There’s nothing quite like the scent of fresh hops and cut herbs. If you’ve run into that flavor profile in your cannabis or any other plant, you might wonder what creates that scent. The answer lies deep within the terpene chart, where you’ll find the world’s freshest, most floral, and appealing aromas and flavors.

Specific to the hoppy scent we mentioned is the humulene terpene. The humulene terpene profile is unique, but you’ll find this terpene in multiple cannabis strains and nature.

Speaking of nature, there are over 20,000 terpenes found in various plants and insects and over 150 of them in cannabis alone.

While cannabis science has long held that terpenes have one purpose: to defend plants against predators—terpenes are known now to provide significant therapeutic value. Within the beloved cannabis plant, terpenes work with cannabinoids to produce the coveted entourage effect.

Keeping this in mind, each terpene possesses its aroma profile and benefits to consumers.

In this guide, we're taking a closer look at the humulene terpene and its excellent benefits.

Let’s jump right in.

What Is the Humulene Terpene & What Do Terpenes Do?

First, we need to understand the function of terpenes better. Just for a second, put yourself in the position of a plant. These incredible beings have to create a plan to fend off dangerous bugs that intend to eat you.

This leaves them with only a few options. Terpenes produce the results plants need to keep bugs away. The naturally occurring compounds in the cannabis plant, in particular, give it its scent, which serves a dual purpose by attracting friendly bugs.

What's so interesting about cannabis is that countless strains rely on various terpene combinations to generate their smell, look, taste, and effects. We mentioned this earlier, but there are over 150 terpenes in cannabis. These compounds work with THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids to generate cannabis' healing and psychoactive effects.

That brings us to the star of the show: Humulene.

Unlike other terpenes, alpha humulene is less prevalent in cannabis. Cannabis science had most of us believe that the incredible effects after inhaling the plant came primarily from THC or CBD. As a result, an entire generation of farmers worked tirelessly to breed cannabis to isolate these two cannabinoids to produce a potent strain.

Yet, recent research has revealed that terpenes are an essential compound in the cannabis plant. They play a vital role in the entourage effect, which scientists refer to when discussing how terpenes blend with THC and CBD to create their impact on the body.

If we're considering the humulene terpene in terms of benefits, its direct impact on the entourage effect is critical. Full-spectrum cannabis products shoot to maintain as many of the plant's original compounds as possible.

Another component is flavonoids, which also create new opportunities. Suppose a scientist wants to develop a robust strain that relieves pain without generating drowsiness in the patient or wants to improve creativity and energy without increasing anxiety. In that case, they have to look at terpenes.

Humulene, also known as alpha-humulene, was initially identified in essential oils that come from Humulus lupulus, or hops!

What Are Hops?

Hops is a plant species that exist within the Cannabaceae family, and this family includes marijuana and hemp plants. Humulene creates the bitter taste that most people associate with a hoppy beer. Some cannabis strains can even present a beer-like scent, given the right terpene and flavor profile.

The Unique Profile of Humulene

Humulene was once classified as a caryophyllene, and it is also considered a sesquiterpene which we've discussed is related to the hops plant. Humulene has a significant role in creating the aromatic notes that you'll find within both types of plants.

What's also interesting is that humulene shares a near-identical structure to B-caryophyllene, yet these two do differ somewhat. Many plants like basil, clove, and sage also contain this terpene. Not surprisingly, they also share very similar aromatic profiles.

If you'd like to impress your friends or be scientifically accurate, the next time you're sipping on some IPAs, tell everyone how great the alpha humulene in the ale is. You can then impress your entire friend group by explaining how the hops plant produces humulene as a terpene, and that's where the flavor and scent of hops come from.

Of course, there is much more to this unique terpene than just its hoppy scent. While beer lovers don't have much to rejoice about regarding humulene benefits, cannabis consumers certainly do. The therapeutic range of humulene is quite extensive.

The earthy and woody scents that come from humulene are also complemented nicely by the undertones of musk and spice.

You will often find humulene and beta-caryophyllene together in your favorite cannabis strains. Just look for the hoppy, musk terpene scent. This particular terpene is also found in sativa cannabis strains.

Where Else Can You Find Humulene?

Many other plants contain a humulene terpene profile. These plants include sunflowers, tobacco, pine trees, and orange orchards. These plants smell similar to the cannabis plant when it has a high humulene concentration.

Humulene also is found in spearmint essential oil, making up some 25% of its substance. Other research has revealed that humulene can be found in herbs and spices like ginseng, sage, cloves, and black pepper.

You can also find humulene in a variety of other plants, herbs, and spices like:

Vietnamese Coriander
Ginger
Mangoes

Humulene Benefits & Effects

Are you wondering about the benefits of humulene? Fortunately, the therapeutic and medicinal potential of this particular terpene is well-researched. In one 2016 study, for example, humulene showed great promise in killing cancer cells when combined with phytocannabinoids and various other types of terpenes.

Humulene is also a staple in various essential oils, including oils that have been used for centuries to alleviate physical ailments. An example of this is Balsam fir oil, which is thought to fight off tumors because it produces Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS).

Interestingly, further research showed that this oil had extensive anti-bacterial properties and could work against the golden staph bacteria when appropriately administered.

Another aspect of humulene benefits includes how it relates to pharmacokinetics. This is the study of how our body distributes, metabolizes, absorbs, and excretes drugs. As it turns out, humulene has immense power to be absorbed by the body, both orally and topically.

Other oils from one plant containing high amounts of humulene also show antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties.

Before it is harvested, humulene also is essential in the general life cycle of the cannabis plant. This process starts with the synthesis in the trichome head. Humulene works with other potent terpenes to protect the plant by deterring fungal infestations and pests.

Humulene Benefits for Your Health

Humulene is a flexible terpene, with some of its most important health benefits including:

Antitumor
Anti-Inflammatory
Anti-Bacterial

Another pretty impressive benefit of this unique terpene is its appetite suppressant ability. When combined with another terpene called beta-caryophyllene, it reinforces the appetite suppressing properties, providing a reasonably powerful appetite suppressant.

In ancient practice, humulene has been used for…

Metabolism boost
To treat bacterial infections
To reduce physical discomfort

Regarding the aforementioned health benefits, the anti-inflammatory benefits of this terpene are perhaps the most shocking. This terpene's power to treat inflammation is so pronounced that they are compared to a pharmaceutical steroid called dexamethasone, which is what the WHO recommends for this purpose.

There are multiple ways to take humulene, including orally, topically, and now even through an aerosol form. Not surprisingly, you’ll also find it in balms and salves.

Ongoing Research on Humulene

Thanks to federal laws and restrictions, cannabis hasn't enjoyed the same level of research that other plants have. For this reason, the study of terpenes has had to primarily take place by extracting the same ones found in cannabis from other plants. Fortunately, legalization is moving the needle in favor of cannabis research. As this happens, scientists will be allowed to examine the benefits of humulene's interaction with CBD, THC, and various other cannabinoids.

Despite this, there is still significant research available. For example, in 2007, a study was published by the European Journal of Pharmacology that identified how humulene reduced inflammation in rodents. As we previously mentioned, the results were shocking as the terpene held its own against the steroid dexamethasone.

Another study in 2008 conducted by Planta Medica backed up the study from the previous year. The anti-inflammatory reaction occurred after both topical and oral application. Then, one year later, the British Journal of Pharmacology also explored the effects of humulene when taken orally or through inhalation in mice that suffered from allergic airway inflammation. The results were backed up once again.

For individuals looking for an antioxidant, humulene holds out hope here again. In 2016, one study in the Biomedical and Pharmacology Journal looked closely at the effects of humulene on rats who had diabetes. Here again, humulene excelled. The study showed that this terpene decreased a marker of oxidative stress and provided anti-diabetic properties.

While none of these studies have been proven or even studied in a clinical setting on humans, there is promising research to indicate these same benefits exist in humans. With great potential for this powerful terpene, we're all waiting with bated breath to see what other evidence will appear.

Can You Expect Humulene To Get You High?

This is an excellent and popular question. After all, most people who smoke cannabis do so to experience a specific high. Humulene benefits cover many physical effects, but does this terpene itself get you high?

The answer is no. In contrast with cannabinoids, humulene will not interact with your endocannabinoid receptors. Certain terpenes are excellent at influencing your emotions and moods and create a euphoric experience. However, you won't find it anywhere near the high you get from cannabis.

Another thing that terpenes do is direct how certain cannabis strains work. For example, strains high in humulene typically offer a relaxing effect minus the locked and loaded coach sitting you're often used to with certain strains. Additionally, humulene also relieves pain, increases your creativity, and puts your mind at ease.

Other terpenes, including myrcene and beta-caryophyllene, are well known to increase the overall effects of cannabinoids. Beta-caryophyllene influences the endocannabinoid receptors to increase the therapeutic power of CBD and THC. Blend this with myrcene, which can soften the blood-brain barrier to increase the ability for THC to go to work. This creates a powerful psychoactive experience.

However, one danger to note here is that the terpenes salvinorin A and myristicin are potent psychoactive substances, and they can be lethal.

Common Cannabis Strains & Products with Humulene

Cannabis has a variety of commonly found terpenes, and humulene is one of them. It is a somewhat common terpene in many cannabis strains, and it is also halfway responsible for giving cannabis its spicy, herbaceous, and somewhat floral aromatic properties.

Humulene is incredibly important in building a robust aromatic profile for cannabis in similar ways to myrcene and pinene. You will find that farmers prefer more subtle notes of florals and earth than the humulene terpene profile affords.

Multiple cannabis strains are high in humulene. Interestingly, humulene shows up in higher levels when a cannabis strain is high in caryophyllene. Let's take a closer look to see which strains you can explore if you want to experience the benefits of this terpene.

Death Star

This Indica-dominant strain shows up with a touch of lemon and rubber aromas. It is well known within the medical cannabis community thanks to its positive, calming, and anti-nausea effects.

Candyland

Another strain with a strong sweet scent and spicy undertone, Candyland, is a Sativa-dominant strain high in humulene concentrations. You'll enjoy a stimulating and energetic high that increases your sense of euphoria and improved mood.

Original Glue

This one is an Indica-dominant strain that comes across with a unique diesel flavor that includes hints of mocha and spices. This strain also creates an incredibly relaxing high when consumed, which gives it high marks for conditions such as insomnia, tremors, and chronic pain.

White Widow

Everyone's favorite, White Widow, is a hybrid strain that creates a near-instant euphoric experience that increases creativity. Its pepper and cedar flavors make it a deliciously scented strain.

Headband

Headband is a somewhat well-known strain that produces pressure above the forehead. It creates a unique body high and evokes a creative and positive mood that can improve your day, no matter how it's gone thus far.

Thin Mint GSC

This is another crowd-pleaser. It's a hybrid strain that offers a sleepy buzz and a calming effect, making it a superb night-cap option.

Summary

Humulene is one of the primary cannabis terpenes. It offers a variety of potential health benefits and is widely known to be an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial. These remarkable benefits make it an enticing option for anyone who wants to experience more from their cannabis.

While human studies are still lacking on the humulene-rich cannabis strains, some studies do reveal exciting results.

Some research does indicate that this terpene has a powerful influence on the entourage effect, and it can be used to address specific symptoms for medicinal cannabis patients.

We highly recommend choosing a cannabis product that contains humulene in its blend for individuals seeking the benefits.

You can find the humulene terpene in our products Durban Poison and The Judge strains. Check them out on our site to experience the full effect of this hoppy terpene.

This article is for informational and educational purposes only, and should not be substituted for professional medical advice.