Myrcene – What Is It? All You Need To Know About Myrcene

Myrcene

ˈmərˌsēn | Noun

Myrcene, also known as beta myrcene, is a monoterpene and a primary organic compound in various plants and fruits. You’ll taste it in hemp, parsley, thyme, bay, cardamom, hops, lemongrass, and mango fruit. Despite being present in its natural form in herbs and fruits, it’s commercially produced from beta-pinene — a terpene found in turpentine. Myrcene is the most prominent terpene in the cannabis plant. One 1997 study by the Swiss Federal Research Station for Agroecology and Agriculture found that this terpene makes up to 65% of the total terpene content in cannabis.

“Did you know that both hops in beer and hemp contain the terpene myrcene?”

“This hemp CBD wax brings an earthy flavor to my pre-rolls because it contains a high level of myrcene.”

What is it?

It’s the most abundant terpene in hemp, praised for its earthy fragrance and flavor. Some people describe it as smelling the scent of clove or musk, while others perceive a balsam fragrance in it. Aside from being common in hemp, this terpene is found in hops used in beer — which is why it may be experienced as having a peppery or spicy taste.

Common uses of myrcene

This terpene is primarily used as an ingredient in cosmetics and fragrances. It’s a component of many herbal teas, including lemongrass tea, used in folk medicine to naturally battle insomnia and calm the mind. Lemongrass is also used as a relaxing tea or a flavorful ingredient in Asian cuisine. If you are not a fan of lemongrass, you might have experienced this terpene through parsley or mango fruit.

What does it taste like?

This terpene exhibits a fresh smell, similar to cloves or bay leaves. It also has a distinct fruity edge to it, similar to mango. Mangoes are rich in myrcene, but this terpene is also found in hops, lemongrass, cloves, thyme, and more. That’s why hemp strains abundant in this terpene exhibit a spicy, earthy, and musky flavor.

What are the therapeutic effects of myrcene?

Researchers have explored the potential effects of this terpene that, similar to bisabolol and other terpenes, shows potential anti-inflammatory and sedative benefits.

Anti-inflammatory effects

One 2015 study published in the European Journal of Pharmacology investigated this terpene’s potential effects on osteoarthritis. Researchers used human cartilage cells for this experiment and found that myrcene had anti-inflammatory benefits on the cells, and it slowed damage and disease progression. Despite the success of the experiment, further research is needed.

Sedative properties

Anecdotal evidence shows that users report how hemp flower strains high in myrcene exhibit higher sedation. Although this terpene’s sedative effects need further research, one 2002 study published in the journal Phytomedicine found that this terpene produces a sedative effect if used in very high doses in mice. This terpene also increased the sleeping time compared to the controlled group, suggesting that it may sedate and reduce locomotion in animals. The potential sedative effects of this terpene require further research on humans.

Antioxidant effects

One of the most significant properties of this terpene may be its potent antioxidant benefits. One 2017 study published in the American Journal of Chinese Medicine revealed that myrcene might possess the ability to protect against ultraviolet light-induced human skin aging. Further research is needed, but this study suggests that its partly antioxidant effects make this terpene a beneficial ingredient to anti-aging and sunscreen lotions.

The potential of myrcene to get you high

Science is clear that this terpene, if consumed on its own, will not get you stoned. But, high levels of this terpene may contribute to fast-acting and powerful highs. Although this is more relevant to marijuana, it can be useful to know if you are a hemp consumer.

One study published in 2016 in Nutraceuticals found that this terpene may give a stronger high sensation because it plays a crucial role in facilitating the transport of cannabinoids into the brain. Like other terpenes, this strain plays a role in the entourage effect or the theory that hemp components work synergistically to modulate and increase the potency of the plant.

Which hemp strains are high in myrcene?

As a primary hemp terpene, myrcene is present in high amounts in most hemp strains, including:

As this terpene is known to produce greater relaxation, you may also try it through concentrates. You’ll love Granddaddy Purp CBD Wax and Full Spectrum CBD Crumble – Tangie, rich in myrcene and other terpenes.

Final thoughts

Known as the most significant and frequently found terpene in hemp, myrcene displays an earthy aroma with sweet undertones. It also shows a list of potential therapeutic benefits, including anti-inflammatory and sedative.