Terpenes 101 – Myrcene

While cannabinoids get a lot of props for the effects of cannabis, and rightly so, terpenes deserve some love just the same. Without them, your favorite strain wouldn’t taste like much of anything and even the effects could be wholly different. One terpene just happens to make up more than 60 percent of the terpene profile in many strains: myrcene.

Myrcene is one of the most prevalent terpenes found in not only cannabis but also in general nature. You can find this aromatic compound in everything from hops and cloves to mangoes and thyme. What is myrcene exactly? What kind of effects should you expect from high-myrcene strains? Get the answers to all this and more below.

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What Is the Myrcene Terpene?

Scientifically speaking, myrcene (note, the proper myrcene pronunciation is “mur-seen”) is a monoterpene that is especially abundant in cannabis plants. As noted earlier, however, myrcene is also readily found in a large collection of other plants. Monoterpenes are smaller aromatic compounds, which means they can break down faster and may even deliver effects faster in the body because of it.

Myrcene can take on a full collection of flavor notes depending on what other terpenes it is paired with. Nevertheless, many people claim that high-myrcene strains tend to have a fruity or citrus flavor, as well as notes of spice or herbs. While myrcene is an aromatic compound, the terpene can have biological effects that influence the overall effect of certain strains.

Myrcene Terpene Effects

Due to the abundance of myrcene in cannabis and other plants, this compound has gained quite a bit of attention in scientific communities. The terpene is easy to find, which makes it easier to collect in large quantities for research properties.

In general, the most prominent finding so far is that myrcene has both sedative and analgesic, anti-inflammatory properties. However, myrcene may offer other benefits as an antioxidant, anxiolytic, and anti-aging compound. There are several clinical trials underway that continue to shed even more light on all the ways myrcene could be medicinally valuable.

Due to the biological action of myrcene, it may be beneficial for:

• Thwarting or lowering sensitivity to pain
• Reducing issues with inflammation
• Helping with sleep
• Targeting certain abnormal cells
• Helping with stress or anxiety

The Effects of Myrcene and Cannabinoids

A great deal of research as of late has been focused on exactly how cannabinoids and terpenes work together to produce the end effects of cannabis. Scientists believe that all the compounds found in cannabis work together in what is referred to as the “entourage effect.” Therefore, myrcene in combination with cannabinoids like THC and CBD, as well as other terpenes, may produce unique effects depending on the exact makeup.

For example, while myrcene is known to be sedating, the relaxing effects may not be as prominent in a Sativa-dominant strain. By contrast, a strain high in both THC and myrcene may be even more sedating than usual since both compounds are known for sleep-inducing effects. This is why it is always important to consider all the compounds in a certain strain beyond simply its THC or CBD content.

High Myrcene Strains to Try

Since myrcene is so abundant in cannabis, it is not difficult to track down strains high in this particular terpene. In general, strains that have a high myrcene content tend to be more relaxing when it comes to effects. If you want to try a good myrcene strain, a few picks to look for in VT include:

• Harlem Dream by Honey Tree Farm
• 9LB Hammer by Bushy Beard Cultivation
• Planet of the Grapes by Green Castle Reserve
• Gorilla Glue #4 by Bern Legacy
• Sour Haze by First Chair Farms
• All Gas by Clovis Farm

Find Top-Shelf Terpene-Rich Flower at Cambridge Cannabis Company

Looking to try high myrcene strains for yourself? Be sure to stop in for a visit at the Cambridge Cannabis Company. We source flower from some of the best brands in Vermont, all of which are dedicated to serving up cannabis that is rich in terpenes, flavorful, and built to please. And we have one of the largest collections of cannabis flower in the state. Take a look at our full collection of cannabis flower and other products on our dispensary menu.

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By Cambridge Cannabis Company

September 22, 2023