THC and CBD dosage is a major consideration for many medical marijuana patients, but there are other reasons to pay attention to the differences in taste, smell, and effect of different strains of cannabis, such as terpenes. One of the most abundant terpenes found in cannabis is myrcene, which has a pleasant earthy aroma and promotes relaxation in the body.
This article explains what myrcene is, discusses its possible benefits, and lists 20 strains of cannabis that have high levels of myrcene, if you are looking for further relaxation or relief from pain.
What Is Myrcene?
Myrcene is a common terpene (aromatic type compound) found in cannabis and various plants. It is also found in mangoes, hops, and basil. The scent of myrcene is very spicy, herby, earthy, and somewhat sweet. Myrcene is frequently associated with relaxing and calming effects on the user when included in a cannabis strain and can influence how an individual experiences the overall effect of cannabis based on the way that it interacts with other cannabinoids found in the plant.
Why Myrcene Matters
Terpenes like myrcene are part of the “entourage effect,” where cannabinoids and terpenes work together to influence how cannabis affects the body. Some benefits often attributed to higher myrcene levels include:
- Calming and soothing sensations
- Potential pain relief
- Muscle relaxation
- Support for restful sleep
While effects vary from person to person, many patients choose high-myrcene strains for body-focused relief and gentle relaxation.
Top 20 Cannabis Strains Rich in Myrcene
1. ACDC
ACDC strain contains THC levels that are extremely low while offering a great amount of therapeutic value due to its dominant level of CBD. ACDC’s high level of myrcene (an earthy and herbal scent) gives this strain a calming and grounding effect; therefore, many medical patients enjoy using this strain throughout the day to relieve discomfort, inflammation, and anxiety without feeling the strong psychoactive effects of the myrcene. The well-balanced terpene profile found within ACDC makes it very popular among users seeking a relaxed but functional way to relax throughout the day.
2. AK-47
The AK-47 strain has sativa characteristics and helps users uplifting brain function while providing gentle body relaxation. The name sounds intense; however, AK-47 will deliver a smooth and mellow experience due to the influence of myrcene, even though the majority of the strain’s characteristics are driven by other terpenes like caryophyllene and pinene. The aroma produced can be described as having spices, earthy tones, and subtle sweetness. Most patients use AK-47 for stress relief and mood enhancement with mild body relaxation.
3. Blue Cheese
Blue Cheese is a hybrid-dominant strain created by combining Blueberry (indica) with UK Cheese (sativa). Blue Cheese has a very distinct aroma, combining sweet and savory with earthy tones attributed to myrcene’s presence in the strain. Patients frequently choose Blue Cheese to help provide relaxation at night since it has many terpenes that will aid in muscle relaxation and reduce stress. In addition, Blue Cheese is very appealing to those who enjoy rich flavors!
4. Blue Dream
Blue Dream is a very well-known strain of marijuana in the United States. This hybrid strain has a well-balanced effect, giving you an overall clear feeling in your head while relaxing your body. Myrcene, a terpene within Blue Dream, contributes to the smooth, relaxed feelings, making sure that you do not become too stimulated by Blue Dream’s effects. The fruity berry smell and consistent dosing of Blue Dream make it an excellent choice for anytime of the day.
5. Bubba Kush
Bubba Kush is a classic strain of Indica marijuana that has a heavy, calming body effect. Bubba Kush has a very earthy, coffee-like, and lightly sweet smell. Myrcene is often found in very high quantities within Bubba Kush, thereby increasing Bubba Kush’s sedative effects. Medical marijuana users often use Bubba Kush in the evening to help alleviate pain, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping. The all-over-body relaxing “buzz” produced by Bubba Kush makes this strain popular amongst all Indicas.
6. Canna Bliss
Canna Bliss is a little-known CBD-dominant cannabis strain with relaxing properties. The light herbal smell and citrus notes of Canna Bliss are typical for users who prefer to use cannabis for lessening symptoms without being lazy and getting to do productive things at the same time.
7. Cannatonic
Cannatonic is a hybrid strain that has a balance of moderately high THC and high CBD levels. The presence of myrcene in the strain also contributes to its relaxing and anti-inflammatory effects. The flavor profile of Cannatonic includes both earthy and citrus notes while helping users feel relaxed without being overly intoxicated. As a result, Cannatonic is one of the most frequently recommended strains for providing relief from anxiety and mild pain.
8. Critical Mass
Critical Mass is primarily an indica strain known for its calming effects on the body and for its sweet, earthy aroma due to its myrcene content. Many people who suffer from chronic pain or muscle tension choose to use this strain. Because of its calming and relaxing effects, most patients are recommended to use this strain in the evening.
9. Granddaddy Purple
Granddaddy Purple is a well-known indica strain that gets its purple appearance and grape-like aroma from its high levels of myrcene. Patients report using this strain for a relaxed body and calm mind. It is often the strain of choice for those who are looking to relax and de-stress prior to going to bed.
10. Grape Ape
Grape Ape offers an amazing berry-flavoured taste with fantastic earthy notes. Grape Ape is an Indica-dominant strain high in the terpene Myrcene. Grape Ape is frequently associated with full-body relaxation and mood stabilization. Many users have benefited from this strain in relieving physical pain and aiding in a restful night’s sleep. Its smooth, consistent flavour of smoke enhances the accolades this strain receives for its incredible flavour and efficacy.
11. Harlequin
Harlequin is a sativa-dominant CBD strain that is valued for its very balanced Cannabinoid ratio. Another great quality of Harlequin is that it contains Myrcene, which will add a calming effect to the mental clarity of the users. It has herbal undertones and a light sweetness to its aroma. Many users experience Harlequin for its anxiety and pain relief qualities without a heavy sedation feeling. Harlequin is one of the most frequently used strains by patients looking for daytime relief from their medical symptoms.
12. Jillybean
Jillybean is a strain that has an enjoyable fruity citrus flavour and uplifting sativa-hybrid characteristics. When consumed, Jilly Bean’s Myrcene component provides a subtle calming effect, which helps to balance out the positive uplifting feelings created by the other two terpenes found in this strain, Limonene and Pinene. Customers who seek to enhance their mood while relaxing at the same time often reach for Jillybean. Jillybean is not overly strong; therefore, it has universal appeal, so it is great for all consumers.
13. Mango Kush
Mango Kush has a classic tropical aroma of ripe mangoes with an earthy-quality to its fragrant scent qualities. Mango Kush will provide you with a sweet, fruity fragrance and the same relaxing body effects, thanks to myrcene providing both fruitiness to the fragrance as well as a narcotic-like effect to the body. Mango Kush is a strain that can be used frequently to relieve anxiety while providing calmness without sending you into a deep sleep immediately. You can also enjoy it as a new user or a seasoned cannabis user, as it provides a pleasant experience.
14. Mango Puff
Mango Puff (rare strain) also has sweet citrus flavors and earthy flavors with mellow effects; however, testing on the myrcene content will vary due to a lack of lab confirmation. Many patients use Mango Puff because it can help relieve their tension while still keeping their thoughts focused and clear. Typically, Mango Puff is used later in the day or in the early evening.
15. OG Kush
OG Kush is one of the most popular and widely used cannabis strains that has been created in modern breeding practices. The OG Kush strain has an extremely potent aroma that combines elements from citrus, pine, and earthy material that can generally be attributed to the strain having a higher than average content of myrcene. The effects of OG Kush include: uplift and depressant with both mental elevation and physical relaxation, which is why it is an extremely popular cannabis strain for relieving stress and finding relaxation in general.
16. Purple Urkle
Purple Urkle is a potent indica known for its berry sweetness and strong sedative qualities. Myrcene plays a significant role in its calming and sleep-supporting properties. Many medical users turn to Purple Urkle to manage insomnia and chronic discomfort. Its rich flavor profile complements its deeply relaxing effects.
17. Skywalker OG
Skywalker OG is an indica-leaning strain that combines earthy spice with subtle sweetness. High myrcene levels contribute to its tranquil, body-heavy effects. It is frequently chosen for evening relaxation and stress relief. The strain provides a gradual onset that leads to comfortable physical ease.
18. Special Kush
Special Kush delivers a mix of citrus and pine aromas layered over earthy undertones. Myrcene contributes to its relaxing qualities alongside other terpenes, offering balanced relief. The strain offers steady, reliable effects.
19. Tangie
Tangie is widely recognized for its vibrant citrus scent and uplifting sativa profile dominated by limonene. Trace myrcene may add mild physical relaxation to complement its cerebral stimulation. This balance makes Tangie suitable for daytime creativity and stress relief. Its flavorful terpene blend keeps it highly sought after.
20. White Widow
White Widow is a classic hybrid strain known for its resin-coated buds and earthy sweetness. Myrcene contributes to its smooth body relaxation while maintaining mental clarity. Many patients value White Widow for its versatility and balanced effects. It is often used to reduce stress and mild discomfort without excessive sedation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is myrcene, and why is it important?
Myrcene is a naturally-occurring terpenoid that can be found in both cannabis and various fruits, such as mangoes, and in various kinds of hops. It can affect the scent of the particular cannabis strain and sometimes can be associated with inducing bodily and relaxing effects.
Do high myrcene strains make you sleepy?
Users of strains with higher levels of myrcene often report that the strain of cannabis they are consuming induces calmness and induces sedative effects when combined with other cannabinoids; however, there appears to be variability of effects between users of cannabis.
Are myrcene levels listed on product labels?
The majority of cannabis testing through labs does not always provide testing for terpenes, but if terpene tests are available, typically the laboratory will provide a test report containing the lab’s findings of the yields of various terpenes found in the test sample.
Can myrcene help with pain relief?
Some studies suggest that myrcene may also have medicinal attributes such as anti-inflammatory and pain relief, particularly when consumed with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).
Are high myrcene strains good for beginners?
Newcomers to cannabis, especially those who want to keep their THC levels low or have a more balanced ratio of CBD to THC, may find high myrcene strains to be a good option when they’re looking for a way to settle down while being less likely to suffer from overwhelming psychoactive effects when using cannabis.
Can myrcene interact with other medications?
As with other compounds in cannabis, myrcene may cause changes to the way that certain types of medications are metabolized in your body. Because many cannabinoids and the terpenes in the cannabis family can interact with the enzymes in your liver, you should always check with a physician or someone qualified to give medical advice before using these or any other cannabis products if you’re on prescription medications, especially if you’re managing a chronic condition or you’re taking sedatives, blood pressure medications, or antidepressants.
Are myrcene effects the same for everyone?
There is not a uniform effect that you can expect from myrcene or from myrcene products because everyone’s endocannabinoid systems respond differently to cannabinoids and terpenes in general. The total effect experienced will largely depend on your tolerance, body chemistry, the quantity of the product consumed, and the method of consumption.
Try High-Myrcene Strains With MMJMedics
If you want to explore myrcene-rich cannabis for pain, relaxation, sleep support, or general wellness, MMJMedics can help you get certified legally and easily with medical marijuana card services. Start your journey toward natural relief today – medical professionals are available to answer your questions and guide you.
Get started with MMJMedics now!
Resources
https://www.smithers.com/resources/2024/june/terpene-spotlight-myrcene
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8326332
https://www.leafly.com/news/science-tech/myrcene-terpene
https://muvfl.com/post/myrcene-strains
https://www.arcannabisclinic.com/post/marijuana-strains-with-the-highest-in-myrcene-content
https://webmd.com/pain-management/cannabis-weed-strains
