Myrcene: The Most Common Cannabis Terpene

If there's one terpene that defines cannabis, it's myrcene. This compound is the most abundant terpene in the majority of cannabis strains, often making up more than 20% of a plant's total terpene content. Myrcene contributes the earthy, musky, herbal notes that form the aromatic foundation of many cannabis varieties.

Understanding myrcene helps you recognize one of the key players in the cannabis terpene world.

What Is Myrcene?

Myrcene (also called β-myrcene) is a monoterpene—a small, simple terpene molecule—found abundantly in cannabis and many other plants. It has a warm, earthy, herbal aroma often described as musky, clove-like, or reminiscent of cardamom.

The name "myrcene" comes from Myrcia sphaerocarpa, a Brazilian shrub traditionally used in folk medicine. However, myrcene is far more widespread than this single plant—it's one of the most common terpenes in nature.

In cannabis specifically, myrcene frequently appears as the dominant terpene, though its concentration varies significantly between strains. Some varieties contain very high myrcene levels (over 0.5% of dry weight), while others have minimal amounts.

Where Else Is Myrcene Found?

Myrcene appears throughout the plant kingdom:

Hops: The same plant that gives beer its bitter flavor is rich in myrcene. If you've noticed that cannabis and certain beers smell similar, myrcene is largely responsible.

Mangoes: This tropical fruit contains notable myrcene content, contributing to its sweet, tropical aroma.

Thyme: This culinary herb contains myrcene among its aromatic compounds.

Lemongrass: Despite its citrusy name, lemongrass contains significant myrcene.

Bay leaves: These aromatic cooking herbs contain myrcene as well.

The presence of myrcene in so many plants means you've likely encountered this terpene countless times in foods, beverages, and natural environments.

Identifying Myrcene in Cannabis

Recognizing myrcene-dominant cannabis comes down to sensory experience:

Aroma: Look for earthy, musky, herbal scents. Myrcene-rich strains often smell like damp earth, cloves, or ripe fruit with herbal undertones.

Lab reports: When available, terpene profiles will show myrcene content. High-myrcene strains typically show myrcene as the most abundant terpene at 0.3% or higher.

Strain tendencies: While individual batches vary, certain strain families tend to be myrcene-dominant. Many indica-leaning strains and their hybrids contain high myrcene levels.

The Myrcene-Indica Connection

For years, a popular theory held that myrcene content determined whether a strain felt "indica-like" or "sativa-like." The idea suggested that strains with over 0.5% myrcene would feel more sedating, while lower-myrcene strains would feel more energizing.

While this theory oversimplifies a complex topic, it points to something worth considering: myrcene is indeed more prevalent in many strains traditionally classified as indicas. Whether myrcene directly causes sedating effects or simply correlates with other factors remains a topic of ongoing discussion in the cannabis community.

What's clear is that the indica/sativa distinction has limited utility, and focusing on actual chemical composition—including terpene profiles—provides more useful information than category labels.

Myrcene and the Entourage Effect

Many wellness enthusiasts are interested in myrcene because of its potential role in the entourage effect—the theory that cannabinoids and terpenes work together synergistically.

Some people explore myrcene's presence in full-spectrum products, believing it may contribute to the overall experience. The interaction between myrcene and cannabinoids like THC and CBD is an area of interest for many in the cannabis community.

Myrcene in Various Products

Different product types contain different amounts of myrcene:

Flower: Fresh, properly cured cannabis flower retains significant myrcene content, though levels vary by strain.

Live resin and live rosin: These concentrates preserve terpenes well, often maintaining robust myrcene profiles.

Distillates: Highly processed distillates typically lose most terpenes, including myrcene, unless they're added back in.

Full-spectrum extracts: These products aim to preserve the full terpene profile, including myrcene.

Edibles: Myrcene and other terpenes are often lost during the cooking process, though some manufacturers add terpenes to edibles.

Preserving Myrcene

Like all terpenes, myrcene is volatile and can degrade with improper handling:

Store properly: Keep cannabis in airtight containers away from heat and light.

Mind temperature: Myrcene evaporates at relatively low temperatures. Avoid leaving cannabis in hot environments.

Use fresh product: Myrcene content decreases over time even with proper storage.

Consider consumption method: Lower-temperature consumption methods (like vaporizing at lower settings) may preserve more myrcene than high-heat methods.

Key Takeaways

Myrcene is the most abundant terpene in most cannabis strains, contributing earthy, musky, herbal aromas. It's found throughout nature in hops, mangoes, thyme, and many other plants. Myrcene-dominant strains are often associated with more body-focused experiences, though the relationship is complex. Understanding myrcene content helps you make more informed decisions about cannabis products and may contribute to your appreciation of different strain profiles.

This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice. Individual experiences may vary. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your wellness routine.