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Dr. Cannabis

Hoppy, woody, earthy

Humulene

Structurally related to beta-caryophyllene. The appetite-suppression claim has no human evidence behind it.

Preclinical onlySupported only by laboratory or animal studies, frequently at doses far above what a cannabis product delivers. No human clinical evidence.
Aroma
Hoppy, woody, earthy
Also found in
Hops, Sage, Ginseng

Alpha-humulene produced cannabinoid-tetrad behaviours in mice in a 2021 study — a cannabimimetic finding, not an appetite finding, and one requiring 200 mg/kg dosing.

We searched specifically for peer-reviewed human evidence that humulene suppresses appetite and found none. It should not be presented as an appetite suppressant.

What marketing claims

  • • Appetite suppression
  • • Anti-inflammatory

What the evidence supports

No human evidence found for appetite suppression. Rodent cannabimimetic activity only, at very high doses.

Conditions where Humulene shows up in the suggested profile

Sources

  1. LaVigne JE, Hecksel R, Keresztes A, Streicher JM. Cannabis sativa terpenes are cannabimimetic and selectively enhance cannabinoid activity. Scientific Reports. 2021;11:8232.(DOI 10.1038/s41598-021-87740-8)Accessed 2026-08-15.
  2. André R, Gomes AP, Pereira-Leite C, et al. The Entourage Effect in Cannabis Medicinal Products: A Comprehensive Review. Pharmaceuticals. 2024;17(11):1543.(DOI 10.3390/ph17111543)Accessed 2026-08-15.