I’m back to continue our cannabis terpene series. This time we’re looking at “Myrcene”! Miss out on the previous ones? You can read them here and here.
In today’s article, we delve into the information that will answer the frequently asked questions about myrcene. We’ll uncover its definition, its benefits, its effects and more aspects to explore about this cannabis terpene.
Key Takeaways
- Myrcene is a cannabis terpene that shapes the aroma, flavor, and effects of cannabis.
- Myrcene is the most common cannabis terpene.
- Despite cannabis, myrcene is also found in various other plants such as mangoes, hops, and lemongrass.
- Myrcene gives off an earthy and musky aroma with a sweet and fruity flavor.
- Physical properties that myrcene often offers are relaxation, pain relief, anti-cancer, and anti-aging.
- Some of the myrcene-dominant cannabis strains are Granddaddy Purple, Blue Dream, and OG Kush.
What is Myrcene?
Myrcene or beta-myrcene is a terpene that is a natural compound found in plants, certainly, it exists in cannabis plants as well which helps determine the look, smell, flavor, and effects. Terpene also helps the plants to protect them from predators, attract pollinators, and to survive extreme weather.
Myrcene is particularly abundant in plants such as herbs, spices, and fruits including:
- Mangoes
- Hops
- Lemongrass
- Thyme
Myrcene is the most common cannabis terpene, its aroma is often described as earthy, musky, and herbal notes with tropical fruits (like mango) undertones. For the flavor, it usually tastes sweet and fruity.
Myrcene and the Entourage Effect
The “entourage effect” is a theory that all compounds in cannabis work together and when paired together, they produce a better and more powerful effect of each strain than when taking cannabinoids like THC alone. The amount of myrcene within the cannabis strains can affect the effects the strains provide. With a myrcene concentration of more than 0.5%, the strains tend to offer more soothing and calming effects. In contrast, the strains will produce more energetic and mood-boosting effects if a myrcene concentration is less than 0.5%.
Potential Health Benefits of Myrcene
Just like other terpenes like limonene, myrcene also holds its therapeutic benefits in various aspects:
- Relaxation
Myrcene is known for its relaxing and sedating properties which lead to the “couch lock” effect, making it helpful for muscle relaxation, reduced anxiety, and sleep aid.
- Pain Relief
Anti-inflammatory is another benefit that myrcene holds. It enhances the body’s pain-relieving mechanism resulting in myrcene being recognized as an agent for pain relief.
- Anti-cancer
A 2021 research study has shown impressive results that myrcene can combat cancer, to give an example, it revealed its effectiveness in stopping the growth of cancer cells in women’s breasts.
- Natural Ant-aging
One study revealed a promising result that myrcene can protect skin from ultraviolet light which helps slow down the aging process such as wrinkle development.
Myrcene in Traditional Medicine Around the World
Herbal medicines containing myrcene have been used in different cultures for centuries, first recorded in India over 2,000 years ago. This cannabis terpene has also been traditionally used as a treatment for:
- Improve sleep
- Reduce pain
- Reduce anxiety
- Promote relaxation
- Boost the immune system
First, let’s start with South and Central Asia, myrcene-filled medicine was used for diarrhea, inflammation, respiratory problems, and cancer tumor growth. Lemongrass tea which is abundant in myrcene has played a big role in Brazil and Mexico. It has been used as a sedative and muscle relaxant to improve sleep together with reduced pain and relief of anxiety. People in Germany, the second largest hops-growing nation in the world behind the United States, also use myrcene-rich hops as a sleep aid.
Safety and Precautions
Driving ability may be reduced (driving impairment) after consuming cannabis both recreational use and a prescription for medical cannabis. Beta-myrcene is a terpene that is commonly found in full-spectrum medical cannabis products and many cannabis strains which may cause sedating effects and drowsiness. It can increase the risk of having an accident.
Myrcene-Rich Cannabis Strains
Interested in trying some? I see. Here’s the list you can ask the budtender at the dispensary if you’re looking for some myrcene-dominant strains:
- Blue Dream – A Sativa-dominant hybrid strain made by its parents, Blueberry and Haze, holding its aroma and flavor similar to sweet berries. Blue Dream produces high THC levels and minimal CBD content making it an ideal choice for treating chronic pain and nausea.
- Harlequin – A descendant of Colombian Gold, Nepali Indica, and Thai and Swiss landrace strains producing high levels of CBD which is perfect for patients with pain and anxiety. The smell and flavor of Harlequin have been reported as musky and earthy with mango notes.
- OG Kush – Originated in California and first cultivated by Matt “Bubba” Berger from the crossbreeding between Hindu Kush and Chemdawg. OG Kush often smells like earthy with notes of pine and citrus. It offers intense cerebral highs with deep relaxation of the body.
- White Widow – Created by a cannabis user Shantibaba when he was working at the Greenhouse Seeds in the 1990s. The strain has an ammonia-like scent with an earthy smell and pine. White Widow gives effects of energizing, euphoria, and creativity.
- Granddaddy Purple – Popularized by Ken Estes in 2003, made by the cross between Afghani, Buddha, and Thai strains. It offers therapeutic benefits for those with appetite loss and anxiety as it allows users to feel relaxed and munchies.
Conclusion
Myrcene is the most common terpene in cannabis and can also be found in hops, lemongrass, and mangoes. When paired with cannabinoids, it can create greater effects on the users. Myrcene concentration level present in the strains can determine the effects, soothing effects if more than 0.5% and energizing if less than 0.5%.
Myrcene is renowned for its health benefits of relaxing, pain relieving, anti-cancer, and anti-aging. What’s more, myrcene has been used within traditional medicine in various cultures for centuries. There’s also a safety precaution that cannabis users should pay attention to. The individuals may feel drowsy or sedated after consuming cannabis which might lead to driving impairment, or even worse, getting into an accident. Cannabis strains that are rich in myrcene are White Widow, Harlequin, and Blue Dream, and more strains that you can discover at the dispensaries.
