The fragrance and taste of your preferred cannabis strains have no connection to the cannabinoids present within them. Rather, it’s the terpene profile that dictates the specific scent of a given strain. Most high-quality cannabis products that you purchase after getting a medical marijuanas card NY contain a complex terpene profile, comprising a combination of terpenes that lend the strain a multifaceted aroma and contribute to its therapeutic effects.
When discussing these terpenes, Myrcene takes the lead because it’s the most commonly and abundantly encountered terpene in cannabis.
Let’s delve into what Myrcene is, how it influences a cannabis strain, and which strains are celebrated for their Myrcene content.
What Is Myrcene?
Myrcene stands out as the most abundant terpene in cannabis, as well as in numerous other plants and fruits. Here are several key characteristics to consider:
- Myrcene is often hailed as the “mother of all terpenes” due to its manifold health benefits.
- It’s found in lemongrass, mango, parsley, thyme, cardamom, basil, hops, and more.
- This terpene boasts an earthy, spicy, peppery, and musky aroma and flavor, accompanied by sweet fruity undertones.
- Roughly 20% of the terpene profile in most commercial cannabis strains comprises Myrcene.
- Myrcene is known for its synergistic relationship with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
- This terpene is famed for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, sedative, and antimutagenic effects.
Myrcene’s Role in Cannabis
Myrcene, like other terpenes, plays a vital role in every cannabis strain where it’s present. As previously discussed, this terpene collaborates with other cannabinoids and terpenes to enhance the entourage effect. Additionally, it offers notable benefits for its calming and pain-relieving properties.
Nonetheless, many consumers sometimes misconstrue Myrcene’s calming effects as being psychoactive. In simpler terms, some individuals believe this terpene can induce a euphoric high.
This is not the case. Myrcene, as an individual terpene, does not possess intoxicating effects. Instead, it enhances the overall impact of THC, thereby intensifying the associated high.
Potential Benefits of the Terpene
All terpenes play a vital role in the entourage effect of cannabis. The cannabinoids found in cannabis, such as CBD, THC, CBC, CBN, CBG, THCV, and so on, are accountable for the medicinal and therapeutic benefits of the herb. They not only deliver those benefits but also produce the high associated with potent cannabis doses (only attainable after getting a cheap medical marijuanas card NY.
Nonetheless, when these cannabinoids combine with other chemical compounds like terpenes, the effects become more potent and long-lasting. All these compounds work together to provide patients with overall relief and comfort.
This implies that even when these cannabinoids are separated from the terpenes, the latter still offer therapeutic benefits, and this holds true for all terpenes, including Myrcene.
Myrcene is renowned for its abundant health benefits for consumers. Let’s explore some of its most significant effects.
Sleep Aid
Myrcene has a longstanding history as a sleep aid, with its usage dating back to folk medicine in Mexico. Other countries have also benefited from Myrcene-rich lemongrass tea and hops as a form of sedative.
Aside from its direct sedative effects, high doses of Myrcene act as muscle relaxants, enhancing the quality of sleep for patients. This is why marijuana doctors often recommend the use of cannabis to help patients suffering from insomnia.
Pain Relief and Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
It’s not just Myrcene; several terpenes are renowned for their analgesic properties. According to an NCBI study, Myrcene demonstrates its analgesic effects, particularly when combined with THC. This synergy of Myrcene, along with other cannabinoids and terpenes, results in an entourage effect, making the cannabis strain more effective.
Another study conducted on mice revealed that Myrcene had an antinociceptive effect, meaning it could block the perception of painful stimuli in the mice. These findings form the basis for numerous recommendations by medical marijuana practitioners, aiming to provide relief to patients in challenging situations.
Similarly, several animal studies also support the anti-inflammatory advantages of Myrcene, although there is limited research on its effects in human subjects.
Additional common benefits of consuming Myrcene-rich strains include:
Anti-Tumor: A study from the Journal of the Korean Society for Applied Biological Chemistry suggests Myrcene’s potential in targeting and killing cancer cells in human breast tissue. However, more research is needed in this area.
Antioxidant: A study conducted on rats, investigating the antioxidative effects of Myrcene and other components, has shown promising results. Nevertheless, further research is necessary to confirm these findings.
All of these factors contribute to New York medical practitioners recommending cannabis as a support option for patients in need of any of the aforementioned benefits.
Also Read: Everything Your Should Know About the Uses and Benefits of Rosemary Oil
