THC may be the most popular and prominent compound in the cannabis plant, but it’s not the only one. In fact, there are hundreds of compounds found in cannabis plants; the most common being cannabinoids and terpenes. Myrcene is the most common terpene found in cannabis.
Terpenes in Cannabis
Terpenes are chemical compounds that naturally occur in plants, including cannabis. They’re to thank for the aromas, flavors, and even colors associated with cannabis as well as the potential effects and therapeutic benefits.
400 known terpenes have been found in cannabis, but only a limited amount have been studied and are known to have specific effects. Some of the most common and studied terpenes found in cannabis include limonene, linalool, myrcene, humulene, pinene, terpinolene, and caryophyllene. Potential effects include anxiety relief as well as mood-enhancing, sedative, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-cancer properties.
Myrcene
Myrcene is the most common and abundant terpene found in cannabis. It is found in high levels in most strains and is the most common dominant terpene in flower. According to Leafly, “myrcene represents over 20% of the terpene profile in modern commercial strains.”
Aside from cannabis, myrcene is found in hops, lemongrass, citrus fruits, and thyme. It holds a peppery, spicy, and earthy fragrance, which can easily be detected in most cannabis flower. Myrcene also holds many potential therapeutic benefits. Due to its fragrance and properties, it is commonly used as an additive in food and beverages as well as consumer and cosmetic products, such as soaps and detergents.
Let’s dive into everything that myrcene has to offer.
Myrcene: Aroma & Flavors
Unlike other terpenes that have more distinct flavors, such as limonene’s lemon aroma, myrcene holds an herbal and earthy scent. It has spicy and musky notes, similar to black pepper, thyme, and hops, which myrcene can all be found in. Hints of sweet balsam and clove can also be detected.
Photo by Joanna Rae Lopez on Unsplash
Myrcene: Effects & Benefits
Myrcene has a range of potential therapeutic benefits. It has been explored for its antioxidant, anxiolytic, antimicrobial, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and analgesic properties.
A study from the 90s claims that myrcene reduces pain by increasing the spinal cord and brain’s opioid chemicals, though more research is needed.
Like many other terpenes, myrcene has potential anti-cancer effects. Research has shown that myrcene can block cancer-causing effects caused by aflatoxins produced by fungi that can be found in food. It also protects against DNA damage from certain toxins.
Myrcene can also help increase the transportation of cannabinoids into the brain by lowering the resistance across the blood-brain barrier. It might also improve the analgesic effects of cannabis.
Myrcene: Strains
As the most common terpene, myrcene has a dominant presence in thousands of strains. And even if it’s not the dominant terpene, it is found in the majority of cannabis, at varying levels.
Here are five strains that tend to be myrcene-dominant.
5 Strains That are Myrcene-Dominant
Photo by Avery Meeker on Unsplash
Blue Dream
Blue Dream is an extremely popular sativa-dominant hybrid strain. As a cross between Blueberry and Haze, Blue Dream produces a potentially balanced and cerebral high. Many consumers look to it for potentially non-sedative relaxation and stress relief. Medicinal users often use this strain to potentially help with depression, nausea, and chronic pain.
Blue Dream’s dominant terpene is myrcene, lending it earthy and herbal aromas, on top of its unique blueberry scent.
OG Kush
OG Kush is a renowned classic strain created by mixing Chemdawg, Lemon Thai, and Hindu Kush. It is the backbone of many popular cultivars, lending its offspring a balanced hybrid experience. With a mid-high THC content, OG Kush packs a punch and may offer feelings of euphoria and creativity. Many find it might also lead to the munchies.
OG Kush holds a unique and complex terpene profile. Its dominant terpene, myrcene, lends it strong notes of skunk and spice.
9lb Hammer
9lb Hammer is one of the most popular indica strains. Originally bred by JinxProof Genetics, it is a cross between Gooberry, Hells OG, and Jack the Ripper, with the renowned OG Kush and Haze strains also in its family history. This heavy indica strain is known for its potentially powerful relaxing and oftentimes sleep-inducing effects. Thus, it’s a popular strain amongst medicinal users who struggle with insomnia, pain, and stress.
Adding to its potentially sedative properties, myrcene is the dominant terpene found in 9lb Hammer. Pinene and caryophyllene are also commonly found in this strain.
Granddaddy Purple
The Granddaddy Purple strain, also known as Grand Daddy Purp and Granddaddy Purple Kush, is a cross between classic and landrace strains- Mendo Purps, Skunk, and Afghanistan. This results in a heavy indica strain with effects that might be cerebral, relaxing, and also pain-relieving. Moreover, Granddaddy Purp is a popular go-to strain for nighttime. Medicinal users look to Granddaddy Purp for potential help with stress, appetite loss, insomnia, and muscle spasms.
The California staple holds a complex grape and berry aroma, with notes of skunky earth from its dominant terpene, myrcene.
Grape Ape
Grape Ape is a pure indica strain that contains classic and landrace strains in its family tree. It is made by crossing three beloved strains, Mendocino Purps, Skunk #1, and Afghani. As a mix of multiple indica and indica-leaning hybrids, this strain offers potentially relaxing, calming, and sedative effects.
Alongside its high content of THC and CBD, Grape Ape is high in myrcene, potentially adding to its sleep-supporting and stress-relieving properties.
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