There’s a good chance you already know cannabis plants are full of aromatic compounds called terpenes. While the effects of consuming terpenes are not as pronounced as those of a powerful cannabinoid like THC, these fabulous compounds nonetheless play a role in determining a cannabis strain’s effects and therapeutic benefits, in addition to its flavor and scent.
Today’s featured terpene is one of the most prominent and notable cannabis terpenes: myrcene.
Often associated with relaxation and sedation (much like cannabis itself), myrcene is the most common and abundant terpene found in cannabis plants. Also found predominantly in mangoes, lemongrass, basil, and hops, myrcene’s calming aura was first isolated and extracted for flavoring purposes in the 1800s. In recent years, research published in Frontiers in Nutrition has also found that it may also play an important role in the body’s ability to absorb THC, prevent inflammation, and achieve relaxation.
Cannabis aficionados widely agree that myrcene is one of the best terpenes for relaxation, but it has a bevy of other benefits, effects, and interesting lore behind it as well. Let’s explore the zesty, fruity, and slightly funky world of myrcene.
What Is Myrcene and Where Does It Come From?
Myrcene, as we’ve noted, is the most prominent terpene in cannabis plants, so it is arguably more responsible for cannabis’s signature scent and flavor than any other individual terpene. It is known for a complex bouquet that can be interpreted as both fruity and fresh or earthy and musky, depending on context and individual perception.
While dominant in the world of cannabis terpenes, myrcene can also be found in plenty of other places in nature. If you’re familiar with the old cannabis colloquial wisdom that says eating mangoes before indulging in cannabis can intensify your high, you might be surprised to learn that this wisdom has its place in today’s more scientifically-informed cannabis community. The anecdote can probably be traced back to the concept of doubling down on your myrcene intake to amplify the sedative and stress-reducing properties of cannabis.
Some of the most noteworthy natural sources of myrcene include:
- Cannabis – Of course, cannabis is a wonderful source of myrcene, especially fruity, hard-hitting indica strains like Grandaddy Purple and Grape Ape.
- Mangoes – This juicy tropical fruit is rich in nutrients and pairs well with cannabis, according to many.
- Basil – This fragrant herb is best used fresh and is often associated with comfort and relaxation in cooking and aromatherapy contexts.
- Hops – Just like myrcene helps give cannabis its notorious odor; it also lends your favorite beers (especially IPAs and other hop-heavy brews) their signature funk.
- Lemongrass – Popular in South Asian cooking, herbal teas, and essential oil sets alike, lemongrass is a plant product that lives up to its name through its zesty, fragrant, and relaxation-inducing scent.
When comparing myrcene vs. other terpenes, today’s featured terpene stands out for its sedative qualities. This can be considered a therapeutic property, a recreational cannabis enhancer, or even an unwanted side effect, depending on your perspective and your individual goals in using cannabis. If you’re searching for a heavy-hitting nighttime product, then a high-myrcene strain might be exactly what you need; you can reap myrcene terpene benefits like improved sleep cycles and better stress regulation.
Myrcene’s Effects on the Body and Mind
We’ve already remarked on myrcene’s relaxation-enhancing properties, which are some of the terpene’s main selling points for cannabis users. It makes perfect sense that the most myrcene-rich cannabis strains are mostly indicas and indica-leaning hybrids because indicas are also traditionally associated with relaxation and sedation.
Myrcene and high-myrcene cannabis strains have been noted by many in the cannabis community to aid relaxation by:
- Helping to alleviate the symptoms of stress and anxiety
- Promoting full-body relaxation by reducing muscle tension and pain
- Improving sleep cycles
Findings published in the British Journal of Pharmacology have provided scientific evidence that these relaxing and sedative effects occur in mammals and even highlight myrcene’s potential as a:
- Muscle relaxant
- Analgesic (pain reliever)
- Anti-inflammatory, and
- Pathogen resistor
Myrcene and “Couch Lock”
Of course, one always runs the risk of having too much of a good thing. It turns out myrcene is actually so good at promoting relaxation that high myrcene levels might contribute to the sedated, heavy-body sensation known to cannabis connoisseurs as “couch lock.”
One way to reduce the risk of ruining your cannabis experience by being too melted into your couch to enjoy it is to simply save your high-myrcene indica products for nighttime use. Then, find a different strain (perhaps a more energetic sativa or a full-spectrum hybrid) for daytime activities.
Myrcene’s Role in the Entourage Effect
The “entourage effect” refers to the synergistic interplay between the various terpenes and cannabinoids (e.g., THC, CBD, CBN) present in cannabis flower and its ensuing benefits for the human body and mind. Myrcene and other beneficial terpenes work with THC and CBD in complex ways that we still don’t fully understand, underscoring the need for more research in the medicinal cannabis field.
Some studies and anecdotal experiences suggest that myrcene, among all cannabis terpenes, plays a key role in the entourage effect. This is not only because myrcene effects like relaxation and sedation effectively double down on those of THC and CBD. According to British Journal of Pharmacology research, myrcene is also believed to play a role in helping your body absorb THC effectively, potentially leading to a more consistent and longer-lasting cannabis experience.
Cannabis Strains High in Myrcene
Since myrcene is the most abundant cannabis terpene, you could make the argument that every cannabis strain is a “high myrcene” strain. If you’d like to make the most of myrcene’s unique effects, we’ve identified a few top strains that have a particularly high ratio of myrcene to other terpenes.
- Granddaddy Purple – A deeply relaxing strain, considered best for nighttime use by many fans, Grandaddy Purple somehow lives up to its quirky name by tasting distinctly purple (not quite grape or blackberry, just “purple”) with a hint of grandpa’s cigar smoke and beer.
- Blue Dream – Another high-myrcene strain that somehow tastes like the color it’s named after, Blue Dream does equal justice to the second half of its name. This is a wonderful strain for gently sedative sleep-inducing properties when used at night or a soft and dreamy mood-lifting effect with daytime use.
- Grape Ape – Another heavy-hitting indica, Grape Ape is a great flower to cuddle up with after a long and challenging day, whether you’re looking for pain relief, relaxation, or both.
- OG Kush – This is an iconic cannabis strain that features strong myrcene content and a mind-and-body buzz. OG Kush provides a fast-acting calming effect without being overpowering.
Myrcene-Dominant Products at Ivy Hall
Your neighborhood Ivy Hall Dispensaries throughout the Chicago area carry a wide range of products with terpenes for relaxation. Check out a few of the best cannabis strains high in myrcene:
- Thai Fighter Premium Flower – If you want a beautiful bud with a rich myrcene terp profile, allow us to suggest Thai Fighter. This strain comes directly from our Ivy Premium line.
- Blue Dream Distillate or Grandaddy Purple Distillate Disposable Vapes – If you’re in the market for a convenient, discreet, all-in-one cannabis vaping solution based on a myrcene-heavy strain, look no further than these disposable distillate pens from &Shyne. Those new to vaping cannabis should consider grabbing one of each strain to see which works best for you.
- Durban Z Pre-Roll 5 Pack – If you want to enjoy a pre-rolled myrcene-forward smoke that’s ready when you are, pick up this 1.75 g pack from the crew at Dogwalkers. 5 pre-rolled joints for maximum relaxation.
Myrcene vs. Other Terpenes: How It Compares
To better identify and appreciate myrcene, it can be useful to compare it to some other key cannabis terpenes. This can be especially useful for those who are just getting started on their journey exploring cannabis terpenes. By knowing more about each terpene, you can begin to isolate the individual notes and unravel the magic of how different ratios of terpenes can create complex flavors and aromas.
For example, once you know a bit more about myrcene and limonene, you can distinguish between their effects as well as their signature scent profiles. You may even be able to use your own sense of smell to determine which strains have high levels of either compound, allowing you to pick a strain with the effects that work best for you.
Here’s how myrcene stacks up to some other top terpenes:
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| Terpene | Effects | Common Sources | Strain Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
Myrcene | Relaxing, Sedative | Mangos, basil, hops | Grandaddy Purple, OG Kush |
Linalool | Relaxing, Sedative | Lavender, flowers | Lavender Kush, Amnesia Haze |
Limonene | Uplifting, Invigorating | Lemons, oranges | Wedding Cake, Super Lemon Haze |
Pinene | Mental Stimulation, Anti-Inflammatory | Pine trees, rosemary | Jack Herer, Blue Dream |
How to Enhance Myrcene’s Effects Naturally
Myrcene and cannabinoids already pair up to create a powerful entourage effect of sleepiness and full-spectrum body-and-mind relaxation, but some in our cannabis community still wonder if there are natural ways to enhance myrcene’s already impressive benefits and effects. Here are some simple things you can try:
- Enhance with Mangoes – Consider eating mangoes before consuming THC to get a double dose of myrcene and increase THC absorption.
- Sip Some Tea – If mangoes aren’t your cup of tea, try actual tea. Herbal tea with lemongrass or hops is a pleasant liquid method for increasing your myrcene intake.
- Try Aromatherapy – Use basil, lemongrass, or ylang-ylang essential oils to promote calm and relaxation through your olfactory senses.
FAQs About Myrcene
Are you ready to learn more about myrcene? Dive into these frequently asked questions.
Does Myrcene Make You Sleepy?
For most people, the answer is yes. While everyone responds differently, cannabis strains high in myrcene are indeed known for their sedative, insomnia-fighting effects.
How Does Myrcene Affect THC?
According to some claims, myrcene is able to increase the permeability of certain cell membranes, which may help boost THC absorption and, in turn, its effects. While research is ongoing regarding this claim as it pertains to the blood-brain barrier, research published in Planta Med notes that myrcene does improve the body’s ability to absorb THC via transdermal products.
Can Myrcene Help with Pain Relief?
Possibly. Myrcene and several other cannabis terpenes (as well as cannabinoids) do have significant anti-inflammatory properties that help many people with chronic pain issues or who want a natural muscle relaxation supplement. Research published in Planta Med backs up the anecdotal evidence with results from mammal trials, but more work is needed to demonstrate the extent of its effectiveness in humans.
Myrcene Is a Must-Know Terpene
As the most abundant cannabis terpene, myrcene is the cornerstone upon which your favorite boutique strain’s carefully curated flavor and aroma profile are built. It’s not just another cannabis terpene: it’s the place you need to start when you’re ready to start diving into terpene profiles yourself. Once you train your nose to isolate myrcene’s fruity funk, you can use it as a baseline to try to determine which other terps might be present in a new strain.
Beyond its unmistakable scent, myrcene is worth knowing for its effects. With its powerful relaxation and sedative properties, myrcene makes the perfect partner for THC, doubling down on some of the most sought-after effects for medicinal cannabis users, as well as those who just need a good night’s sleep.
If you’re ready to experience the power of myrcene for yourself, the friendly crew at your neighborhood Ivy Hall location would be happy to show you some excellent, myrcene-rich cannabis products. Whether you’re in the market for top-shelf buds, pre-rolled joints, convenient vape cartridges, or delicious edible concoctions, our sensory dispensary has precisely what you need. Contact us today with any questions you have about terpenes and our products.
Resources:
- Surendran, S., Qassadi, F., Surendran, G., Zhang, Y., & Tabatabaee, A. (2021). Myrcene—What are the potential health benefits of this flavouring and aroma agent? Frontiers in Nutrients, 13, 699666. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.699666
- Russo, E. B. (2011). Taming THC: Potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. British Journal of Pharmacology, 163(7), 1344–1364. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01238.x
- Lorenzetti, B. B., Souza, G. E. P., Sarti, S. J., Santos Filho, D., & Ferreira, S. H. (1991). Myrcene mimics the peripheral analgesic activity of lemongrass tea. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 34(1), 43–48. https://doi.org/10.1016/0378-8741(91)90067-P
- do Vale, T. G., Furtado, E. C., Santos, J. G., Jr., & Viana, G. S. (2002). Central effects of citral, myrcene and limonene, constituents of essential oil chemotypes from Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E. Brown. Phytomedicine, 9(8), 709–714. https://doi.org/10.1078/0944-7113-00273
