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The Myrcene Terpene: The Most Abundant Terpene of All Time

Nov 28, 20225 min read

Updated: Nov 29, 2022

By Therin Miller | Chronic Magazine

There are a lot of potential health benefits in cannabis terpenes.

More than 20,000 varieties of cannabis terpenes exist throughout nature. Myrcene is one of the most commonly used terpenes in the world, and myrcene represents a vital role in the cannabis plant as well as other terpenes. This hydrocarbon is found in high quantities in Sativa strains, and it’s responsible for many of the distinctive characteristics of this type of cannabis. Myrcene is also found in medicinal shrub, and other plants, including hops, lemongrass, and wild thyme.

Myrcene is also found in many essential oils. The essential oil has been used for hundreds of years for many herbal medicines by cultures all over the world.

Myrcene represents over 20% of the terpene profile modern cannabis strains, although with cross-breeding the levels do vary, significantly in some cases.

What is the Terpene, Myrcene?

Myrcene or beta myrcene as it's sometimes called is a terpene, which are organic chemical compounds found in plants. It has a strong earthy scent and is used in perfumes and cosmetics. Myrcene is also present in cannabis and is responsible for the entourage effect that users feel.

Can Myrcene Get You High?

Myrcene in cannabis is responsible for the plant's earthy aroma. It is also believed to be responsible for some of the plant's psychoactive effects. Myrcene is said to amplify or enhance the effects of THC, so it can be more potent when consumed giving you the highly sought-after entourage effect.

What Are the Effects of Myrcene?

Myrcene has a number of effects, including analgesic effects, anti-inflammatory effects, and sedative effects. It is also thought to help increase the potency of other cannabinoids, like THC.

Myrcene is believed to be one of the primary components responsible for the "couch lock" feeling that many cannabis users experience. It has a sedative effect when consumed in high doses and can make users feel relaxed and sleepy. In addition, very high doses of myrcene may promote deeper sleep, improved sleep quality, and better dreams.

Myrcene is also believed to have an anti-inflammatory activity, which can help reduce inflammation in the body due to injury or disease. Myrcene's anti inflammatory effects mainly come from animal studies. It may also be used as a muscle relaxant and could potentially be used as an alternative medicine for pain relief.

As with any compound found in cannabis, more myrcene research is needed to discover all its effects. However, many users report that cannabis strains high in myrcene have a more calming and relaxing effect than other types. For this reason, it's important to pay attention to the myrcene levels in your cannabis when selecting modern commercial strains.

If you're looking for a strain that will help you relax and unwind, myrcene-rich strains are a good option. However, it's important to remember that everyone reacts differently to cannabis products, so always start with a low dose until you understand how the product affects you.

Myrcene has many therapeutic benefits that have been shown to be analgesic, anti-inflammatory, sedative, and hypnotic.

Note: Some medicinal shrubs in Brazil that are high in myrcene have been used to treat diabetes, diarrhea, dysentery, and hypertension.

Myrcene's physical and chemical properties are very unique

Can Myrcene Relieve Pain?

As previously mentioned myrcene has anti-inflammatory properties which can help with inflammation in the human body, joints, and more. Because of this, it can reduce the number of injuries that may happen to you as well. Muscle health, joint health as well as circulation all play a big part in relieving pain felt throughout your body and myrcene can help reduce and relieve pain. Large quantities of myrcene content can be very helpful in relieving your pain.

What Does Myrcene Smell Like?

Myrcene is a fragrant terpene, which is found in high concentrations in cannabis and Myrcia sphaerocarpa (a Brazilian shrub). Its odor has been described as earthy, green, herbal, and woody. Myrcene is also a precursor to the cannabinoids THC and CBD.

Therapeutic Properties of Myrcene

One of the many therapeutic effects of Myrcene is that it promotes deeper sleep, improved sleep quality, and better dreams.

The value of good sleep cannot be underestimated. Not only does it help us feel refreshed and rejuvenated, but it is also critical for our overall health and well-being. When we get a good night's sleep, our bodies have time to rest and heal, and we're better able to focus and concentrate during the day.

In addition, sleep is essential for cognitive functions such as learning and memory. Studies have shown that inadequate sleep can lead to impaired judgment, decreased productivity, and even an increased risk of accidents.

Clearly, getting a good night's sleep is crucial for our overall health and well-being. In addition to making sure we have a comfortable place to sleep, it's important to pay attention to the types of activities we do before bedtime. Avoiding caffeine and nicotine close to bedtime, for example, can help promote a good night's sleep.

Plants that Contain Myrcene

Other plants that contain myrcene include hops, lemongrass, and wild thyme as well as some citrus fruits.

Hop is a plant that is primarily used to add bitterness and flavor to beer. Hops are also used in other medicinal medicines as well as other beverages. Myrcene rich hops have been used since the 9th century for beer as well as other herbal benefits. Hop essential oil is a great way to get myrcene as well.

Lemongrass is a tropical plant that is used in food, beverages, and perfume. It has a strong, lemony scent and is used to add flavor to Thai food, curries, and teas. Lemongrass is also said to have a number of benefits, including improved digestion, reduced inflammation, and relief from anxiety and stress.

Thyme is a plant that is used for flavoring food, as well as for its medicinal properties. It has a strong, herbaceous flavor and is often used in Mediterranean cuisine. Thyme is also said to have a number of health benefits, including improved digestion, reduced inflammation, and relief from anxiety and stress.

Basil and Ripe Mango also have terpene profiles and are high in myrcene as well.

Lemongrass also has high levels of myrcene & lemongrass essential oil

Is Myrcene Good for Anxiety?

Myrcene has been shown to combat anxiety due to its effects. Better sleep, body health, reduced inflammation, better circulation, and joint health are just a part of combating anxiety. Overall myrcene can be found and consumed in a variety of ways.

What Foods are High in Myrcene?

Foods that are higher in myrcene than others have to do with the seasoning they use such as Lemongrass and Thyme. Thai food, Curries, Mediterranean cuisine as well as certain teas (for example lemongrass tea) are all high in Myrcene as these dishes and drinks use seasoning to flavor their dishes. Thankfully myrcene taste is almost nonexistent and nothing that you would pick up on in your daily life.

What Strains are Highest in Myrcene?

Cannabis strains that have high levels of myrcene:

Granddaddy Purple

OG Kush

Blue Dream

Blue Cheese

Critical Mass

Mango Puff

Purple Urkle

Jillybean

Harlequin

Note: Myrcene can be found in a Hybrid strain, Indicas, and Sativa.

In conclusion, myrcene terpene is found in high concentrations in cannabis and Myrcia sphaerocarpa. It has a variety of therapeutic properties and other health benefits, including promoting deeper sleep, improved sleep quality, and better dreams.

Additionally, myrcene is essential for cognitive functions such as learning and memory along with other terpenes.

It's clear that getting a good night's sleep is crucial for our overall health and well-being. In addition to making sure we have a comfortable place to sleep, it's important to pay attention to the types of activities we do before bedtime. Avoiding caffeine and nicotine close to bedtime, for example, can help promote a good night's sleep.

Different plant species that contain myrcene include hops, lemongrass, and thyme. Hops are primarily used to add bitterness and flavor to beer but also have other medicinal benefits, while lemongrass is used in food, beverages, and perfume with a strong lemony scent. Thyme is often used in Mediterranean cuisine due to its strong herbaceous flavor and is also said to have various health benefits.

Lastly, cannabis strains that are high in myrcene include Granddaddy Purple OG Kush Blue Dream Blue Cheese Critical Mass