Humulene

Humulene is an earthy, woody terpene best known from hops and also found in hemp, sage, and ginseng.

Chemically it is a sesquiterpene, closely related to beta-caryophyllene, and the two often occur together in the same plant. Humulene is the compound that gives many beers their hoppy aroma. In hemp, it is typically a mid-level component of the terpene profile and is reported on terpene panels by weight.

Humulene is not a cannabinoid and does not have established activity at cannabinoid receptors. It has been examined in laboratory and animal studies, but there is no clinical evidence tying it to any effect of CBD, and claims about synergy between terpenes and cannabinoids remain a hypothesis. Pet owners may see it listed on hemp products for animals; it is also common in ordinary foods and plants.