Myrcene (Beta-Myrcene) Terpene: Complete Guide to Cannabis's Most Abundant Terpene
Myrcene (beta-myrcene) is the most prevalent terpene in cannabis — comprising anywhere from 20-65% of total terpene content depending on the strain. If you've ever noticed that particular earthy, musky quality in both cannabis and beer, you've encountered myrcene. Both cannabis and hops (the key beer ingredient) are rich in it.
What Is Myrcene?
Myrcene is a monoterpene found in cannabis, hops, lemongrass, mango, and thyme. It contributes the quintessential earthy, musky, spicy, clove-like aroma that characterizes many cannabis strains and virtually all craft beers. The boiling point is 167°C (332°F).
Important clarification: The common belief that high myrcene automatically classifies a strain as indica is a myth — myrcene's sedative effects contribute to indica character, but the classification involves many factors beyond any single terpene.
Aroma Profile
Earthy, peppery, spicy, and clove-like. In cannabis, myrcene creates that deep, funky, danky quality that serious cannabis users associate with potency and character. In beer, it's the earthy backbone behind the hop aroma.
Cannabis Strains High in Myrcene
- White Widow
- OG Kush
- Master Kush
- Blue City Diesel
- Motorbreath
- Juicy Fruit
- Grape Ape
- Forbidden Fruit
- Blueberry
- Cherry Blossom
- Sour Space Candy
- ACDC
- Cannatonic
- Pennywise
Medical Benefits of Myrcene
Sedative, Muscle Relaxant & Anxiolytic
Myrcene's biggest claim to fame is its sedative and muscle-relaxing properties. In folk medicine, lemongrass-infused tea — rich in myrcene — has been used as a sedative and muscle relaxant in Mexico for generations. A scientific study on mice confirmed muscle relaxation at high myrcene doses. Another lemongrass study documented both sedating and analgesic properties.
Analgesic (Pain-Relief)
A fascinating 1990 study found myrcene inhibits nociception (the body's detection of pain) by promoting naturally produced opioid activity — a meaningful finding for cannabis pain management research.
Anti-Inflammatory
A human cell model study of osteoarthritis found myrcene inhibited the disease's development and mitigated damage — one of the stronger pieces of evidence for cannabis terpene anti-inflammatory benefits in human-relevant models.
Antioxidant
Myrcene has shown potential to protect skin from UV light-induced aging and to combat oxidative stress.
Anti-Cancer Potential
Research on lemongrass (myrcene-rich) found anticancer potential in two studies: anti-Candida protection for immunocompromised patients and anti-metastatic activity in human breast cancer cells.
Myrcene and the Entourage Effect
Myrcene frequently partners with limonene in scientific studies, with the two terpenes demonstrating synergistic effects — particularly relevant for the entourage effect that amplifies cannabis's therapeutic potential.
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