Caryophyllene Sesquiterpene

Caryophyllene is a sesquiterpene (C15H24) commonly identified across diverse cannabis cultivars and known for its peppery, spicy aromatic profile. As a volatile component of cannabis flower and concentrate profiles, it appears alongside cannabinoids like CBD and THC in varying proportions depending on genetic background and cultivation conditions. Lineage records frequently report caryophyllene prominence in strains descended from Afghan and Kush genetic pools, though it occurs widely across modern breeding work. This sesquiterpene is notable in phytochemistry literature as one of the most abundant and recognizable terpenes in the cannabis plant. Breeders document caryophyllene concentration as a secondary flavor marker when stabilizing strain phenotypes.

Breeders working to develop peppery or spicy aromatic profiles often select parent plants with detectable caryophyllene signatures. Caryophyllene-forward cultivars serve as predictable genetic sources when creating crosses aimed at specific aromatic outcomes.