Your Nose Knows: Myrcene

Knowing your terpenes is just as important as knowing your favorite strain. In fact, you could say it’s even more important. Each month, I will introduce a new terpene, its benefits, and give you strain recommendations so you can see how that terpene works for you.

Ready? Let’s dive right in!

Close your eyes and think back to that first time you came across epic weed, kindbud, that good-good, that fire, that cannabis that got you high…so high. That sweet, earthy aroma you remember comes from this month’s terpene highlight: myrcene. 

When it comes to cannabis, myrcene stands out for its sedating, relaxing effects. Myrcene is found in thousands of cannabis strains and on average represents around 20% of terpene profiles. This terpene is one of the most common ones found in commercial cannabis, so you’re sure to see it the next time you go to a dispensary.

What smell should I look for?

Look for a hint of sweetness coupled with a musky, earthy aroma or a spicy, peppery kick.

What can I expect?

Like all medical cannabis research, the results are based on the experiences of other patients. Users have reported how myrcene gives them a relaxing, sedative effect. That doesn’t mean you only find this terpene in “indica” strains or hybrids. You can find this terpene making its mark in all three categories (indica, sativa, and hybrid) making this terpene versatile.

Medical research is being conducted to understand some of myrcene’s therapeutic properties, including: 

• Improve sleep
• Reduce pain
• Promote relaxation
• Enhance mood
• Relieve anxiety
• Relieve Stress
• Strengthen the immune system
• Anticancer
• Analgesic
• Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
• Anti-anxiety

Ready to explore? Here are a few strains high in myrcene:

• Blue Dream ~ is a well-known strain popular for its hazy cerebral effects and sweet blueberry taste. This strain is famous for its pain-relieving effects making it a favorite of medical patients everywhere. A relatively small amount can energize people like a cup of coffee, whereas higher doses provide strong sedative effects and “couch lock” qualities.
• White Widow ~ this strain is popular for both recreational and medical consumers and gets its name from its white, crystal trichomes. The cannabinoid profile helps reduce inflammation and nerve pain while the myrcene helps relax your muscles. This is a must for anyone dealing with chronic pain.
• Granddaddy Purple ~ a classic from back in the day, Grandaddy Purple has a characteristic berry and grape aroma, with sweet and floral undertones and a unique earthy aftertaste thanks to myrcene. It is an extremely sedating strain, relaxing your entire body, melting away any stiff muscles or pain. It’s also effective in treating stress, insomnia, appetite loss, and muscles spasms.
• OG Kush ~ this is another classic. This strain is widely known for its intense effects making it a go-to variety for medical users coping with chronic pain and insomnia or looking to stimulate their appetite and alleviate stress, anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders.
• Tangie ~ remember this strain from last month’s limonene blog? This strain is a perfect example of a “sativa” containing myrcene and retaining that uplifting feeling. This terpene profile combination causes the myrcene to lean more towards a sweeter side rather than earthy.

Curious about other terpenes? You don’t have to wait until next month. Download my FREE TERPENES GUIDE and give your cannabis knowledge a little boost.

Having trouble tracking your favorite terpenes?

Your body’s response can be as unique as you are and changes in harvest, cultivator techniques, or just plain product availability can have a big impact on your health journey. Having a journal like My Chronicles is the key to helping you quickly record and easily track the important stuff so you can get back to enjoying the moment.

My Chronicles Journal comes with a digital version to keep track of your progress when you’re on the go. ($19.95)

Not into paper? Purchase the digital version ($4.95)

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