It is now well-known that terpenes are safe to use without the psychoactive effects of THC. True Blue products allow terpene medicinal advantages to be added back into extracts, concentrates, or even CBD-dominant marijuana. There are many terpenes in cannabis. However, myrcene (or B-myrcene) is the most common.
A Fundamental Terpene
Myrcene can be described as a monoterpene. This means it has one the simplest chemical structures among all aroma molecules. It is also a building block for more complex terpenes. Another example of monoterpenes are l pinene and Linalool. All of these can be found in most of the most popular strains of cannabis. Myrcene, however, is a significant terpene in each individual strain. It accounts for over 50%!Where is the Myrcene Terpene derived from?We are all familiar with the terpenes found in our favorite cannabis strains or full-spectrum CBD oil. It is important to realize that Myrcene, and other terpenes, are not only found in cannabis plants.Myrcene, a terpene that is abundant in fruits, spices, and herbs, is particularly common. It has been found in large quantities in many common plants, such as:
- Mangos
- Hops
- Houttuynia
- Lemongrass
- Myrcia
- Thyme
- Verbena
- West Indian Bay Tree
Flavor/Aroma Profile Of Myrcene Terpenes
You can imagine that the scent and taste of myrcene-terpenes is earthy, musky, with a hint of fruit.Myrcene is a great choice for cooking with Terpenes. It can be used with both sweet and savory ingredients, such as:
- Thyme
- Bay leaves
- Hops
- Salad
- Mango
Exploring the Scientific Research Behind Myrcene’s Reported Benefits
The Entourage EffectIn 2011, a study was published in the British Journal of Pharmacology called "Taming THC: Potential Cannabis Synergy and Phytocannabinoid-terpenoid Entourage Effect." It revealed that myrcene is an effective analgesic, sedative, muscle relaxant, and pain reliever.Treatment for Diabetes SymptomsThe University of Jordan published a study in 2007 that found that terpenes in combination with another terpene called thujone may be effective in treating diabetes symptoms.Protection from DNA damageA 2009 study in the Journal of Food and Chemical Toxicology found that Myrcene can protect against DNA damage from toxins like t-butyl-hydroperoxide.Regulation of Inflammatory ConditionMyrcene was shown to interact with the transient potential cation channel subfamily 1 receptor (TRPV-1 receptor), which is responsible for pain perception. One study found that Myrcene increased TRPV1 activity, which led to a greater pain-killing effect. These interactions have been shown to decrease inflammation and swelling, making Myrcene a possible treatment for joint pain and arthritis.
Myrcene used in folk and herbal medicine
Myrcene is a folk medicine that has been used for centuries. Its first documented use was in India more than 2,000 years ago. It has been used for many years in South and Central Asia to treat various conditions, such as diarrhea, inflammation, cancer, and tumor growth. Although there is no scientific evidence supporting these applications of Myrcene and other terpenes in clinical trials, it is worth noting that millions worldwide believe in Myrcene's therapeutic properties as well as its health benefits.Although the scientific validity of these claims is not yet established, Myrcene was used historically to:
- Sleep better
- Reduce pain
- Relaxation is key
- Relax your anxiety
- Stimulate the immune system
Lemongrass tea is a traditional Brazilian remedy that contains high levels of Myrcene. It has been used for centuries to relieve anxiety and reduce pain. Mexico also enjoys lemongrass tea to improve sleep quality and relaxation.Germany is the country that produces the most hops worldwide. It uses Myrcene rich hops and valerian root as herbal sleep aid medicine.Myrcene was also used in herbal remedies. For example, in Ayurvedic medicine high doses of Myrcene were often combined with other compounds to create stronger remedies.
Which Cannabis Strains Have Myrcene Content?
"A Swiss study has found that the majority of strains tested contained high levels of myrcene," reports MaryJanesDiary.com. MaryJanesDiary.com reports that Lovrin 110 was one of the strains they tested. It contained more than 65% myrcene. Myrcene-terpenes can be used in combination with almost any cannabis strain.Myrcene is especially prominent in these strains that were derived from OG Kush
- Banana Kush
- Girl Scout Cookies
- Lime OG
- SFV
- Skywalker OG
- Thin Mint Cookies
The Myrcene Experience
You can get the myrcene-terpene benefits in your favorite concentrate, or any other cannabis product. And, if you are looking to purchase myrcene-terpene cannabis products online in NY, you can order from a New York dispensary.