Known in the scientific world as β-Myrcene , is found in mango and lemongrass, and it’s responsible for many of the scents in your weed. It usually smells like earthy musk, freshly upturned soil, and ripe fruit.
The effects are usually highly relaxing with a sedative overtone, and it provides a medicinal value that is anti-carcinogenic and also fights inflammation, insomnia & epilepsy.
Aroma: Cardamom, cloves, musky, earthy, herbal
Vaporizes at: 332ºF (167ºC)
Potential effects: Sedating, relaxing
Potential therapeutic value: Antioxidant; treatment of insomnia, pain, inflammation, antimutagenic & anticonvulsant
Also found in: Mango, lemongrass, thyme, hops
β-Myrcene is a monoterpene, and for a wide variety of reasons, one of the most important terpenes. It is a precursor in the formation of other terpenes, as well. β-Myrcene is found fresh mango fruit, hops, bay leaves, eucalyptus, lemongrass and many other plants. β-Myrcene is known to be anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and used in the treatment of spasms. It is also used to treat insomnia, and pain.
It also has some very special properties, including lowering the resistance across the blood to brain barrier, allowing itself and many other chemicals to cross the barrier easier and more quickly. In the case of cannabinoids, like THC, it allows it to take effect more quickly. More uniquely still, β-Myrcene has been shown to increase the maximum saturation level of the CB1 receptor, allowing for a greater maximum psychoactive effect. For most people, the consumption of a fresh mango, 45 minutes before inhaling cannabis, will result in a faster onset of psycho activity and greater intensity. β-Myrcene can be used in this same manner to improve uptake with a wide variety of chemical compounds.
Picture this--
You and your friends are trying to get into an exclusive night club, but the bouncer will only let some of you in. Luckily, someone chats up the bouncer and convinces him to let ALL of you in so you can keep the party going. Win! Win!
In this metaphor, the club is your brain, the bouncer is your blood-brain barrier, and you and your friends are different compounds trying to bind with brain receptors. Some of you may be terpenes, some may be cannabinoids, etc. Myrcene is essentially the one “chatting up” the blood-brain barrier to convince it to let in more compounds. When different compounds work together to be more effective, we call that the Entourage Effect.
While all terpenes give each cannabis strain its distinctive smell and taste, myrcene is one that appears to play an important role in enhancing the effectiveness of certain compounds. We call this the entourage effect. Basically, myrcene increases activation of the CB1 receptor and enhances the quality of your experience.
Less well known is that fact that high β-Myrcene levels in cannabis (usually above 0.5%) result in the well known ‘couch lock’ effect of classic Indica strains of cannabis; Sativa strains normally contain less than 0.5% β-Myrcene.
& even less known ... Myrcene is the starting material for a range of industrially important products, e.g., geraniol, nerol, linalool, and isophytol. ... Besides its main use as an intermediate for the production of terpene alcohols, myrcene is used in the production of terpene polymers, terpene-phenol resins, and terpene-maleate resins. It can also be used as a solvent or diluting agent for dyes and varnishes.
POPULAR STRAINS (AND WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE BUYING)
As mentioned earlier, myrcene levels vary widely from strain to strain. They even vary from grower to grower. Generally, though, you’ll find myrcene in indica-dominant strains such as:
Pure Kush: A super-potent strain best for pain and insomnia.
Grape Ape: For stress and depression, this is another strain with higher levels of myrcene than most.
Mango Kush: A hybrid that makes you feel calm and euphoric.
White Widow: An earthy hybrid for an energizing but calming boost.
OG Kush: The pinene- and limonene-rich hybrid we mentioned in our last post.
Myrcene can also be isolated, extracted, and concentrated as a non-psychoactive alternative. Terpene extracts can be used in a variety of ways, boosting the flavor and effects of edibles, topicals, and concentrates.
Again, all components of cannabis work best as a whole. At the same time, terpenes can enhance or even hinder each other’s effects as well as the effects of cannabinoids. It’s important to consider how each works together when figuring out which strain can treat your condition.
So.... Can mrycene stand up to all the hype?
Abso-freaking-lutely!!
Myrcene isn't known as one of the top 10 terps just because it can intensify your high. While it may demonstrate enhanced potency when paired with secondary terpenes, its medicinal benefits stand on their own in high dosages. With the capacity to operate as a tumor inhibiting agent, to suppress seizure activity & bringing loads of relief to those afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis, myrcenes medicinal benefits are multifaceted.
Studies suggest it significantly improves immune function, helps with chronic pain, and improves sleep.You can use it to enhance your bud, your food or beverage, and even your healing lotions. It pairs well with cannabis and non-cannabis products alike! So, if you're ever reaching for an over-the-counter solution to your sleep problems, chronic pain or itchy dermatitis, think again. Try some myrcene instead.
