What is myrcene?

Myrcene is the most abundant terpene found in marijuana plants. In fact, it is considered one of the 10 most common terpenes we can find in our favorite plants. For this reason, it is also one of the most studied by the scientific community. If you have read our latest posts, you will know that terpenes are the substances responsible for providing the aroma and flavor, not only to our cannabis plants but to most plants in the plant kingdom.

However, it has many other additional functions and effects that have been discovered through scientific research and studies. Thus, myrcene is very useful, especially in the medicinal and therapeutic field, thanks to its incredible properties and qualities. It is also a terpene widely used in the perfumery industry, acting as a complement in fragrances due to its pleasant aroma.

As a fun fact, the name of this terpene comes from the Brazilian shrub Myrcia sphaerocarpa, a plant with very high percentages of myrcene, used mainly for medicinal and therapeutic purposes.

Structure of myrcene

Myrcene is specifically a monoterpene, meaning it is formed by two isoprene units and, therefore, by 10 hydrocarbon atoms.

It is a volatile substance that evaporates at 166 °C. To the naked eye, it is an oil-like, yellowish liquid that does not dissolve in water. In marijuana plants, this terpene is located in the glandular trichomes and, like other terpenes, its main function is to protect the plant from external agents.

Flavor and aroma of myrcene

Myrcene is the terpene responsible for providing musky, earthy aromas and flavors with some citrus touches that are reminiscent of tropical fruits. We can find this terpene in:

• Lemon verbena
• Hops
• Mango
• Cardamom
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Cannabis Sativa L.

Thanks to high doses of myrcene, these plants and fruits have those very particular and admired flavors. Even so, and as we will see later in the cannabis varieties rich in myrcene, although they contain a high content of this terpene, not all of them will taste the same. This is because myrcene complements the rest of the terpenes, so that each variety, depending on the terpenes and the amount of them it contains, will have completely different and exclusive organoleptic qualities.

Effects and benefits of myrcene

Myrcene, in isolation, has a relaxing and sedative effect. For this reason, it is found primarily in indica cannabis varieties. Just as it can synergize with other terpenes with these same sedative qualities, it can also converge with terpenes and cannabinoids that end up producing opposite effects. Thus, we will also find myrcene in sativa varieties.

When myrcene enters into synergy with cannabinoids, such as THC or CBD, the entourage effect is produced. That is, all the qualities of the cannabis plant act in confluence and contribute their qualities better than if they acted in isolation and individually.

In fact, myrcene increases the absorption capacity of our cannabinoid receptors, so that they accommodate many more cannabinoids thanks to the help of this terpene. According to some research, myrcene also increases the affinity of THC with our CB1 receptor, thanks to which we achieve psychotropic effects. This happens because this specific terpene increases the permeability of cell membranes, which is an advantage for both recreational use (greater psychotropic effects) and medicinal use (increases the analgesic effect).

A scientific study by Steep Hill Labs, in California, directly relates the amount of myrcene found in the plant to the psychotropic effect offered by its consumption. They have observed that if the myrcene content is greater than 0.5%, the effect is more indica-like, while if it is lower than this percentage, the effect is more sativa-like.

What are the medicinal properties of myrcene?

In addition to being used in the perfumery industry for fragrances, myrcene is widely applied in the pharmaceutical industry for its high therapeutic and medicinal properties.

Here we list them:

1. Analgesic: the consumption of myrcene helps our body generate certain substances responsible for inhibiting pain. Specifically, inflammatory or chronic pain, such as osteoarthritis or dermatitis. The terpene has this property acting both in synergy with the rest of the qualities of the cannabis plant, and separately and in isolation.
2. Anti-inflammatory: this benefit in particular has been studied, above all, in relation to osteoarthritis. Various studies have demonstrated the ability of myrcene to slow down the destruction of cartilage. Although there is no solution or cure for this disease in traditional medicine, this particular terpene can delay its degenerative effects.
3. It stimulates the immune system.
4. It inhibits the growth of bacteria, making it an excellent antibacterial.
5. It has the ability to reduce psychotic symptoms.
6. It reduces muscle spasms.
7. It helps improve sleep, as it prolongs it.

Cannabis varieties rich in myrcene

Essential oils and terpenes are generally removed from marijuana through the distillation process. However, myrcene is a terpene that remains present at quite high levels (between 40 and 60%).

If you are interested in the qualities of myrcene and want to try them, here is a list of some of the marijuana plant varieties that contain high doses of myrcene.

White Widow by Green House Seeds

Green House Seeds delights us with this hybrid variety created in the 80s. The winner of a High Times Cannabis Cup has a sweet and lemony flavor with hints of iron; while its aroma is intense with pine aftertastes and a soft spicy nuance. The effect is more sativa-like at first, so it is more cerebral and euphoric. This transforms into a relaxing body effect later on. This genetics is perfect for combating anxiety and stress.

White Widow

(222)

3,00 € Ver producto

Special Kush by Royal Queen Seeds

This indica-dominant strain is a landrace variety from Hindu Kush. Its aroma and flavor are associated with hash, pine, and mint with hints of pepper and spices. The high amounts of myrcene are provided by its Kush genetics, which at the same time offers us an authentic indica effect from the beginning, deeply relaxing.

Himalaya Gold by Green House Seeds

This genetics presents you with a vivid aroma of musk and acidic molasses, which transforms into a smell of tropical fruits and fuel when it comes to the dried buds. The flavor, for its part, is spicy, earthy, and herbal, so we can detect the qualities of myrcene here. Also in its effect, as it is physically calming, although it complements very well with mental creativity levels. This variety in particular is very effective at a therapeutic level, specifically as an analgesic and as an appetite stimulant.

White Widow

(222)

3,00 € Ver producto

Larry OG S1 100% Feminized

This strain, originating from California, has a strong citrus flavor, specifically providing a very good combination of fresh orange and lemon. You can appreciate the characteristic non-irritating and smooth Kush nuance inherited from its lineage. For its part, the aroma is rather spicy and sweet at the same time, quite dense. Its high THC content (between 18 and 24%) offers a quite powerful effect. At a medicinal and therapeutic level, it is very useful for stimulating the appetite, as an analgesic, and as a relaxant.

Now you know everything important about myrcene. Don’t miss our next posts, because we will explain in detail other very important terpenes found in cannabis plants.