeutic benefits by relieving pain and reducing depressive symptoms.

Other plants that contain caryophyllene

Besides oregano and black pepper, caryophyllene is also found in cloves and rosemary, giving these herbs their subtle notes of pepper and heat. Caryophyllene is also found in hops alongside its cousin humulene.

Jack Herer

Jack Herer is a classic, beloved cannabis strain for various reasons, ranging from the invigorating high it provides to the taste and fragrance of its flowers. On the flavor front, its cannabis terpene blend includes terpinolene, caryophyllene, and pinene, striking a balanced mix of sharp spiciness with herbal notes.

Jack Herer Feminized Seeds

Jack Herer is one of the most popular strains in the world. It was first bred for marijuana patients due to genetics that delivered happy and soothing feelings combined with potent properties for therapeutic use.

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Some connoisseurs have even said it has the sweet taste of nectar and the spicy but sweet flavors of cinnamon to its smoke. This sativa-dominant hybrid delivers a robust, peppery aroma with hints of sweet herbals and is available in both photoperiod and autoflower versions.

Jack Herer doesn't disappoint on the high, either. With THC levels ranging between 15% and 19%, this sativa-hybrid provides a stimulating high that will wake you up and fill your mind with a sense of euphoria. It's the ideal wake-and-bake strain for those who need a little push to start their morning.

In addition to its mood-boosting and energizing effects, Jack Herer may also provide therapeutic relief. A recent study has shown that the presence of caryophyllene in cannabis has produced antidepressant-like effects by binding to our CB2 receptor, which can help treat depressive symptoms. On top of that, this same terpene also induces antinociception in the nerves, which can provide pain relief. So, if you suffer from depression or chronic pain, Jack Herer might just help while also delivering a buzz of energy to start your day.

Jack Herer cultivar profile

Chemdawg

If you want another buzz of energy, I highly recommend Chemdawg. This sativa-leaning hybrid strain has a high concentration of THC, ranging from 18% to 20%. It's also known for its strong head high that fills you with energy and euphoria. This strain’s invigorating high also puts you in the right headspace to dive into the creative projects you've been putting off.

Chemdawg Feminized Seeds

Chemdawg (AKA Chemdog) is a Cannabis strain that's surrounded by mystery and myths. Its parents may be unknown, but its effects are quite the opposite.

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On top of its energizing effects, Chemdawg's flavor and aroma also made it well-loved in the market. Its cannabis terpenes blend caryophyllene, limonene, and myrcene to craft its distinct and robust diesel flavor with a spicy and earthy aftertaste.

Some have also noted that Chemdawg has a fruity, almost citrusy hint that resembles the tang of its equally famous offspring, Sour Diesel. The smell of Chemdawg is much the same as its taste, so if you love the pungent odor of diesel, you'll enjoy this sativa-hybrid.

Chemdawg cultivar profile

Chronic Widow

Chronic Widow is an indica-dominant hybrid with a unique flavor and aroma that might be your new favorite. If you've ever had hot honey on pizza or ribs, that's the taste and smell you can expect from smoking Chronic Widow.

Chronic Widow Feminized Seeds

Chronic Widow seeds grow herb that delivers an energetic, spacey high. After just one puff, you'll feel completely stoned. It comes with a spicy yet creamy flavor, with extremely high THC levels.

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For its terpene profile, Chronic Widow blends caryophyllene, myrcene, and geraniol to produce its sweet honey and spicy flavors. But this indica-hybrid has more than just taste to offer. With high THC levels of up to 23% and a fast-acting effect, Chronic Widow hits you with a buzz that will leave you feeling relaxed yet energized.

Besides the unique high that it provides, Chronic Widow may also have therapeutic benefits when smoked. With the dominant presence of caryophyllene in its flowers, it potentially has pain-relieving properties and antidepressant-like effects that work on top of its relaxing and energizing high.

Chronic Widow cultivar profile

Fire OG

Fire OG is an indica-dominant weed strain with a terpene profile that mixes myrcene, caryophyllene, and limonene to create its signature spicy and lemony flavor. Besides its distinct taste and smell, this indica-hybrid also boasts a high THC level of 22% and provides a deeply relaxing and uplifting buzz.

Fire OG Feminized Seeds

Fire OG is a Cannabis strain with a sharp and distinct citrusy flavor. This hybrid's flavor is invigorating and makes your mouth water with anticipation of what's coming.

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Fire OG combines OG Kush and SFV OG genetics. It was created by first breeding SFV OG with OG Kush and then breeding the resulting strain with OG Kush. Take a toke each time you read the word 'OG.'

Speaking of, here's a quick rundown of what 'OG' in cannabis means. Many people say it means 'Original Gangsta' because that's what the Cypress Hill crew called it when they tried OG Kush. Others say it means 'Ocean Grown' because growers cultivate this strain near the coast of California. It's much more straightforward; it means authentic, and nothing fits that better than Fire OG.

This indica-hybrid has genetics from a strain cultivated in San Fernando Valley (SFV OG). It is also made with OG Kush, a strain with a Northern Californian strain mixed into its genetics. So, if you came here just looking to get some spicy and citrusy-tasting strains, Fire OG will ensure you leave with one of the most flavorful Cali cultivars.

Fire OG cultivar profile

Green Crack

Although it's hard to follow Fire OG, there is one strain that comes to mind, and that's the sativa-hybrid that made Snoop Dogg think he was on crack. Affectionately named Green Crack by the famous rapper, this strain has a high THC concentration ranging from 17% to 25% and has a potent energizing high, (Mango Crack is its second name).

Green Crack feminized seeds

Although the name can be deceiving, Green Crack seeds are 100% marijuana. This hybrid was initially called Cush or Green Kush.

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Outside of its invigorating buzz, this sativa-hybrid also has a euphoric effect that improves your mood and fills you with bliss and motivation. It’s a popular strain for artists and musicians as it can help put them in the right headspace to get their creative juices flowing.

In addition to its highs, Green Crack's flavors are also why it's a top-tier strain. It combines myrcene, caryophyllene, and pinene to craft its distinctly sweet, tropical fruit flavors with mangoes, pineapple, and passion fruit notes. It also has a relatively hot and spicy taste on your tongue that resembles hashish. The fragrance is much the same, except the spiciness in its smoke is more pronounced and has the additional woody scent of cedar.

Green Crack cultivar profile

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Sources used in this article

• Eeswara, A. et al. (2023) Combined non-psychoactive Cannabis components cannabidiol and β-caryophyllene reduce chronic pain via CB1 interaction in a rat spinal cord injury model [PubMed Central]⁽¹⁾
• Basu, C. et al. (2019) Therapeutic and Medicinal Uses of Terpenes [PubMed Central]⁽²⁾