Myrcene

Myrcene (beta-myrcene) is the dominant terpene in over 65% of commercial cannabis strains, present at concentrations from 0.1% to over 2% of dry flower mass. Myrcene is responsible for the classic "earthy" or "musky" smell associated with traditional cannabis, with secondary notes of cloves, hops, and ripe mango. The terpene is also abundant in mangoes (the source of the cannabis lore that eating mango before consuming cannabis intensifies the high — myrcene crosses the blood-brain barrier easily and may potentiate THC effects), hops (contributing to beer's aroma), lemongrass, thyme, and bay leaves. Pharmacology: myrcene exhibits documented sedative effects in animal studies, with the LD-50 sedation dose roughly equivalent to common over-the-counter sleep aids. Myrcene is hypothesized to increase blood-brain barrier permeability, potentially explaining why high-myrcene strains produce more intense psychoactive effects than expected from THC content alone. Other documented activities: muscle relaxant (similar mechanism to benzodiazepines but without addiction), analgesic via opioid receptor system, anti-inflammatory through COX-2 inhibition, antimutagenic activity. Strains naturally high in myrcene: Granddaddy Purple (0.7-1.2% myrcene), Blue Dream (0.5-0.9%), Mango Kush (1.0-1.5%), Pure Kush (0.8-1.2%), Skunk #1 (0.8-1.1%), most indica-dominant strains. The "indica vs sativa" effect distinction is largely myrcene-driven — strains with myrcene above 0.5% almost always produce indica-style body-heavy effects regardless of botanical classification. Myrcene is sensitive to heat and oxidation: it evaporates at 332°F, so vaporizing at 350°F or below preserves more myrcene than higher temperatures or combustion. Myrcene degrades over months in dried flower exposed to light and air, which is why properly cured cannabis stored in airtight jars maintains its sedating effects longer than improperly stored flower.