You can’t talk about terpenes without mentioning myrcene, the most common and plentiful terpene found in cannabis. How does this fact influence your overall experience? Well, that depends on what other cannabinoids and terpenes are present as well. This introduction to myrcene will give you an idea of what to expect from this terpene and give you a quick cheat sheet to some of the most popular myrcene strains you’ll find at Michigan provisioning centers like Iconic Wellness.
What is myrcene?
Myrcene is a monoterpene found widely across cannabis cultivars, hops, lemongrass, mangoes, thyme and basil. Historically, myrcene was used in perfumes thanks to its fruity, musky aroma. It’s also used in food production for flavor due to its sweet-yet-spicy taste.
When it comes to cannabis, myrcene is the dominant terpene in a wide range of cultivars, making it one of the most important terpenes to know about when choosing cannabis products.
Which cannabis strains are high in myrcene?
These five strains are just among some of the dozen, if not hundreds, of cultivars dominant in myrcene.
It’s worth noting that terpene levels (and THC and CBD levels!) can fluctuate in different plants. Just because these cultivars are generally myrcene-dominant doesn’t mean the products at your preferred provisioning center will have the precise same percentages. Always take a look at official test results to see precisely how much myrcene is in the whole cannabis flower you’re about to buy.
1. Blue Dream
Blue Dream is an iconic sativa-dominant cultivar with an average THC content of 18%. In addition to myrcene, its terpene profile contains considerable amounts of pinene and beta caryophyllene. Created by crossing Blueberry and Haze, Blue Dream is often described by consumers as energizing and uplifting, with fruity and sweet aromas and flavors. It’s often favored by consumers looking for a mood-boosting experience, pain relief, or alleviation of nausea and vomiting.
2. OG Kush
OG Kush is an indica-dominant cultivar that generally contains about 18% THC. This cultivar is thought to be the product of an unnamed Northern California strain bred with Chemdawg, Lemon Thai, and Hindu Kush. OG Kush contains significant levels of myrcene and is often accompanied by limonene and beta caryophyllene. This gives it an herbal, citrus, and pepper aroma and flavor. OG Kush is a consumer favorite for relaxation, stress relief, and sleep promotion.
3. Pineapple Express
Propelled to fame by the Seth Rogen and James Franco movie of the same name, Pineapple Express is a sativa-dominant cultivar containing an average of 20% THC and 1% CBG. Myrcene is its dominant terpene, followed by beta caryophyllene and pinene, as well as small amounts of limonene and ocimene. Pineapple Express, a cross between Trainwreck and Hawaiian, is often sought after by Michiganders for its energizing high that melts away stress, sadness, and fatigue.
4. ACDC
Unlike the other cultivars on this list, ACDC is a CBD-dominant cultivar with an average CBD content of 13% and just 1% THC. This balance makes it a favorite among many medical marihuana patients, who appreciate its effects without feeling as intoxicated as they could with a high THC cultivar. It may be an especially good choice for consumers who find high THC products to be overwhelming, but still want the therapeutic benefits that cannabis and myrcene-dominant strains offer. In addition to myrcene, ACDC’s terpene profile includes pinene and beta caryophyllene.
5. White Widow
White Widow is a balanced hybrid produced by crossing a Brazilian sativa landrace cultivar and South Indian indica landrace cultivar. It contains an average THC content of 15% and 1% CBG. In addition to myrcene, White Widow’s terpene profile includes significant amounts of beta caryophyllene and pinene. White Widow is acclaimed by consumers for how it can boost mood and provide a burst of energy, characteristics which have helped to make White Widow one of the more famous cultivars of cannabis worldwide.
What are the effects of myrcene?
Myrcene is often said anecdotally to have a relaxing or sedative effect, though this is not always the case, even when myrcene is the dominant terpene. There is some evidence from animal studies that myrcene may also act as an anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxant, which could help it relieve aches and pains, though more studies need to be conducted to learn how this affects humans. Additionally, myrcene is a known antioxidant and antimicrobial.
What other terpenes often appear alongside myrcene?
As the most common terpene to appear in cannabis, myrcene is found alongside many other terpenes. However, there are a few that appear time and again, including the following three usual suspects.
Beta Caryophyllene
Beta caryophyllene is known for its peppery aroma and spicy flavors, so it’s no surprise that it can also be found in cinnamon and cloves. A unique terpene, beta caryophyllene also acts as a cannabinoid, selectively binding to the CB2 receptor of the endocannabinoid system and activating it. Through doing so, beta caryophyllene has been said anecdotally to reduce inflammation and relieve feelings of pain. It’s also one of the more common dominant terpenes in cannabis cultivars.
Pinene
While pinene is seldom the dominant terpene in a strain’s terpene profile, it shows up a lot alongside myrcene. Pinene is named for its fresh, pine scent and is found in other plants like eucalyptus and mint. In cannabis, pinene is widely praised by consumers for its energizing and uplifting experience.
Limonene
Limonene is a common terpene that sometimes shows up as the dominant terpene in a terpene profile, but often alongside myrcene and beta caryophyllene. In addition to cannabis, limonene is found in citrus fruits like lemons and limes. Limonene is known for its mood-boosting effects, as well as its antibacterial and antiviral properties, which makes it a major ingredient in many household cleaning products.
Terpenes play a big role in cannabis
Myrcene is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the world of terpenes. Dozens – more than 100 at least – have been identified in cannabis, and more are being studied each day.
Want to learn more about the terpenes in cannabis? Check out our full cannabis terpenes list for a rundown of the most important terpenes you’ll find in cannabis products at your local provisioning center. Or, stop in at an Iconic Wellness dispensary in Gaylord, Sturgis, or Lowell to talk to one of our helpful budtenders about products dominant in myrcene, or any other terpene you’re looking for. Peek at the Iconic Wellness menu for Gaylord, Lowell, or Sturgis (medical menu and adult-use) before you head in to get an idea of what you’d like to buy, or ask a budtender for help finding some cannabis products high in myrcene. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have and show you just what makes us so iconic.
