HUMULENE

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Alpha-humulene is the hop terpene — chemically an isomer of caryophyllene and often co-occurring with it. Humulene-forward strains smell earthy, woody, with a subtle hoppy note reminiscent of an IPA. Boiling point 198°C. Beyond cannabis, humulene is the signature compound in hops, as well as in sage, ginseng, and coriander. Unlike most cannabis terpenes, humulene is often cited as appetite-moderating rather than appetite-stimulating — the opposite of classic "the munchies" associations. Research on humulene includes anti-inflammatory and antibacterial signalling, all unevaluated by FDA. Humulene-heavy strains often pair with dense, earthy foods — a slow-cooked stew, a dark ale, a hop-forward evening.