Science
Myrcene, What Is This Cannabis Terpene And What Does It Do?
Myrcene is mainly known for its musky, earthy smell and sweet taste.
Myrcene is one of the many terpenes in cannabis. Simply put, terpenes are the essential oils of plants. It gives them their smell and flavor. Terpenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons found in oils produced by plants (unsaturated hydrocarbons are organic compounds that are made up of carbon and hydrogen atoms that are double or triple bonded). Terpenes and cannabinoids are located in the trichomes (a sticky resin that’s produced by a cannabis plant to ward off insects).
Myrcene is mainly known for its musky, earthy smell and sweet taste. However, it’s also known for its essential role in brewing beer; the hops contain myrcene. In addition, the perfume industry often uses myrcene as an intermediate in making derivative terpenes.
What Contains Myrcene?
You can find myrcene in many things we encounter daily! Here are the most common.
- Cannabis
- Thyme
- Lemon Grass
- Mangos
- Basil
- Cloves
- Guava Melon
- Hops
Plenty Of Myrcene To Go Around
Myrcene is so plentiful in current cannabis strains you might have tried it without even realizing it. Myrcene is the more dominant terpene in cannabis. It is a precursor for other terpenes, just as CBG-A is a universal precursor for THC and CBD. Some strains of cannabis plants can have up to 65% of the terpenes containing myrcene! It even averages 20% of the terpene composition of current commercial strains.
Why Use Cannabis With Myrcene
Some studies have suggested that myrcene can synergize with THC and CBD and increase their effects. Because of the entourage effect, myrcene works in tandem with other cannabinoids and terpenes to produce exceptional results for each strain. However, myrcene is also known for its tranquilizing effects, and many seek strains with the highest concentrations. On its own, myrcene will not make you high.
Study, Study
Studies have shown that myrcene has anti-inflammatory properties and analgesic properties. It could potentially prevent cartilage breakdown in a cell model of osteoarthritis. Myrcene may also act as a cancer-fighting agent, a tranquilizer, and provide other health benefits as other terpenes do. Not to be forgotten, myrcene also has antibacterial and antifungal properties!
Side Effects of Myrcene
On its own, myrcene will not make you high. Side effects of myrcene include drowsiness or strong psychoactive reactions if you consume this terpene via cannabis. Higher terpene concentrations within cannabis are associated with more robust psychoactive experiences. Research has also suggested that myrcene influences the endogenous opioids in the body.
What Strains Have Myrcene?
Here are just a couple of strains that contain higher amounts of myrcene:
- OG KUSH
- GRAPE APE
- GRANDDADDY PURPLE
- REMEDY
- BANANA KUSH
- WHITE WIDOW
- CRITICAL MASS
- GOLDEN STRAWBERRY
Ask Your Local Cannabis Experts
Myrcene has so many healing properties. So next time you visit your local dispensary, ask for a strain with myrcene. You may find out that it’s just what you need to relax, and you may benefit from its many healing properties.
Cited Sources:
- https://www.true-blue.co/blogs/news/myrcene-the-mother-of-all-terpenes
- https://www.healthline.com/health/cannabis-terpenes
- https://www.verilife.com/blog/myrcene
- https://cannacon.org/15-terpenes-cannabis-explained/
- https://www.leafly.com/news/science-tech/myrcene-terpene
- https://www.siranaturals.org/blog/terpenes-myrcene
- https://www.cometobask.com/blog/terpene-myrcene/
- https://strainprint.ca/understanding-terpenes-myrcene/
- https://www.trulieve.com/discover/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-myrcene-and-its-benefits
- https://finestlabs.com/myrcene-terpene/
- https://acslabcannabis.com/blog/terpenes/terpene-tuesday-everything-you-need-to-know-about-myrcene-flavor-fragrance-and-health-benefits/
- https://weedmaps.com/learn/the-plant/myrcene
- https://ethoscannabis.com/learn/terpenes-myrcene/
- https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2021.699666/full
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-are-terpenes
- https://getfluent.com/what-does-the-terpene-myrcene-do-for-cannabis/
- https://leafwell.com/blog/myrcene/
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