What is Myrcene?
Myrcene is one of the most common terpenes found in cannabis and many other flora and fauna. It's known for its earthy, musky aroma, with hints of cloves and fruit.
Here are some key points about myrcene:
- Natural Sources: Besides cannabis, myrcene is found in plants like hops (used in brewing beer), thyme, lemongrass, basil, and mangoes.
- Uses: Myrcene is used in perfumes and fragrances for its rich, pleasant aroma.
- Presence in Cannabis: In cannabis, myrcene is often the dominant terpene, influencing the plant's overall scent and flavour profile.
- Potential Effects: Some studies suggest that myrcene may have sedative, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. It is often associated with the "couch-lock" effect in indica strains of cannabis, which can make users feel relaxed and sleepy.
Research on myrcene's effects is ongoing, but it remains a significant component in the terpene profile of many cannabis strains and other plants.
What Does Myrcene Smell Like?
Myrcene has a distinctive earthy, musky scent, often compared to a ripe mango. It can also have a slightly sweet and herbal flavour found in lemongrass, verbena, basil, bay leaves, and thyme. Myrcene is also responsible for giving beer its signature hoppy flavour.
How Does Myrcene Make You Feel?
Consumers often attribute feeling calm and relaxed thats to strains that are myrcene-dominant. But while some say myrcene might help with relaxation, the science behind these claims is pretty limited.
Even if the research is still out, terpenes can guide you towards a great cannabis experiences, just follow the profiles featuring aromas and flavours that you enjoy.
Terpenes 101
Want to learn more? Check out our terpene overview or dive deeper into other common cannabis terpenes like myrcene, caryophyllene, limonene, and terpinolene.
