Terpenes are a vital component of the cannabis experience, contributing to the plant’s aroma, flavor, and potentially its effects. There are over 100 different terpenes in the cannabis plant, but some are found much more commonly than others. One of these is myrcene, the most abundant terpene in cannabis and one that is affectionately known as “the mother of all terpenes”.

What Is Myrcene?

Myrcene, also known as beta-myrcene, is a terpene known for the peppery, spicy, and earthy aroma that it lends to things like hops (beer), lemongrass, thyme, and mango.  When it comes to cannabis, you can find myrcene in both sativa and indica strains, and in high-THC flower as well as high-CBD flower.

In fact, myrcene is a really big deal when it comes to cannabis. That’s because myrcene is not only the most common terpene in cannabis but, according to Leafly, it’s also the most likely to be the dominant terpene in any given commercial strain. This means that if you pulled a random strain off a random dispensary shelf, there’s a very good chance that its dominant terpene will be myrcene.

The Potential Therapeutic Benefits of Myrcene

Myrcene has shown promising wellness benefits in animal studies, however, more research is needed to confirm these benefits in humans as well. Here are a few of the different potential benefits that research has linked to myrcene.

Antioxidant: Like many other terpenes, research indicates that myrcene may have antioxidant properties. For example, one study found myrcene to show neuroprotective properties against cerebral oxidative stress and concluded that myrcene may have benefits for the treatment of ischemic stroke. Another study found that a combination of myrcene, curcumin, and cineole similarly showed antioxidant activity in reducing oxidative stress in rats.

Anti-inflammatory: A 2015 study found that myrcene displayed “significant anti-inflammatory and anti-catabolic effects in human chondrocytes”, potentially making it useful in models of osteoarthritis. One review of studies suggests that myrcene’s anti-inflammatory potential may be due to its antioxidant potential as well as its interactions with signal pathway cascades that involve cytokines.

Anti-Aging: Myrcene’s potential antioxidant properties may also make it beneficial for skin health. Sunlight is a major contributor to skin damage as we age, but myrcene may be able to help. A 2017 study found that myrcene has a “potential protective effect on UVB-induced human skin photoaging”.

Curated Cannabis Strains Rich In Myrcene

Anthologie’s collection of curated cannabis includes many different myrcene-rich strains. If you’d like to see this terpene in action for yourself, try out one of these high-myrcene strains available right now.

Platinum Bubba – A hybrid strain that will have you feeling both euphoric and relaxed, and that features a spicy-sweet flavor. Myrcene is the dominant terpene in this strain.

Grape Pie – An indica-dominant strain that transitions from uplifting to sedating over time, and that features a delightful sour grape flavor. Myrcene is the dominant terpene in this strain.

Blueberry Shortcake – A sweet berry flavor is accompanied by a relaxing and sedating high that makes this indica strain perfect for the nighttime. Myrcene is the dominant terpene in this strain.

Secret Triangle – An uplifting indica-dominant hybrid that eventually settles into a deeply relaxing high. Myrcene is the second-most dominant terpene in this strain.

Garlic Drip – A relaxing indica strain that produces a hazy and euphoric high alongside piney and lemony flavors. Myrcene is the second-most dominant terpene in this strain.

Make sure to check out our strain list to see the rest of the curated cannabis strains available right now and to find out where you can get your hands on some of our premium flower today.