Terpenes Series: Myrcene

Have you ever experienced “couch-lock” from using cannabis? That was most likely contributed by the effects of myrcene, our next terpene in the series! Myrcene is found in many forms of plants that may be very familiar to you: Cannabis, hops, mangos, thyme, lemongrass, and basil are some examples.

Myrcene’s scent is very “down to earth” as it may taste like cloves with hints of spice. It is definitely one of the muskiest/earthiest smelling terpenes.

Myrcene’s Effects and Benefits

Something interesting about this particular terpene is that it is a deciding factor in whether a cannabis plant will be determined as an indica or sativa. For those who don’t know, indica strains provide more of a heavier, body high, which can greatly help in reducing any body aches and pains.

They also are known to help relax the muscles and help induce appetite. Sativas on the other hand, are more of a head/cerebral high, which provides a boost in energy, focus, and creativity. Sativas are generally great in alleviating mental distress such as depression, head fog, and anxiety (of course, it all depends on a person’s biochemistry as to how any cannabis strain may affect a person).

Any strain that is higher than .05% in myrcene becomes an indica. Its effects include sedation and relaxation, making it the primary factor in strains that cause “couch-lock”. This also makes sense as to why beers with high amounts of hops might make a person drowsy.

Other known effects and benefits of myrcene include Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibiotic, and antimutagenic.

As I mentioned above, mangos contain myrcene and actually have high amounts of it. Because myrcene works synergistically with THC and CBD (known as the entourage effect), eating a mango before toking it up may accentuate or extend the psychoactive effects you experience. According to research, this is due to the face that the combination of this terpene allows cannabinoids to bridge the blood-brain barrier more efficiently.

Mango + Cannabis

As I mentioned above, mangos contain myrcene and actually have high amounts of it. Because myrcene works synergistically with THC and CBD (known as the entourage effect), eating a mango before toking it up may accentuate or extend the psychoactive effects you experience.

According to research, this is due to the face that the combination of this terpene allows cannabinoids to bridge the blood-brain barrier more efficiently.

Strains Containing Myrcene

Strains that contain myrcene include AK-47, Dutch Treat, OG Kush, Grape Ape, and Purple Afghani.

This would be my least favorite terpene. I am more of a sativa girl and am not a fan of becoming couch-locked! Only some occasions will I smoke an indica hybrid.

Are you more of a fan of indica or sativa? Let us know in the comments!

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