Caryophyllene [kar-ee-o-phyl-leen], the only terpene that can be found in all types of cannabis, regulates dopamine release in reward-related brain regions, modulating reinforcement and motivational pathways. It also protects dopaminergic neurons from oxidative stress while mitigating glutamate-induced excitotoxicity. Together, these effects underlie caryophyllene’s promise for neuroprotection and the modulation of reward-driven behaviors.