Myrcene Cannabis Terpene. Strains, Effects and Benefits

Terpenes are a new and delightful trend in cannabis consumption. Lots of consumers are starting to pay attention to the terpene profile in flower and the interest is on the rise. Knowing your terpenes allows you to enhance and better manage your cannabis experience and focus on the desired effects.

In today’s article we will talk about Myrcene which is often called the King of Terpenes.

What Is the Smell of Myrcene?

You will never confuse this earthy, and slightly fruity and sweet scent. Musky would also be a good description for the smell provided by myrcene. Myrcene is essentially responsible for that pungent smell of cannabis we know and love, that dank as people often say. The higher its content, the more pungent your flower will be.

Where Can Myrcene Be Found?

There are more than 100 types of terpenes in cannabis plants. In part 1 we talked about the most common ones, and briefly mentioned a unique and valuable one - myrcene.

Only the cannabis plant has a high content of this terpene and it provides a peculiar scent and flavor.

Mango is among the plants containing myrcene in it. Doesn’t it sound like one of the best tasting terpenes? Mango can become your sweet little helper before cannabis consumption. Some people say that eating mango 40-45 minutes before lighting up results in a faster onset of psychoactive effects as well as greater intensity. The secret is myrcene contained in mango. It prepares your body like a warm-up in sports. In this case, you are likely to have the greater effects from a smaller dose. And it is always nice to try new things and elevate your experience.

Myrcene is also found in the essential oil of bay, hops, thyme, myrcia, and lemon grass.

Where Is Myrcene Used?

Myrcene has been used as a herbal medicine in various cultures to treat gastrointestinal disorders, anxiety, hypertension, and more. This terpene is found in hops and provides that bitterness in beer. Myrcene is used for flavor in some cuisines, and of course the cosmetics industry.

What Are the Benefits of Myrcene?

The main criteria that has a direct effect on our high experience is the level of absorption. How much of the substance is getting into our body? Alcohol for example has a significantly low level of absorption as our body tries to get rid of the toxic liquid through the excretory system. Myrcene and cannabis itself seem to be a much better investment if we are talking about a nice and easy way to relax. In some cases, absorption of myrcene could reach up to 100%. It depends on the strain and the way you consume cannabis.

The unique role of myrcene is displayed in combination with other terpenes in the flower. One of the main benefits of this terpene is the delivery of other cannabis molecules into your body and absorbing them, thus enhancing your high.

The Myrcene terpene effects include euphoria, enhanced relaxation and calm, to the point of severe couch lock.

What Does the Terpene Myrcene Do?

Myrcene is a natural hydrocarbon classified as a monoterpene. It consists of only two organic compounds. On the one hand, this connection is weak, and it could easily break down. On the other hand, it works perfectly if we are talking about the ability of this molecule to move and be absorbed by our body. Molecules of THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids are quite big in comparison with Myrcene and it is more difficult for them to cross various borders in our bodies.

Technically, when you are smoking, you breathe in cannabis molecules and they are absorbed through your lungs. Of course, it depends on how healthy and ‘new’ your lungs are. Smoking a strain with high THC levels without Myrcene molecules doesn’t provide a 100% guarantee that it will enter your bloodstream. In this case, the ‘high’ effect would be rather low.

How Can Terpenes Help to Absorb THC and Other Cannabinoids?

This is where myrcene comes into play. It works as a guide that helps cannabinoid molecules to get right into your bloodstream by breaking barriers in your brain. Myrcene is even used for medical purposes as a pre-dose to get the most effect of opioids. It means that a smart combination of knowledge about myrcene and cannabinoids can ensure a faster and enhanced high.

This approach to terpenes is quite recent. Before this, cannabis strains were usually differentiated on the basis of cannabinoid levels. Focusing on the absorption and whether you are getting all the benefits or only a part of them is the new way of looking at the subject matter.

What Strains Are High in Myrcene?

Not all strains have the same concentration of myrcene in them - in some it could reach up to 50% of the total amount of terpenes, and in some it is way less.

Maybe you have already tried these strains, and if not, it’s time to broaden your horizons with myrcene rich strains like OG Kush, Blue Dream, Kosher Kush, or Glue, They also have high THC content, so with the right approach they may just take you to a whole new level.

In Conclusion

We will definitely hear a lot more about terpenes in the upcoming years. There is plenty of research taking place to learn more about this group of molecules and its potential, both for medical and recreational purposes.

Stay tuned for more on terpenes!