“The endocannabinoid system is an ancient lipid signaling network which in mammals modulates neuronal functions, inflammatory processes, and is involved in the aetiology of certain human lifestyle diseases, such as Crohn’s disease, atherosclerosis and osteoarthritis.

The system is able to downregulate stress-related signals that lead to chronic inflammation and certain types of pain, but it is also involved in causing inflammation-associated symptoms, depending on the physiological context.

The cannabinoid type-2 (CB₂) receptor, which unlike the CB₁ receptor does not induce central side effects, has been shown to be a promising therapeutic target. While CB₁ receptor antagonists/inverse agonists are of therapeutic value, also CB₂ receptor ligands including agonists are of pharmacological interest.

 Although the endocannabinoid system is known to be involved in the regulation of energy homoeostasis and metabolism (mainly via CB₁ receptors) there was hitherto no direct link between food intake and cannabinoid receptor activation. Our recent finding that beta-caryophyllene, a ubiquitous lipohilic plant natural product, selectively binds to the CB₂ receptor and acts as a full agonist is unexpected…

In the case of the dietary natural product beta-caryophyllene, a full CB₂ receptor-selective agonist in vitro, potent anti-inflammatory cannabimimetic effects are observed. Intriguingly, the lowest oral dose tested (5 mg/Kg) of this widespread and apparently non-toxic compound, which is also an FDA-approve food additive, was the most effective. Maybe this strengthens the hypothesis that beta-caryophyllene is indeed a dietary cannabinoid, thus inferring that by eating this compound the endocannabinoid system may be modulated in a beneficial way…”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2633791/