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Dr. Cannabis

Glossary

CB2 receptor

The cannabinoid receptor found mainly in peripheral and immune tissue. CB2 activation is not intoxicating.

Because CB2 receptors are largely outside the central nervous system, compounds acting at CB2 can plausibly affect inflammation and immune signalling without producing a high.

Beta-caryophyllene is a selective CB2 agonist and the only common cannabis terpene with established direct cannabinoid-receptor activity.

Also written as: cb2.

Related terms

Sources

  1. Gertsch J, Leonti M, Raduner S, et al. Beta-caryophyllene is a dietary cannabinoid. PNAS. 2008;105(26):9099-9104.(DOI 10.1073/pnas.0803601105)Accessed 2026-08-15.