Updated 9/8/26.
Terpenes provide a wide variety of aromatic properties ranging from floral and earthy notes to musky and citrusy ones. When it comes to the spicier side of the spectrum, caryophyllene holds the trophy for the most flair.
The terpene caryophyllene is present in many herbs and spices, including black pepper, basil, and oregano, and cannabis strains with high levels of it deliver a spicy, funky warmth to the nose, similar to cinnamon and cloves.
What makes caryophyllene an intriguing terpene is its relationship with our endocannabinoid system, particularly its ability to bind to CB2 receptors. Because of this, it comes with a host of potential medical benefits.
Caryophyllene-dominant marijuana strains may cause relaxation and reduce anxiety. Caryophyllene, the dominant terpene found in these strains, is the only one that has the ability to directly activate a cannabinoid receptor, especially CB2 receptors, giving it great theraputic potential. Cannabis strains with high levels of caryophyllene tend to be spicy and musky.
High-caryophyllene cannabis strains
Cannabis strains with high levels of caryophyllene tend to be spicy and musky, and some are also known to have a funky profile. Many carry prominent notes of diesel and fuel that are known to cause the same nose-tingling bite associated with taking a whiff of pepper.
Some strains with a higher-than-average amount of caryophyllene include:
- GSC
- Bubba Kush
- Sour Diesel
- Chemdog
- Candyland
- Death Star
- Original Glue
- Cookies and Cream
- Gelato
- The White
- Master Kush
Bubba Kush
Bubba Kush is an indica marijuana strain from Florida that has gained notoriety in the US and beyond for its heavy tranquilizing effects. Sweet hashish flavors with subtle notes of chocolate and coffee come through on the exhale, delighting the palate as powerful relaxation takes over. From head to toe, muscles ease with heaviness as dreamy euphoria blankets the mind, crushing stress while bringing happy moods. Bubba Kush exhibits a distinctive, bulky bud structure with hues that range from forest green to pale purple.
Candyland
Candyland is a sativa marijuana strain bred from Granddaddy Purple and Bay Platinum Cookies. Golden hairs weave through Candyland’s thick coat of sugar-like trichomes and highlight the compact, camouflage-colored buds. Patients turn to Candyland when trying to moderate pain, muscle tension, and sour moods. Candyland offers uplifting and stimulating effects, making it a perfect strain for social gatherings or creative pastimes.
Sour Diesel
Sour Diesel is a popular hybrid marijuana strain made by crossing Chemdawg and Super Skunk. Sour Diesel effects are dreamy, cerebral, fast-acting, and energizing. This strain features a pungent flavor profile that smells like diesel. Medical marijuana patients choose Sour Diesel to help relieve symptoms associated with depression, pain, and stress. Fun fact: Sour Diesel first became popular in the early 1990s and has been legendary ever since.
Caryophyllene is found in high levels in many strains of the Cookies family—Platinum GSC, GSC, Cookies and Cream, and Candyland (Bay Platinum Cookies x Granddaddy Purple).
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Showing you dispensaries nearThis stress-relieving terpene is also present in many hybrids known to cause relaxation and reduce anxiety. Given its unique aromatic notes, it’s fairly easy to detect in a strain.
Many cannabis topicals and salves utilize strains with high levels of caryophyllene, showcasing its natural aromatic profile while also providing therapeutic benefits.
To find more strains containing caryophyllene on Leafly, explore our strain list of caryophyllene-dominant cannabis strains.
Caryophyllene’s unique profile
Also called beta-caryophyllene or BCP, this terpene can be found in aromatic oils like rosemary and clove oil, and in nature it’s most commonly found in hops, cloves, black pepper, oregano, cinnamon, and basil. It’s responsible for the slight bite of pungency associated with smelling cracked pepper.
Caryophyllene is a bigger molecule than terpenes like myrcene and limonene. Caryophyllene’s molecular structure also contains a cyclobutane ring, something rare in nature and not found in any other known cannabis terpene.
The human body’s endocannabinoid system contains a vast network of receptors located throughout the body. Two major types exist: CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are primarily located in the brain and central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are found mainly in our peripheral organs.
When a cannabinoid such as THC is ingested, it primarily binds to CB1 receptors located in the brain and central nervous system, producing a euphoric effect.
The unique molecular structure of caryophyllene allows it to easily bind to CB2 receptors primarily located within our peripheral endocannabinoid system. This means that it doesn’t cause any of the euphoric feelings of cannabis while providing many of the benefits associated with activating those receptors, like reducing inflammation.
It’s unlike any other terpene because it is the only one that has the ability to directly activate a cannabinoid receptor, especially CB2 receptors.
Caryophyllene benefits
Studies on caryophyllene indicate a wide variety of therapeutic potential. A 2014 study shows pain-relieving properties of the terpene in mice, and another rodent study shows caryophyllene’s potential to reduce alcohol intake, making this terpene a possible treatment for addiction.
Potential caryophyllene benefits include:
- Pain relief
- Reduced alcohol intake
- Antioxidant action
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Inflammatory bowel disease treatment
- Anxiety and depression relief
- Reduced gene stress/longevity
Caryophyllene has also been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatoryproperties, and to be a possible therapy for treating inflammatory bowel disease. Research has even found that caryophyllene may be able to treat anxiety and depression.
Current studies are hoping to unveil even more of the therapeutic potential behind caryophyllene, including research indicating that it may help with lifespan longevity by reducing gene stress.
Frequently asked questions
What does caryophyllene do to your body?
Caryophyllene is absorbed through inhalation or ingestion and interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system. It’s the only terpene identified so far that can bind directly to CB2 receptors, which are concentrated in the immune system and peripheral tissues rather than the brain — which is part of why it doesn’t produce a high on its own. Early research in animal studies suggests it may help ease pain, calm inflammation, and support recovery from anxiety and depression, though most of this evidence comes from lab and rodent studies rather than large human trials.
Does caryophyllene make you sleepy?
Caryophyllene isn’t typically classified as a sedating terpene the way myrcene or linalool are. Some people report a relaxed, calming effect that could indirectly support sleep, especially when it appears alongside other terpenes in a strain’s full profile, but there isn’t strong research showing it causes drowsiness on its own.
What strains are highest in caryophyllene?
Strains commonly noted for elevated caryophyllene include GSC, Bubba Kush, Sour Diesel, Chemdog, Candyland, Death Star, Original Glue, Cookies and Cream, Gelato, The White, and Master Kush. Terpene content varies by grower, harvest, and batch, so a strain’s lab results (when available) are the most reliable way to confirm its actual caryophyllene percentage.
What’s the difference between myrcene and caryophyllene?
Myrcene and caryophyllene are both common cannabis terpenes, but they behave differently. Myrcene is earthy and musky, is often associated with a relaxed, “couch-lock” feeling, and doesn’t bind to cannabinoid receptors. Caryophyllene is spicy and peppery, and it’s the only cannabis terpene known to directly activate a cannabinoid receptor (CB2) — giving it a more distinct role alongside cannabinoids like THC and CBD.
Is caryophyllene a sativa or indica terpene?
Caryophyllene isn’t tied to either category. Sativa and indica are traditional classifications based on plant structure, not terpene content, and caryophyllene shows up in strains across both categories as well as in hybrids. A strain’s terpene profile is a better predictor of its aroma and potential effects than the sativa/indica label.
Can caryophyllene help with anxiety?
Early research suggests caryophyllene may have benefits related to anxiety and depression, though this work is still in its early stages. Some studies point to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms that could play a role, but more human research is needed before caryophyllene can be considered a reliable treatment on its own. Anyone managing an anxiety disorder should talk to a doctor about appropriate treatment.
What foods contain caryophyllene?
Beyond cannabis, caryophyllene shows up in a variety of common plants and spices. It’s the compound that gives black pepper its bite, and it’s also found in cloves, cinnamon, oregano, basil, hops, and copaiba. That’s part of why researchers are able to study caryophyllene’s effects using food-grade sources, not just cannabis extracts.
