What is Myrcene: Smell, Taste, Effects, and Strains

One of the most appealing pieces of cannabis is its varying scents, tastes, and effects. Each is unique to the strain itself, created by a group of compounds called terpenes.

Terpenes are aromatic molecules found in many plants, including cannabis, and are responsible for the different scents and flavors found in different strains. Among these terpenes, myrcene stands out for its distinctive aroma and potential health benefits.

Where Does Myrcene Come From?

Myrcene is a naturally occurring terpene found not only in cannabis but also in other plants such as hops, bay leaves, thyme, and lemongrass, in addition to mangoes. It’s also particularly abundant in cannabis, making it a crucial component of the plant's overall profile. In fact, myrcene is the most abundant terpene found in the plant.

Named after the Myrcia genus of plants in which it was first discovered, myrcene is primarily produced in the trichomes of cannabis. These tiny resinous structures covering the buds and leaves not only produce myrcene but also other cannabinoids and terpenes, contributing to the overall potency, flavor, and effects of cannabis strains.

What Does Myrcene Smell Like?

The aroma of myrcene is one of its most distinctive features. It is often described as earthy and musky, with hints of cloves. Some even detect a fruity undertone reminiscent of ripe mangoes. When myrcene is the dominant terpene in a strain, it imparts an earthy, musky scent, sometimes with a spicy or herbal note. This aroma profile is commonly associated with indica strains, known for their relaxing and sedating effects.

Myrcene can also be found in higher concentrations in strains with tropical or fruity scents, such as mango or citrus. The combination of myrcene with other terpenes in these strains creates a delightful bouquet of aromas, enhancing the overall appeal.

What Does Myrcene Taste Like?

In terms of taste, myrcene complements the strain's aroma. In strains where myrcene is dominant, you can expect a flavor profile that mirrors its musky, earthy aroma – herbal and slightly spicy. When myrcene is a supporting terpene, its flavor may be more subtle, adding earthy and musky undertones to the overall taste experience.

Myrcene Terpene Benefits

Apart from its aromatic and gustatory contributions, myrcene offers potential therapeutic benefits.

The terpene possesses analgesic properties, providing pain relief for chronic pain conditions, and has anti-inflammatory properties, aiding in the treatment of inflammatory conditions. In fact, its anti-inflammatory and anti-catabolic (slows muscle breakdown) effects were so promising in one small-scale study of its effects on human chondrocyte (cartilage formation cells) cultures, that researchers concluded the terpene warrants further investigation in osteoarthritis treatments.

Myrcene has also presented antioxidant properties that protect cells from free radicals.

Myrcene Terpene Effects

Myrcene has been anecdotally reported to provide soothing and relaxing effects, making it ideal for stress relief, relaxation, and promoting better sleep, according to cannabis users. Research isn’t far behind in confirming this – in a preliminary study in Spain, participants reported calm and relaxed effects, and a subject with a headache prior to dosing reported no further pain, confirming its analgesic and relaxing benefits to participants.

A lesser-known effect of the terpene is its impact on cannabinoids. Myrcene may enhance the absorption of cannabinoids like THC, known as the "entourage effect," thereby enhancing the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids.

Top 5 Myrcene-Dominant Strains to Try

As myrcene is one of the most abundant terpenes in cannabis, it should come as no surprise that there is a plethora of strains at your fingertips in dispensaries. Here are a few of our favorite myrcene-dominant marijuana strains:

B52 Bomber

Seekers of stress relief and relaxation, look no further than B52 Bomber. A potent cross of Durban Poison and Blue Dream, this indica is beloved for its earthy and musky nose and berry and anise flavors. Boasting terpenes myrcene, terpinolene, and ocimene amidst bright green leaves, accented by deep purples and burnt oranges, this frosted strain is a striking option in flower.

Find B52 Bomber online and in stores in Arizona, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, and West Virginia.

Banana Muffin

Banana Muffin is a steady hybrid, great for pain or anxiety relief. High levels of myrcene lend anti-inflammatory effects while linalool and caryophyllene bring a calming headspace. Banana Muffin oozes a tropical aroma that dissipates into a musky, herbal taste during exhalation.

Shop Banana Muffin in Illinois and Maryland.

Bussin

Bussin is, quite literally, bussin. Long-lasting euphoria and creativity make the hybrid cross of Super Silver Haze with Florida I95 a must-have in many circles. Thanks to terpenes myrcene, pinene, and caryophyllene, Bussin provides notes of diesel and spice, with citrus on exhale, and is ideal for any time of day.

Explore Bussin in Arizona, Illinois, Maryland, and West Virginia.

Cherry On Top

Cherry on Top, a cross of Grape Pie with GMO, presents a skunky inhale, followed by soft, sweet notes of fruit. This india is often utilized as a nighttime aid for sleep due to its generally sedating and calming effects, provided by suite of terpenes myrcene, caryophyllene, and limonene.

You can shop Cherry On Top in Arizona, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

Honey Bunny

A tasty twist of Honey Banana with Tropicana Cookies created the beautiful but balanced Honey Bunny strain. A reliable daytime hybrid, Honey Bunny can offer pain relief and relaxation without slipping you into a sedative state, thanks to suite of terpenes myrcene, limonene, and caryophyllene. Expect notes of tropical citrus and cloves to coat your palate and delight your senses. This cultivar will leave you feeling sweet as Honey...Bunny.

Find Honey Bunny in Illinois, Maryland, and New Jersey.

Find Myrcene and Other Terpene-Rich Strains at Zen Leaf

If you’re seeking premium cannabis strains and products rich in myrcene – or any other cannabis terpene – shop online or head to your local Zen leaf Dispensary. Our shelves are lined with the top selections in each state, curated to ensure a pleasant experience for you with each visit.

References:

1. Gulluni, N., Re, T., Loiacono, I., Lanzo, G., Gori, L., Macchi, C., Epifani, F., Bragazzi, N., & Firenzuoli, F. (2018). Cannabis Essential Oil: A Preliminary Study for the Evaluation of the Brain Effects. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine: eCAM, 2018, 1709182. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/1709182.
2. Ana Teresa Rufino, Madalena Ribeiro, Cátia Sousa, Fernando Judas, Lígia Salgueiro, Carlos Cavaleiro, Alexandrina Ferreira Mendes (2015). Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory, anti-catabolic and pro-anabolic effects of E-caryophyllene, myrcene and limonene in a cell model of osteoarthritis. European Journal of Pharmacology: Volume 750, 2015, Pages 141-150, 0014-2999. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejphar.2015.01.018.