Your guide to humulene, a terpene in cannabis

Humulene is terpene found in many cannabis strains. It’s also in hops, sage, and other plants.

Humulene is known for its herbaceous and woodsy aroma as well as its potential health benefits.

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What is humulene?

Humulene is a terpene, which is a type of chemical compound found in all plants. Terpenes affect the smell, taste, and effects of a plant.

Humulene can be found in:

• Cannabis
• Hops
• Basil
• Sage
• Black pepper
• Ginseng

Its aroma is woodsy, herbaceous, and spicy. It’s commonly compared to beer, as many beers have a high concentration of hops.

In plants, humulene can act as an insect repellent. As a result, it’s commonly used as an insecticide. But it also offers some potential health benefits.

What are humulene’s effects?

Humulene has some potential health benefits, but more research is needed to confirm its effects in humans.

Reduces inflammation

An animal study found that a combination of humulene and beta-caryophyllene — another terpene in cannabis — may help lower inflammation in the body and treat inflammatory disease.

A study in mice showed that inhaling humulene vapor may help reduce inflammation in the airways that’s caused by asthma or an allergic reaction.

Acts as an antibacterial 

Humulene may have bacteria-fighting properties. One study found that humulene may inhibit Bacteroides fragilis, a bacteria found in the lower intestine that can lead to digestive conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease.

Suppresses appetite 

Although more research is needed, one study suggests that humulene may suppress appetite.

Protects the digestive tract 

Researchers have found that humulene may protect your digestive system by:

• Easing inflammation in your digestive tract
• Reducing acid that can damage your stomach lining
• Increasing protective mucus

Humulene terpene in cannabis

Humulene is one of over 150 terpenes found in the cannabis plant. Cannabis contains trace amounts of humulene — usually less than 1%.

The exact amount of humulene in cannabis varies by strain. If you’re seeking out strains with above-average levels of humulene, look at the terpene profile on the cannabis product label.

High-humulene strains

Some cannabis strains produce higher levels of humulene than others:

• Candyland is a potent strain known for its stimulating, uplifting effects.
• Death Star is another potent strain that can produce euphoria.
• Girl Scout Cookies may help relieve pain, nausea, and insomnia.
• Royal Cookies is known for its relaxing effects that can help relieve stress.
• Headband is a popular strain to help promote sleep and relieve stress.
• Sunset Sherbet is commonly used to help boost energy and creativity levels.
• White Widow is a mood-boosting strain that can also help ease stress.
• Super Sour Diesel is a potent strain that can help boost energy and ease pain.

To learn more about these strains, speak with your dispensary’s budtender, or ask a provider at Leafwell.

Humulene side effects

Consuming high concentrations of humulene can bring on side effects such as:

• Upset stomach
• Skin irritation (if applied directly to the skin)
• Inflamed airways (if inhaled)

However, cannabis products generally do not contain dangerously high concentrations of humulene, so the risk of experiencing these side effects is unlikely.

The bottom line: Humulene enhances the taste, smell, and health benefits of cannabis 

Humulene is one of many compounds found in the cannabis plant. It brings a unique smell and flavor profile, along with possible health benefits. But more studies are needed to fully understand its potential in treating certain health conditions.

If you want to learn more about humulene and explore high-humulene cannabis strains, speak with a Leafwell provider.

Resources

• Antibacterial and antibiofilm effects of α-humulene against Bacteroides fragilis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32073898/
• Anti-inflammatory effects of compounds alpha-humulene and (−)-trans-caryophyllene isolated from the essential oil of Cordia verbenacea. https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2009.00177.x
• Effects of essential oils and fragrant compounds on appetite: A systematic review. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10178777/
• Humulene inhibits acute gastric mucosal injury by enhancing mucosal integrity. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/10/5/761
• Optimal treatment with cannabis extracts formulations is gained via knowledge of their terpene content and via enrichment with specifically selected monoterpenes and monoterpenoids. https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/27/20/6920
• Preventive and therapeutic anti-inflammatory properties of the sesquiterpene α-humulene in experimental airways allergic inflammation. https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2009.00177.x
• Terpenes in Cannabis sativa — from plant genome to humans. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168945219301190

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