10 High Caryophyllene Strains To Unwind With

Caryophyllene is abundant in cannabis strains, and recognizing it can help you better tailor your cannabis consumption for the perfect experience.

The most common appearance of caryophyllene in cannabis strains is beta-caryophyllene (yes there is an alpha-caryophyllene, but that’s a terpene blog for another day). This richly aromatic terpene is found throughout nature and is most easily recognizable in black pepper and cinnamon. We took a high-level view of b-caryophyllene in our terpene guide and in this blog, we’ll dive deeper into the strains that have high amounts of beta-caryophyllene.

Sour Diesel

This legendary New York strain has been captivating cannabis lovers since it came onto the scene in the 1990s. A cross of Super Skunk and ChemDawg, Sour Diesel is a high caryophyllene strain. Its pungent odor of gas with a hint of citrus is the first thing you’ll notice when you open a bag of Sour D, but the caryophyllene comes out to play in its relaxed yet uplifting effects.

Average caryophyllene content: 0.5%

Average THC content: 21%

Average CBD content: >1%

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Glue Ball

Often described as “bold” and “strong,” GlueBall is a high caryophyllene strain that’s best for the more seasoned cannabis lover. This strain has an earthy yet gassy scent and a high best described as two-fold: first, euphoria and mood-boosting, followed by a sedative state of relaxation perfect for ending a long day of travel.

Average caryophyllene content: 0.8%

Average THC content: 25%

Average CBD content: >0.1%

White Widow

The spicy, earthy scent of this iconic strain is the first hint of its caryophyllene content. White Widow was first bred in the 1990s in the Netherlands and became popular worldwide for its euphoric, creative effects. Sink into relaxation, but not the couch – a few puffs of the Widow will leave you feeling ready to tackle a new book, a paint-by-number, or reorganize your pantry. This strain can also be high in myrcene content, but whether caryophyllene and myrcene is dominant is determined by growing conditions.

Average caryophyllene content: 0.3%

Average THC content: 23%

Average CBD content: 0.5%

Lemon G

This terpene-rich strain first appeared in Ohio and is high in caryophyllene, although its terpene profile also includes high quantities of myrcene and limonene. Limonene may lead in the aroma, but caryophyllene shows itself in the full-body high that keeps you social while letting the stress of the day simply melt away.

Average caryophyllene content: 0.5%

Average THC content: 26%

Average CBD content: 0.6%

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Layer Cake

A hybrid strain, Layer Cake is a child of Wedding Cake (and a few other strains) that offers an unusual scent of citrus and gas when you open the bag. Caryophyllene may not be noticeable in the aroma, but it works alongside myrcene to create a gentle, relaxing high experience that might just get you in the mood to get down.

Average caryophyllene content: 0.4%

Average THC content: 20%

Average CBD content: 1%

ChemDawg

One of the parent strains of Sour Diesel (among other famous strains), ChemDawg’s scent is pure gas, but it hides a surprisingly high caryophyllene content. The terpene is most noticeable in this strain’s uplifting yet relaxing effects. You can expect a cerebral high, but beginners beware: ChemDawg can be a strong strain to dive into.

Average caryophyllene content: 0.3%

Average THC content: 19%

Average CBD content: 0.2%

Death Star

Many high caryophyllene strains are related; ChemDawg was a parent strain of Sour Diesel and Sour Diesel was a parent strain of Death Star. The caryophyllene content is evident from the moment you open the bag, with a pungent gassy and earthy scent that has a hint of spice on the back end. The strain was bred in Ohio by a team of Star Wars lovers, and with high levels of THC, a few puffs of this may make you feel like you’re in hyperdrive on the Millennium Falcon.

Average caryophyllene content: 0.3%

Average THC content: 25%

Average CBD content: >0.1%

Do-Si-Dos

Do-Si-Dos (also called DoSiDos and Dosi) got its name as part of the Girl Scout Cookies lineage, but it doesn’t smell much like cookies. Caryophyllene leads the way in the aroma, bringing a spicy, earthy scent to the strain that’s more reminiscent of a forest after rain than a peanut butter sandwich cookie. Do Si Dos is more sedative for a caryophyllene-dominant strain, with a high that starts in your head and makes its way down your body.

Average caryophyllene content: 1%

Average THC content: 21%

Average CBD content: 1%

Super Silver Haze

A 3-time winner of the High Times Cannabis Cup award, Super Silver Haze is a fan-favorite hybrid strain. Caryophyllene makes itself known in its peppery, earthy scent while a long-lasting body high helps you relax, relieve pain, and feel good all over.

Average caryophyllene content: 0.7%

Average THC content: 25%

Average CBD content: >0.1%

10. Wedding Cake

This hybrid strain has a most unusual scent of vanilla-meets-black pepper, which is your first hint of the caryophyllene content. It takes its name from the vanilla scent of the buds and the frosty trichomes, but the undertone of pepper suggests something more. A few hits of Wedding Cake can make you euphoric while a whole joint is the perfect way to start a Friday night staying in with snacks at the ready.

Average caryophyllene content: 0.55%

Average THC content: 23%

Average CBD content: >0.1%

How does caryophyllene make you feel?

Caryophyllene is linked with relaxation. It’s anti-inflammatory properties make it a go-to for many for the way it may soothe your body — a one-way ticket to happiness. And unlike its cousin myrcene, it’s not sedating or associated with couch-lock; it’s simply most likely to ease your stress away.

What makes caryophyllene different from other terpenes?

Caryophyllene holds the distinct honor of being the only terpene that we know of so far to bind directly to your endocannabinoid system (ECS). It’s been observed to bind to CB2 receptors in your ECS. It’s been described as a “dietary terpene,” which means that when you eat caryophyllene in other foods, it activates your ECS (not in an intoxicating way – you can’t get high from terpenes.) Incredible, right?

What does caryophyllene smell like?

Caryophyllene smells like your spice cabinet. This terpene is described as having a spicy, earthy, or woody smell. It’s abundant in black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon, and often smells like these herbs.

What does caryophyllene taste like?

If you’ve seasoned your dinner with black pepper or added cinnamon and cloves to cider, you’ve enjoyed the taste of beta-caryophyllene. This terpene tastes as spicy and earthy as it smells.

Does caryophyllene get you high?

No, caryophyllene will not get you high. Terpenes are aromatic compounds found throughout nature; they are not intoxicating like THC.

What herbs are high in caryophyllene?

Caryophyllene can be found in more than 1,000 plants, including black caraway, black pepper, cinnamon, basil, cloves, hops, and oregano.

Bountiful beta-caryophyllene

Caryophyllene is a unique terpene that does what no other can do: bind to your endocannabinoid system. It’s found throughout nature and is common in many cannabis strains. If trying a high caryophyllene strain is on your list of must-try cannabis products, The Travel Agency budtenders are here to help. Stop in, check out our selection, and ask for guidance as to what might be your new favorite go-to flower.