The aroma and flavor that your favorite cannabis strains exhibit has nothing to do with the cannabinoids present in it. On the contrary, it’s the terpene profile that actually determines what a particular strain will smell like. Most high quality cannabis products that you buy after consulting your California Marijuana Doctor have a complex terpene profile. In other words, it has a combination of terpenes that give it a complex aroma and also adds to the therapeutic effects of the strain.
When talking about these terpenes, Myrcene tops the list. This is because Myrcene is the most commonly and abundantly found terpene in Cannabis.
Let’s learn more about what it is, how it impacts a cannabis strain and which strains are famous for their Myrcene content.
What Is Myrcene?
Myrcene is the most abundantly found terpene in cannabis as well as many other plants and fruits. This monoterpene has multiple identifying characteristics that you should be aware of.
Myrcene is known as the “mother of all terpenes” due to its multiple health benefits.
It is found in lemongrass, mango, parsley, thyme, cardamom, basil, hops, and more.
This terpene has an earthy, spicy, peppery and musky aroma and flavor along with some sweet fruity notes
Approximately 20% of the terpene profile in most commercial cannabis strains contains Myrcene
Myrcene is known to work best in a synergistic relationship with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
The terpene is known for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, sedative and antimutagenic effects
Potential Benefits of the Terpene
All terpenes are closely associated with the entourage effect of cannabis.
The cannabinoids present in cannabis such as CBD, THC, CBC, CBN, CBG, THCV, etc., are responsible for the medicinal and therapeutic benefits of the herb. Not only that, but they’re also responsible for the high that comes with potent cannabis doses (the type of dose that you can get only after a California marijuana doctor approves you for the same). .
However, when these cannabinoids are combined with other chemical compounds like terpenes, the effects are much stronger and long lasting. All these compounds work together to provide patients with overall relief and comfort.
This means that even when we separate these cannabinoids from the terpenes, the latter will still exhibit therapeutic benefits. This is true for all terpenes, including Myrcene.
Myrcene is well known for its abundant health benefits for consumers. Let’s go through some of its most crucial effects.
Sleeping Aid
Myrcene has been used as a sleeping aid for a long time, with traces as old as folk medicine used in Mexico. Other countries, too, have benefitted from the use of myrcene rich lemongrass tea and hops as a form of sedative.
Apart from the direct sedating effects of the terpene, its high doses are also known to act like muscle relaxants that tend to improve the quality of sleep for patients. For this reason, California marijuana doctors often recommend the use of cannabis to help patients suffering from insomnia.
Pain Relief and Anti-inflammatory Effects
Not just Myrcene, but multiple terpenes are best known for their analgesic effects. As per an NCBI research, myrcene exhibits its analgesic effects, especially when combined with THC. This combination of the two, along with other cannabinoids and terpenes leads to an entourage effect that makes the cannabis strain the most effective.
As per another research conducted on mice, the effect of myrcene on the subjects proved to be antinociceptive. In other words, the terpene was able to block the detection of painful stimuli in the mice. These studies are the basis of multiple recommendations by California marijuana doctors to help ailing patients find relief in difficult situations.
On a similar note, multiple animal studies also support the anti-inflammatory benefits of myrcene. However, not a lot of studies dive into its effects on human subjects.
Other most common benefits of consuming Myrcene rich strains are as follows:
Anti-tumor: A study by the Journal of the Korean Society for Applied Biological Chemistry states the potential of Myrcene in killing cancer cells in human breasts. There is still scope for more research.
Anti-oxidant: A study conducted on rats that aimed at investigating the antioxidative effects of myrcene (amongst other components) has shown positive outcomes. However, more research is required for the same.
All these factors lead to a California marijuana doctor recommending cannabis support to patients that require any of the aforesaid benefits.
Role of Myrcene in Cannabis
Like any other terpene, myrcene plays a crucial role in every cannabis strain that it is found in. As already discussed, this terpene combines with other cannabinoids and terpenes to strengthen the entourage effect. Along with that, these are especially beneficial for their sedative and analgesic effects.
However, multiple consumers often tend to misunderstand the terpene’s sedative effects as psychoactive. In simpler terms, some people believe that this terpene can lead to a high life effect.
This isn’t true. As an individual terpene, Myrcene is incapable of any intoxicating effects. On the other hand, it does improve the overall effects of THC and therefore strengthens the high that comes with it.
Cannabis Strains High in Myrcene
Granddaddy Purple
This indica strain has a very potent couch effect on consumers, leading to both a euphoric experience and physical relaxation. This one comes in shades of purple and has a white coating of potent resin. The strain is best to provide relief from pain, stress, insomnia, sleeping disorders and muscle spasms.
OG Kush
This hybrid strain has a unique and potent terpene profile giving it an aroma with hints of spice, skunk and fuel. The strain has a high percentage of THC, leading to strong psychoactive effects.
Blue Dream
This sativa dominant hybrid strain has an 18% THC content, leading to strong psychoactive effects. With a taste and aroma of sweet berries, and its overall entourage effect, the strain is a fan favorite.
White Widow
This balanced hybrid has a thick and white resin coating that sits as proof of the potency of this strain. It has great euphoric and energetic effects unlike other more sedating strains.
Some other strains with high Myrcene content are Sour Diesel, Jack Herer, Northern Lights, Grape Ape, Pineapple Express, Cherry Pie, AK-47 and many more.
Ending Words
Myrcene, as the most abundantly found terpene, is also one of the most beneficial compounds found in a cannabis strain. The terpene is responsible for improving the overall effects of all other cannabinoids, especially THC. In addition, it also acts as an analgesic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory sedative for patients. While, there is still scope for further research into the potential benefits of the herb, the existing data is enough to advocate its importance in our lives.
