This article was originally published on cannabis community and appears here with permission.
Myrcene is one of the most abundant terpenes Found in the cannabis plant. It is known to give better flavor and aroma to some types of cannabis. In this article, we’ll explore what myrcene is and how it affects cannabis. So if you want to get the most out of your marijuana experience, read on and learn more about myrcene.
What are terpenes?
Terpenes are a group of compounds found in a wide variety of plants that contribute to their aroma and flavor. Terpenes are present in plants that have distinctive odors such as pine, lavender, and even fresh orange peel, but because of the high concentration of terpenes in cannabis, they are more commonly associated with this plant.
Terpenes have been used for centuries as medicinal remedies, fragrances and even as flavoring agents. When consumed, terpenes can have a variety of effects on the consumer. For example, some terpenes may act as anti-inflammatory or antioxidants, while others may produce calming or sedative effects. Research has shown that some terpenes may be Beneficial for treating conditions like anxiety and depression, Terpenes can also interact with other compounds to produce different effects, such as increased energy or relaxation. The effects of a terpene on consumers vary depending on the specific compound and its concentration within the product being consumed.
What is entourage effect?
The entourage effect is a phenomenon in which the constituents of cannabis interact synergistically with each other. This means that when combined, the individual components produce an effect that is greater than the sum of their parts. Specifically, terpenes found in cannabis are thought to be responsible for this heightened effect.
Terpenes are the volatile aromatic compounds that give cannabis its unique aroma and flavor, and they have also been found to possess a number of medical benefits. The entourage effect is based on the idea that these different cannabinoids and terpenes work together to create a powerful pharmacological effect that may be beneficial to those seeking relief from a variety of medical conditions. While more research is needed to fully understand the effects of this interaction, it seems clear that combining different cannabinoids and terpenes may lead to better results.
What is myrcene?
Myrcene is a terpene found in many plants including hops, lemongrass, and thyme. It is the most abundant terpene found in cannabis and is responsible for many of the aromatic and flavor characteristics of cannabis. It is also known to have sedative effects, which may contribute to the feeling of relaxation associated with some cannabis strains, Myrcene is known to be an effective muscle relaxant and pain reliever, as well as helping to reduce anxiety and stress.
Myrcene has an enantioselective effect when combined with cannabinoids. It is believed to increase the bioavailability of cannabinoids by allowing them to cross-link blood brain barrier more easily. This means that it can enhance the efficacy of cannabinoids when present together. Myrcene levels vary from strain to strain and can be used to evaluate strain potency.
Myrcene’s scent has been described as musky, earthy, herbal, fruity, and even aliphatic. Myrcene levels are often high in indica-dominant varieties and Low in Sativa-dominant varieties, but can vary greatly from strain to strain. Myrcene also has a different aroma depending on the amount of it present in the cannabis strain. Although it can smell slightly different from one strain to another, it has some common characteristics like other terpenes. Sweet and sour notes can be detected when mycene levels are high, while more earthy notes may be present when levels are low.
Chemical Structure of Myrcene
Myrcene is a monoterpene, meaning that its molecular structure is the simplest of any aromatic compound. It serves as the foundation for other, more complex terpenes. Additional monoterpenes present in many of the most popular cannabis strains include limonene, pinene, and linalool. But, myrcene is on another level as it makes up a staggering 50% of total terpene concentrations in individual strains.
Myrcene has an unsaturated hydrocarbon structure with two double bonds that can form rings. The chemical formula of myrcene is C10H16. It is related to limonene which has one double bond instead of two. Limonene has a similar odor profile to mycene, but is more citrusy than earthy. Myrcene is used in many industries such as perfumes, pharmaceuticals, food flavoring, and natural insect repellent. Its unique scent makes it a popular choice for many products.
What are the effects of Myrcene?
Several studies have shown that Myrcene may have therapeutic effects. Myrcene, like other terpenes, is thought to offer possible anti-inflammatory, possible anti-tumor, sleep-aiding and other health benefits.
Other uses of plants rich in myrcene include:
- reduce pain and improve sleep
- encourage peace
- Improves temperament and calms the nerves
- reduce anxiety
- Protect health by boosting the immune system
The effects of myrcene can vary depending on how much of it is in a person’s body. For example, those who consume types of cannabis that are high in myrcene may experience sedative effects due to its sedative properties.
Which Strains of Cannabis Are High in Myrcene?
Some strains are known to be high in myrcene, meaning that the plant contains more myrcene than other terpenes. These strains have a high concentration of mycene in their terpene profile, making them stand out from the other strains. Knowing which strains are high or low in myrcene can be beneficial to those looking to find specific types of relief using cannabis-derived products.
These strains usually produce mycin in large quantities:
- 9 pound hammer
- blue Dream
- FPOG
- grandpa purple
- grape monkey
- jester
- OG Kush
- remedy
- Tangy
Where Can You Get Myrcene Besides Cannabis?
Most of us know about terpenes from the profile of our favorite cannabis strain or from full-spectrum CBD oils. But it’s important to know that myrcene and other terpenes can be found throughout nature, not just in cannabis plants.
Myrcene is also found in these plants:
- basil
- black pepper
- Cardamom
- cinnamon
- Clove
- Guava Melon
- hops
- Houttuynia
- A type of plant
- Common
Myrcene is an effective terpene with a wide range of uses and benefits. Its unique smell and taste make it perfect for adding complexity to any type or product. With its many potential applications, Myrcene will surely be popular among cannabis consumers for years to come.