Mighty Myrcene Terpene: Aroma, Flavor, Effects
For a long time, THC was believed to be the primary ingredient in cannabis. Not to discount this potent cannabinoid, but it’s only a part of the story. Cannabis consumers are becoming more knowledgeable about the components of their products, including the various terpenes that contribute to their unique effects and flavors. One terpene that is of particular interest is myrcene, also known as β-myrcene. This guide provides an in-depth look at this powerful terpene and its significance in your cannabis experience.
Understanding Terpenes
It's important to grasp what terpenes are before we go into the myrcene terpene in particular. Terpenes are a vast and varied class of chemical molecules that give each plant its own distinct flavor and scent. They play a role in how plants naturally defend themselves and how they interact with other living things. Think of terpenes as the natural security system of plants.
In the case of cannabis, they also play a crucial role in determining the effects of the plant. Research has shown that the combination of terpenes, cannabinoids, and other compounds in the plant work together to produce the "entourage effect," which refers to the synergistic effects of all these components.
As a result, they can have a significant impact on the plant's effects and can even influence the therapeutic properties of the plant. To retain a plant’s aroma and potency, be sure to store your cannabis correctly.
What is Myrcene and Its Significance in Cannabis?
Myrcene is a naturally occurring terpene commonly found in many plants, including hops, bay leaves, and mangoes. In the world of cannabis, it is known for its strong, earthy aroma and its ability to significantly impact the effects of a strain.
Myrcene is the most abundant cannabis terpene, and one of its most significant characteristics is its ability to increase the permeability of cell membranes. This means that it can accelerate the pace at which other substances, including cannabinoids, are absorbed by the body. Myrcene is sometimes referred to as the "gateway terpene" for this reason.
Because of this, it’s also known for its ability to increase the onset time and duration of other cannabinoids and terpenes, including THC. This makes it an important component in the entourage effect and contributes to the overall effectiveness of the strain. So, suppose the other cannabinoids and terpenes in a strain offer pain-relieving effects. In that case, myrcene may amplify those effects to a certain extent.
The presence of the myrcene terpene in a strain can also impact the effectiveness of certain delivery methods, such as sublingual and transdermal administration. This makes it a crucial factor to take into account if you want to get the most out of your cannabis experience.
Myrcene Flavor and Aroma
Once you learn the primary characteristics of myrcene, you’ll be able to smell and taste it in many cannabis strains.
What Does Myrcene Smell Like?
Myrcene has a distinct aroma with a musky, earthy undertone that could be characterized as herbal. Some say it reminds them of moist forest floor or newly turned soil. Myrcene has a powerful and enduring scent that can linger in the air for a long time after the plants are harvested.
What Does Myrcene Taste Like?
Myrcene is frequently compared to cloves in terms of flavor, with a tinge of earthiness and spice. It has a warm, slightly bitter flavor that might go well with other terpene and cannabinoid flavors found in the plant. Myrcene has a mild flavor, but it can enhance the complexity and depth of a cannabis strain's overall flavor profile.
Does Myrcene Get You High?
Terpenes do not get you high. Instead, they supplement cannabinoids to improve your experience as a whole. How quickly and efficiently the body absorbs the cannabinoids can also be impacted by the mix of myrcene and other terpenes.
Effects and Benefits of the Myrcene Terpene
The presence of myrcene in a cannabis strain can have a significant impact on its effects. Studies show that myrcene has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, which can help relieve inflammation related to chronic pain from conditions such as osteoarthritis.
For anyone looking for a natural remedy for insomnia, additional research suggests that myrcene offers sedative properties that promote deeper sleep. In addition, those mellow vibes of the myrcene terpene can also help reduce feelings of anxiety and provide a general release of tension for many. For a super soothing combo, look for strains that also feature nerolidol.
In a 2014 study, scientists discovered that myrcene functions as a cancer cell antagonist, which means it can reduce tumor size. This is strong proof that myrcene may be useful in various cancer treatments, though more research and human studies are necessary. Myrcene has also been shown to inhibit staph infection growth, demonstrating its potency as an anti-bacterial agent.
Plants and Herbs With Myrcene
While myrcene is most commonly associated with the cannabis plant, it is actually found in many other plants and foods. You will find myrcene in:
Mango
Hops
Bay leaves
Thyme
Basil
Parsley
Lemongrass
Wild thyme
Cardamom
Consuming myrcene from non-cannabis sources may have some impact on the body. However, more research is needed to fully understand exactly how powerful food sources can be. If you are looking for a super-boost from myrcene, you’re better off with a myrcene-dominant cannabis strain.
Myrcene Dominant Cannabis Strains
While many high-myrcene strains are indica-dominant, that’s not always the case. For those interested in experiencing myrcene's effects, there are plenty of options to choose from in the Cream of the Crop collection.
5 Alive
Big Bang
Bellini
Blue Haze
Blue Walker
Cherry Blossom
Citrus Cake
Fire Breath
Frosted Cherries
Humanity OG
Lemon Freeze Pop
Lemon Mint OG
Mandarin Cookies
Magic Lemons
Martian Berries
Monk Fruit
Nirvana Haze
Pie Hoe
Pink Guava
Pomelo
Power OG
Rainbow Chip
Sunset Gas
Sugar Biscuits
Watermelon Mimosa
Explore our connoisseur cannabis strains and experience the true flavor profile of myrcene. You will be relaxing in no time.
Mellow Out With Myrcene
Myrcene is a powerful and versatile terpene that significantly impacts the effects and experience of consuming cannabis. Whether you are seeking relief from pain, anxiety, or insomnia or simply want to enjoy this terpene's unique flavors and aromas, many strains are high in myrcene.
As the world of cannabis continues to evolve, we can expect to learn more about the vital role that myrcene and other terpenes play in determining the effects of our favorite strains. But, for now, we can appreciate this mighty terpene's tasty and potent nature and enjoy all it has to offer.