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Today we are going to talk all about Myrcene! Myrcene is one of the most common terpenes found in cannabis. Terpenes are naturally occurring aromatic chemical compounds found in plants and some animals.1 Terpenes are responsible for giving cannabis strains their distinct odors and flavors.
Myrcene is one of the more popular terpenes, found in over 200 species including lemongrass, mango, hops, and cannabis.2 This terpene has been examined for its potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Those who prefer myrcene heavy indica strains (strains containing “more than 0.5% myrcene” are categorized as indica) describe the experience as “couch-lock.” It has been documented that herbal medicinal practitioners used myrcene-dominant plants for things like sleep-aids, muscle relaxants, and sedatives.3 There is inconclusive evidence there have been any clinical trials regarding the validity of these claims.
Now, myrcene is so popular and that is because it is so tasty. It is found in plants like thyme, mangos, and lemongrass. Another plant that is myrcene-heavy is hops which is what gives most beers their scent and flavor. These terpenes will give off a fresh, pine-like scent and, when smoked, has a citrusy, spicy and earthy flavor.
Because this strain is so popular, of course folks on the I & I team have some favorites. Angela’s favorite strain at the moment is Pineapple Funk (a hybrid of Hawaiian Pine and The Real McCoy). She explains that “It is a sativa dominant hybrid (my favorites) and its primary terpene is Myrcene. Pineapple funk is fruity with a spicy kick and an earthy aroma. Terpinolene is the secondary terpene, which aligns with the citrusy flavor and fresh scent. A great strain to be out and about or home on the couch.”
Popular myrcene-dominant strains include Grandaddy Purple, OG Kush, Sour Diesel and Cherry Pie.4 What are some of your favorite myrcene-dominant strains? We would love to hear about them!
Footnotes for further reading:
- Leafly, “Terpenes” https://www.leafly.com/learn/cannabis-glossary/terpenes
- Kerry Charron, labroots; “Myrcene: The Power of Terpene;” 01/14/2022 https://www.labroots.com/trending/cannabis-sciences/22062/myrcene-power-terpene-2
- Josh Kaplan & Nick Jikomes; Leafly; “What is myrcene and what does this cannabis terpene do?;” 03/02/2019 https://www.leafly.com/news/science-tech/myrcene-terpene
- Anthony Pellegrino; NuggMD, “What is myrcene and what are the benefits, effects and top strains?;” 09/21/2022 https://www.nuggmd.com/blog/myrcene-101-benefits-effects
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