Fact Checked by Doctor NameWhat is Myrcene?
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Myrcene is one of the most common terpenes found in cannabis, contributing to the distinctive flavors and aromas of various strains.
Terpenes like myrcene also influence the effects and medical benefits of different cannabis products.
What is Myrcene Used for?
Myrcene is one of over 20,000 distinct terpenes found in nature, predominantly in the essential oils of plants. It gets its name from the plant hops (Humulus lupulus), also known as myrcia.
In addition to cannabis and hops, myrcene is commonly found in fruits like mango, herbs like thyme, and trees like fir.
This terpene is considered a major “building block” of most other terpenes. Its chemical structure allows myrcene to influence cell membranes and make it easier for other compounds to be absorbed.
In cannabis, myrcene works synergistically with major cannabinoids like THC, enhancing their effects.
Medical applications of myrcene include pain alleviation and inflammation reduction. It contains anti-inflammatory and analgesic qualities, according to research.
Myrcene relaxes muscles, helping with tension and spasms.
How Do you Consume Myrcene?
The level of myrcene differs substantially between cannabis strains, contributing to the variability in medical effects.
For example, Indica strains tend to be higher in myrcene compared to Sativas. Some strains, like White Widow or Skunk #1, contain over 0.5% myrcene content.
To benefit from this terpene, look for lab-tested strains, concentrates or oils with a robust myrcene profile.
Vaping or dabbing myrcene-rich cannabis allows you to experience the terpene’s full flavor and therapeutic potential.
You can also ingest supplemental myrcene in capsule form or pure essential oils for more concentrated effects.
