You Can’t Mention Myrcene Without Mentioning Mangos

Maybe you’ve heard the urban legend: If you eat mangos prior to a smoke session, it’ll dramatically increase your high. Wondering how this myth got started? Because mangos are filled with myrcene, one of the most prominent terpenes in all of cannabis.

Derived from the Brazilian shrub Myrcia sphaerocarpa, myrcene is a highly-fragrant terpene that is an intense partnership between spice and citrus. It smells profoundly earthy, woody, and you’ll get distinct notes of cloves, cardamom, fruit, and musk.

Myrcene is commonly found in lemongrass, thyme, basil and yes, juicy, ripe mangos. You can also find it in tons of beer. Out of the hundreds of oils that are found in hops used to make beer, it’s usually the most dominant. It directly impacts a beer’s flavor, too. Hops that are high in myrcene are usually found in dry-hopped beers that are floral and fruity. If a beer smells “hoppy,” it probably has a lot of myrcene in it.

It smells great, tastes wonderful and feels even better. Similar to a strong Indica, myrcene is known to relax and promote deep sleep. You’ll feel a wave of positivity overwhelm you before you decide on your next extended stay: the bed or the couch.

What Are The Benefits of Myrcene?

Myrcene Can Help Reduce Pain and Inflammation

For years now, studies have supported the powerful analgesic properties that myrcene can provide. In a study on mice, scientists found that myrcene can help block feelings of pain. Some suggest that it also can mimic the same peripheral analgesic activity as lemongrass tea, and may serve as an alternative to aspirin.

Myrcene has also been shown to help treat inflammation. In one study, myrcene’s anti-inflammatory properties helped treat osteoarthritis by halting or slowing down cartilage destruction. Scientists even found that myrcene could be used to treat kidney inflammation and injury.

Myrcene is Known For Its Sedative Effects and Can Help Treat Insomnia

Need some Zzz’s? One of the biggest benefits of myrcene is its sedative effects and the ability to induce sleep. To this day, holistic doctors in Germany will use hops heavy with myrcene as a sleep-aid for patients. Scientists have literally said that when combined with THC, the sedative properties found in myrcene could create “couch-lock.” Yes, that’s a scientific term.

In a study with mice, myrcene was found to provide sedative effects, increase sleep time and help with motor issues. If you suffer from insomnia, you may find that myrcene can help you fall asleep.

Myrcene is an Antioxidant and May Help People With Cancer

Not only can myrcene actively help with pain and sleep, it can help heal and protect, too. Research has found that myrcene is a great antioxidant and can potentially treat peptic ulcer disease by increasing levels of gastric mucosa defense factors. Studies have also shown that myrcene has induced antioxidant enzymes in fish, helped pancreatic injury in mice and eliminated certain oxidative stress in rats.

Oh, and this is huge: myrcene might be beneficial to people with cancer. A recent study found that myrcene as an essential oil has significant cytotoxic effects on breast, cervical, lung and colon cancer cells.

Click here for our collection of myrcene dominant terpene blends. If you're interested in myrcene dominant cannabis strains, however, keep reading!

Myrcene in Cannabis

Myrcene is affectionately known as “the mother of all terpenes” because it’s the most common terpene in all of cannabis. Strains containing high-levels of myrcene are well-known for being the perfect precursor to sleep or restful relaxation. Here are three strains that are Myrcene-dominant:

Dole Whip

Named after that tasty, pineapple-flavored soft-serve from way back when, Dole Whip is one sweet treat that can’t be beat. Created by crossing Cookies & Cream with Tropic Truffles, this stress-relieving Sativa smells like a fresh fruit salad. You’ll find fresh notes of pineapple, cantaloupe and ripe green melon  while the myrcene provides a peppery punch. The citrus and cream flavors are hearty and delicious while a new taste, pine, subtly brings out the best in both. You’ll quickly be feeling upbeat, empowered and ready to bask in Summertime nostalgia. Dole Whip is destined to be the perfect companion for poolside parties or morning hikes.

Blue Dream

What happens when you cross a blissful Blueberry Indica with a high-energy Haze sativa? You get the legendary hybrid known as Blue Dream! Known for providing instant pain relief, this strain’s high potency promotes healing and happiness! It helps with chronic pain, fatigue and even provides a bit of a daytime boost. The best part? It tastes just like it smells! The berries you’ll find in Blue Dream burst with flavor and the myrcene evokes Earth that's slightly spicy. It’s delicious, cerebral, and so good you’ll be pinching yourself to make sure it’s real.  Don’t sleep on Blue Dream!

Master Kush

Meet your new sensei, Master Kush. A powerful partnership between OG Hindu Kush and Skunk, Master Kush is one of the most overwhelmingly indica strains on the market. It can help with insomnia, anxiety, depression and its potent, pain-relieving properties are notorious for numbing the entire body. Couch-lock is a no-brainer. In terms of smell, Master Kush is notably earthy and finishes with the faintest hint of the myrcene’s citrus. You may even ingest a little incense. The taste is a bit more woody, but still features that delightful transition of fresh, then fruit. While it can’t tuck you in, Master Kush will put you to sleep. Night night!

ACDC

Looking for something with more therapeutic properties? You’ll be thunderstruck by ACDC, a myrcene-dominant strain that is loaded with CBD. A favorite among medical patients, this hybrid is a phenotype of Cannatonic that produces virtually no intoxicating effects. It heals without the high! ACDC has been known to help with chronic pain, depression, anxiety and insomnia. It smells sweet and skunky, tastes like cherry and lemongrass and will keep you rockin’ all day long. For those about to relax, we salute you.