Terpene Spotlight: Myrcene

In the latest installment in our continuing series on individual terpenes, here we are covering myrcene. Perhaps the terp that’s most abundant in cannabis. Other than cannabis, which plants contain myrcene. What are its flavors and aromas like, and what are some potential benefits? Read on for more.

If you haven’t already checked out our previous terpene spotlight installment on linalool, be sure to do so right here. And if you’re brand new to the wonderful world of terpenes, you’ll want to start with our terpenes 101 before jumping into the spotlight.

Terpene Spotlight: Myrcene - Other Plants

The monoterpene myrcene is a notable part of many plants and fruits, not just cannabis, of course. These plants include lemongrass, thyme, parsley, hops, and mango. While myrcene is found in all of the aforementioned plants and fruits, it is perhaps the most abundant in cannabis. In fact, according to a study done by the Swiss Federal Research Station for Agroecology and Agriculture, myrcene can make up to 65% or more of the terpene content in a specific cannabis plant.

Myrcene - What Does it Taste and Smell Like?

While the flavor of the terpene myrcene can manifest itself in different ways depending on the plant, most often it is perceived as having an earthy scent. Myrcene typically has a hearty, musky aroma to most pallets, with some remarking that it smells of cloves - depending on the source plant, of course. Myrcene is also found in hops, which is a primary component of beer, giving it a sometimes peppery or even spicy flavor. To some, myrcene even gives off hints of balsamic vinegar and some subtle fruity undertones as found in ripe mangos.

What Are Some Uses for Myrcene?

Myrcene is indirectly found in many fragrances and cosmetics. Myrcene’s unique flavor adds depth to many dishes found in various cuisines, thanks to its abundance in spices like thyme, lemongrass, and parsley. Those of us who enjoy eating ripe, juicy mango fruits will no doubt have experienced the depth of flavor of myrcene. If you’re a fan of craft beer - especially IPAs, you will no doubt have experienced the musky, peppery flavor of the hops found within.

Are There Potential Therapeutic Benefits of Myrcene?

In some folk medicine traditions, lemongrass tea is said to have sedative properties, providing tranquility and relaxation, often helping with insomnia. Myrcene is highly abundant in lemongrass, indicating that the terpene may have some benefits when it comes to rest and stress relief.

Like many other terpenes, myrcene is also said to have anti-inflammatory properties. In 2015, the European Journal of Pharmacology published a study regarding their usage of human cartilage cells to research myrcene’s impact on patients with osteoarthritis. The researchers found that myrcene had an anti-inflammatory impact on the cells, which slowed down the progression of the disease and helped to minimize the damage done to joints. While this conclusion is promising, the authors of the study made sure to point out that additional research is needed - something cannabis enthusiasts have been saying for years.

As is the case with many compounds with potential anti-inflammatory properties, myrcene may also work as an anti-tumor. In the Journal of the Korean Society for Applied Biological Chemistry, researchers published their findings indicating that myrcene may help slow down tumor activity in advanced stages of breast cancer.

Myrcene may play a large role in what cannabis consumers often call the “couchlock” effect, due to its sedative properties. According to a 2002 study published in the journal Phytomedicine, myrcene may act as a sedative in mice, when administered in large doses. The control group of mice who were not given the terpene slept for less time than the group that was given myrcene, indicating that it may give some credence to those of us who understand how cannabis can make us sleepy.

Myrcene in Cannabis

In cannabis, myrcene is perhaps the biggest terpene-based component to be a part of the entourage effect. The entourage effect is how terpenes, cannabinoids, and other compounds in whole-plant cannabis medicine works in conjunction to help with a multitude of ailments.

"In cannabis, myrcene is perhaps the biggest terpene-based component to be a part of the entourage effect. The entourage effect is how terpenes, cannabinoids, and other compounds in whole-plant cannabis medicine works in conjunction to help with a multitude of ailments."

When consumed on its own, the terpene myrcene will not get you high. However, studies have shown that myrcene may play a significant role when it comes to transporting cannabinoids to the brain. The journal Nutraceuticals outlines how myrcene could intensify the effects of cannabis by transporting THC and other cannabinoids to your brain. The researchers also hypothesized that myrcene could enhance transdermal absorption, which also may increase the level of cannabinoids absorbed in the brain.

Because myrcene potentially strengthens blood flow and transports cannabinoids to the brain, this important terpene could play a major role when it comes to the entourage effect. Cultivar varieties like white, skunk, and kush are all especially high in myrcene, even though this terpene is abundant in all cannabis varieties.

Broken Record

It’s a broken record at this point, but more research is crucial - both on terpenes and the entourage effect of whole-plant cannabis. As the most abundant terpene in all of cannabis, it’s also imperative that studies be conducted to determine whether it can act as an anti-inflammatory, as well as determining how it impacts our medicated effects. We believe that terpenes are the future of cannabis, and we look forward to seeing how these incredible compounds can help even more consumers.

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We hope you found value in our content in our terpene spotlight on myrcene. Did you learn something, or do you have anything to add? Let us know - @hashdash on all platforms, except for Instagram, where we are @hashdashdotcom.

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