Humulene
Woody, earthy, hoppy — appetite suppression and anti-inflammatory
Humulene is the terpene that connects cannabis to beer — it's a primary component of hops and gives both plants that distinctive earthy, woody, slightly bitter aroma. Beyond hops and cannabis, you'll find humulene in sage, ginseng, and coriander. It's closely related to caryophyllene (they share a similar molecular structure) and the two often appear together.
What makes humulene unusual in the cannabis world is its potential as an appetite suppressant — the opposite of what most people expect from cannabis. Research has also highlighted anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Strains with notable humulene content tend to deliver a grounding, earthy experience that complements rather than dominates the overall terpene profile.