α-Humulene

Hoppy, herbal, woody

α-Humulene is a sesquiterpene found in many medical cannabis strains. Aroma: hoppy, herbal, woody. In Tier-A literature it is most strongly associated with pain and inflammation. terpen.cloud lists every currently available pharmacy strain high in α-humulene.

Effect profile

α-Humulene in the cannabis context

α-Humulene is the specialist for physical effects. At a score of 1.5 each, it carries pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects that several studies have confirmed. Humulene is also found in hops, sage and coriander and is chemically close to β-caryophyllene, the two often show up together in cannabis.

Humulene does not aim at the mind: anxiety, sleep, mood, focus and activation are not part of its profile. That is not a shortcoming but a specialization. Humulene is the anti-inflammatory terpene and works on the body, not the head.

In cannabis, humulene shows up in strains like Sour Diesel, Original Glue, Girl Scout Cookies and Chemdawg, usually paired with caryophyllene. You recognize it by the earthy, hoppy, slightly woody aroma. High humulene levels signal an effect profile centered on pain and inflammation.