What Are Terpenes and Why Do They Matter?

Found in Thai basil, cloves, cinnamon leaves, cotton, and black pepper, the scent of beta-caryophyllene is spicy, woody, and peppery. Biology fun fact: beta-caryophyllene is the only terpene that binds directly to the peripheral cannabinoid receptor CB2—all other terpenes interact with CB1 (for more on this topic, check out “The Endocannabinoid System For Dummies”). Users say beta-caryophyllene provides “body buzz,” and research shows it may be highly effective in the treatment of chronic pain.