What is Myrcene?

Myrcene is one of the 10 most found terpenes in cannabis plants. Because it is so common, it has been studied a lot. If you have read previous posts about terpenes you should know that they give scent and flavor to most plants.

Myrcene has medicinal and therapeutic benefits that have been discovered through different scientific studies. It is also used as a perfume complement because of how good it smells.

Its name comes from a Brazilian bush called Myrcia sphaerocarpa that has very high levels of myrcene and it is mainly used for therapeutic purposes.

Myrcene Structure

Myrcene is a monoterpene, which means it has 10 hydrocarbon atoms. It’s a volatile substance that evaporates at 166 degrees. 

It’s a yellowish liquid that is similar to oil and doesn’t dissolve in water. In cannabis plants it is found in the glandular trichomes. Its function is to protect the plant against external agents.

Myrcene’s Flavor and Scent

Myrcene has a surely musky, earthy flavor with some citrus touches that could remind you of tropical fruits. This terpene is in:

• Lemon grass
• Hop fruit
• Cardamom
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Cannabis Sativa L.

These plants and fruits have very unusual and appreciated flavors thanks to their high myrcene content. However, when it comes to cannabis strains, not all of them are going to taste the same even if they have a high myrcene concentration. This is because myrcene mixes with other terpenes resulting in different flavors and scents.

Properties of myrcene

Myrcene on its own has a sedative and relaxing effect. That is why it is found in most indica cannabis strains. Myrcene can interact either way with terpenes with similar effects and with others that produce the opposite effects. Because of this, it can also be found in Sativa strains.

When myrcene synergises with other cannabinoids like THC or CBD, the entourage effect takes place to make the best possible combination.

According to the latest research, Myrcene increases the absorption of cannabinoid receptors and the THC affinity with human CB1 receptors, making it possible to obtain psychotropic effects. This terpene increases the permeability of cellular membranes, which is an advantage when it comes to obtaining psychoactive or medicinal effects.

A scientific study performed by Steep Hill Labs, in California, directly relates the amount of myrcene to the level of psychotropic effect obtained. If myrcene is higher than 0.5% it will give an indica effect and if it is lower it will give a sativa effect.

Medicinal Properties of Myrcene

Myrcene is quite often  used in the perfume industry because of its scent but also in the pharmacy industry because of its great therapeutic properties:

1. Pain killer: Myrcene helps the body create substances to inhibit inflammatory and chronic pain. When synergizing  with the rest of the plant’s components such properties improve.
2.  Anti-inflammatory effect. Different studies have concluded myrcene can slow down cartilage destruction that takes place during arthritis. Even though there is no cure, this terpene can delay arthritis degenerative effects.
3. Boosts the immune system.
4. It’s an outstanding antibacterial as it inhibits bacterial growth.
5. Reduces muscle spasms.
6. Improves sleep quality.
7. Reduces psychotic effects.

Cannabis Strains that are Rich in Myrcene

Normally cannabis’ essential oils and terpenes are lost during the extraction process but in the case of myrcene, its concentrations remain very high (between 40-60%)

This a list of cannabis plants with high myrcene concentrations, in case you have an interest in trying out any of these strains.

Blue Willow, from Dinafem

This sativa dominant strain has a likewise sweet scent combined with a bitter-sweet flavor mixed with some incensed and sweet hints. It has a relaxing and sedative effect, therefore indica effects are more perceived. High THC levels synergizing with myrcene are the perfect combination after a long day at work.

White Widow, from The Green House Seeds

Green House Seeds has this fantastic hybrid created in the 80’s. This once a winner in the High Times Cannabis Cup has a sweet and lemony flavor with a touch of iron taste. It has a strong pine scent with a soft spicy touch. At the start it has sativa effect, with some euphoria, but it slowly wears down and a relaxing feeling shows up afterwards.

Special Kush, from Royal Queen Seeds

This indica dominant strain comes from the autochthonous Hindu Kush strain. It’s flavors and scents are very similar to the ones found in hash, pine and mint with soft black pepper touches. The high myrcene levels come from the Kush strain and it gives a full indica feeling that is deeply relaxing.

Himalaya Gold from Green House Seeds

This strain has a musky and acid scent that turns into tropical fruits and petrol scent when the buds have been dried. It has a spicy, earthy and herbal flavor. It gives a calming effect that goes well during creative moments. This strain is very helpful therapeutically speaking because it can improve pain and stimulate appetite.

Larry OG S1 100% Feminised

This Californian strain has a very strong citrus flavor that combines fresh orange and lemon. Some Kush from its predecessors can be peceived. It has a spicy-sweet and dense scent. 

Its high THC levels (between 18-24%) give a very strong effect. On a therapeutic level it works well as a painkiller and as an appetite stimulant. It can have very relaxing effects.

Now you know all the important aspects of Myrcene. If you are interested in other cannabis terpenes, keep an eye on our blog!