Humulene

TERPENE

Humulene is the earthy, hoppy terpene cannabis shares with beer. Alpha-humulene (once called alpha-caryophyllene) gives a woody, hoppy, earthy aroma. It is the terpene that links the smell of cannabis and hops, which are botanical cousins.

Aroma and character

Humulene is earthy and woody with a distinct hoppy note, subtle and dry rather than sweet. It often appears alongside its relative beta-caryophyllene.

What research suggests

Humulene has been studied for anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activity in preclinical work, and is sometimes noted for appetite-related effects. As always, robust human cannabis data is limited.

Where else it is found

Humulene is abundant in hops (hence the shared aroma with beer), and also in cloves, basil and sage. Cannabis and hops both belong to the family Cannabaceae.

At a glance

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