Terpenes can be used without any of the psychoactive effects of THC-bearing marijuana. True Blue products let you add terpenes back into concentrates, extracts, and even CBD-dominant buds, restoring the flavor and aroma lost during processing. While there are hundreds of unique cannabis terpenes found in the cannabis plant, one of them stands above the rest in how commonly occurring it is: Myrcene, also known as beta myrcene (or β-myrcene).
Myrcene contributes significantly to many plant aromas and flavors. Researchers are still studying other properties in laboratories and in preclinical research.
A Fundamental Terpene
Myrcene is a monoterpene, which means that it has one of the simplest chemical structures of any aroma molecule. Monoterpenes are composed of two isoprene units, and myrcene's structure specifically consists of these isoprene units.
Chemically known as 7-methyl-3-methylene-1,6-octadiene, myrcene has a molecular formula of C10H16 and a molecular weight of 136.23 grams per mole. Its chemical properties include high volatility, a distinctive earthy and musky aroma profile, and solubility in organic solvents.
This also makes it a fundamental building block for more complex terpenes. Other examples of monoterpenes include limonene, pinene, and linalool - all of which can be found in many of the most popular cannabis strains out there. But myrcene is on a whole other level, as it accounts for up to 50% of all terpene content in some individual cannabis strains!
Where Does the Myrcene Terpene Come From?
Most of us are familiar with terpenes from our favorite marijuana strain profiles or full-spectrum CBD oils. However, it's essential to understand that Myrcene and other terpenes exist everywhere in nature, not just within the cannabis plant.
Myrcene is found in over 200 plant species worldwide. It's been identified in significant amounts in many common plants, including:
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Mangos
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Hops
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Houttuynia
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Lemongrass
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Myrcia
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Thyme
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Verbena
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West Indian Bay Tree
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Citrus fruits
Myrcene in Folk and Herbal Medicine
Myrcene has been used in folk medicine for centuries, with its first recorded use being in India over 2,000 years ago. In South and Central Asia, it's been used to treat various ailments for hundreds of years, including diarrhea, inflammation, respiratory problems, high blood pressure, and cancer tumor growth. While no concrete scientific evidence supports these applications for Myrcene or other terpenes, millions of people worldwide still believe in their therapeutic properties and health benefits.
While the verdict is still out on the scientific validity of these claims, Myrcene has also been traditionally used to:
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Improve sleep
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Reduce pain
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Promote relaxation
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Relieve anxiety
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Strengthen the immune system
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Address high blood pressure
In Brazilian folk medicine, lemongrass tea, which contains very high levels of Myrcene, has been used to reduce pain and relieve anxiety for centuries. Lemongrass tea is also drunk in Mexico to promote relaxation and improve sleep.
Germany, the world's largest hop producer, uses Myrcene-rich hops with valerian root in herbal sleep-aid medicine.
Myrcene has also historically been used as a common component in herbal remedies. In Ayurvedic medicine, for instance, high doses of Myrcene were often used in conjunction with compounds from other herbs to create more potent remedies.
In the context of medical cannabis, myrcene is one of several terpenes that researchers and formulators consider when evaluating a strain's potential character, though its specific therapeutic role in humans has not been clinically established.
The Mango Theory - Fact or Fiction?
There is a widely circulated theory among cannabis users that eating a ripe mango before consuming cannabis can significantly enhance your high and that this is due to its high myrcene content. Like much so-called "stoner wisdom," this theory is a confusing mix of legitimate science and false Internet hype.
The Couch Lock Phenomenon
Some claim that consuming myrcene increases the permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), allowing more cannabinoids to enter the brain. However, a deeper look at the scientific literature reveals little support for this claim. What is true is that experiments have shown lemongrass essential oil (a myrcene-rich substance) to have anxiolytic effects in animal models. These are mouse studies, not human clinical evidence, so calling myrcene an established anti-anxiety treatment is inaccurate.
Myrcene is linked to the "couch-lock" phenomenon. That is, it has strong sedative and muscle relaxant properties, often described as sedative effects. Higher myrcene levels in cannabis are commonly associated with sedating effects, such as deep relaxation, although this correlation is not strongly supported by scientific evidence.
It's a Question of Quantity
Mangos do contain myrcene. In fact, the pleasant aroma of this tropical delicacy comes largely from this compound. But here's where this theory runs into trouble - your average cannabis strain contains higher concentrations of myrcene, with about 2 mg per quarter gram, whereas an entire mango contains roughly 0.086 mg. That's over a 23-fold difference! So, if cannabis already contains so much myrcene, how would eating a mango before smoking have any kind of significant impact?
The intended use of consuming mango before cannabis is to potentially boost the effects of myrcene, but given the much lower myrcene content in mango, this practice is unlikely to have a meaningful impact. Scientific research into this topic is limited so there is no clear answer here. That being said, it's probably best to treat this idea with a heavy dose of scepticism.
Black Pepper - The Opposite End of the Spectrum
As this whole mango business shows, plenty of people are curious about ways to boost their high. But what if you have the opposite problem? What if you're looking for a way to reduce that paranoid feeling that is characteristic of so many weed strains out there? The answer (and there's scientific research to back it up) is a simple household cooking ingredient: black pepper. Black pepper balls are rich in beta-caryophyllene, a terpenoid with potential anti-anxiety properties. Because of the entourage effect, these terpenoids have a synergistic relationship with the cannabinoid THC and, when consumed together, some users report a calming effect. Chewing a few of these can produce an almost immediate effect in some users, leading to a lighter, more relaxing high.
Which Cannabis Strains Contain Myrcene?
High-myrcene strains are especially sought after for their relaxing effects. Different cannabis cultivars have varying myrcene content, which directly influences their effects and properties.
Myrcene is particularly prominent in the following strains that are derived from OG Kush, each known for their distinct terpene profiles:
Myrcene Terpene Effects
From a recreational perspective, understanding the impact of myrcene can significantly shape your cannabis experience. As mentioned earlier, myrcene is one of the most prevalent terpenes in cannabis and possesses sedative and muscle relaxant properties, leading to what is known as the "couch-lock" effect. However, myrcene's influence extends beyond a calming, relaxing high.
The "Indica" Myth and Modern Classification
For years, a popular industry standard claimed that any strain with more than 0.5% myrcene was an "Indica," while anything less was a "Sativa." However, research through 2025 has largely debunked this strict chemical rule. Modern data shows that the "Indica" and "Sativa" labels are often botanically unreliable and do not guarantee a specific chemical profile. While high levels of myrcene are strongly correlated with the "couch-lock" sedative effect, this is likely due to an entourage effect — where myrcene works synergistically with other sedating terpenes like Linalool — rather than a single percentage point defining the plant's entire genetic category.
To Myrcene or not to Myrcene?
The synergistic relationship that myrcene shares with THC, the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, can contribute to a stronger, longer-lasting high. The theory behind this involves myrcene's potential ability to affect the permeability of cell membranes, thereby allowing more THC to reach brain cells.
For those seeking a cerebral and uplifting high instead of a sedative experience, opting for strains with lower levels of myrcene may be advisable. These strains are typically associated with a more stimulating high that promotes creativity and productivity.
It's worth noting that while myrcene and other terpenes play a substantial role in the overall cannabis experience, individual reactions can vary significantly based on numerous factors, including personal biology, tolerance, dosage, and consumption method. At higher doses, some users may experience adverse effects, as animal studies have shown potential risks such as reproductive or developmental toxicity with excessive intake, though human data is limited.
Essential Oils High in The Myrcene Terpene
Outside of smoking, vaping, and cooking, the most popular methods of utilizing terpenes is using essential oils in conjunction with diffusers in aromatherapy or via infusion into topical products like bath bombs or lotions. Contrary to popular misconception, terpenes are not essential oils — but they are a primary component of the latter, contributing to the overall chemical composition and presence of organic compounds like myrcene.
To close out this primer on Myrcene, let's look at four examples of essential oils with high myrcene levels below.
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Verbena essential oil is extracted from the leaves and flowers of the verbena plant, typically via steam distillation. This essential oil has a sweet, lemony, floral aroma and is used in aromatherapy and in natural fragrance production. It is traditionally associated with calming properties and has been used in topical preparations for skin conditions such as acne and eczema, though clinical evidence for these applications is limited.
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Bay essential oil comes from the leaves and twigs of the Bay laurel tree. It has a sweet, spicy, and woody aroma, with its main chemical compounds being linalool, geraniol, eugenol, and Myrcene. Preclinical research has explored bay essential oil for potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, and it has a long history of traditional use in wellness applications.
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Juniper essential oil is extracted from the berries and needles of the juniper plant. It's highly versatile, with an uplifting, evergreen aroma that makes it perfect for diffusing. It is traditionally used in skin care preparations and has been studied for antimicrobial properties in laboratory settings. Clinical research has not established claims of "detoxifying" effects.
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Lemongrass essential oil comes from the perennial grass of the same name, which is native to tropical Asia. The oil has a fresh, citrusy aroma and is used in aromatherapy for its calming and uplifting properties. Lemongrass essential oil is also used in skincare products for its antimicrobial properties, as shown in laboratory research.
The Myrcene Experience
Want to experience myrcene terpenes in your favorite concentrate or other cannabis product? Check out any one of the strain profiles listed above or try our Mango Natural Flavoring.