What is myrcene?
There are so many big words these days if you want to keep up with cannabis industry lingo!
Myrcene is a constituent found in many plants, including- you guessed it- cannabis! In fact, beta-myrcene is marijuana’s most common terpene. This means you’re definitely familiar with its effects whether you know it or not.
Among other plants that share this yummy-smelling monoterpene you’ll find lemongrass, citrus, bay, hops, and more.
Myrcene terpene flavor is responsible for the earthy and spicy over- and under-tones you’ll taste while smoking. Myrcene smell is also (unsurprisingly) earthy and spicy. Strains have varying myrcene levels, partially contributing to why different strains smell and taste different.
What is myrcene used for?
Myrcene terpene is often used as a food additive for flavoring and smell. It can also be found in soap, cosmetics, and detergents.
It’s so popularly utilized due to its rich, earthy, and spicy taste and smell. For example, it’s not uncommon for colognes or room sprays to contain myercene in order to simulate a woodsy aroma.
Is myrcene indica or sativa?
Good question! B myrcene content actually determines whether or not a strain is indica or sativa. (Hint- myrcene is indica!)
A strain is indica if its myrcene volume is more than .5%.
A strain is sativa if its myrcene volume is less than .5%.
Some argue that the above is a myth with no foundation. To that we say, maybe! But it sure is a fun fact- or at least a good urban legend.
How common is myrcene in cannabis?
B myrcene is the number one most common terpene found in cannabis! Mercyne makes up an average of over roughly 20% of the cannabis’ terpene profile across the board.
In addition, myrcene in weed is likely to be the dominant terpene in any given strain- especially indica strains!
What kind of terpene is myrcene?
Myrcene is a monoterpene. Monoterpenes all have the same molecular formula:
C10H16
Monoterpenes can be found in lots of different parts of different plants, and essential oils are full of them.
Forests even give off monoterpenes that are able to cool down the temperature and make clouds look brighter! To be more exact, boreal forests- the most Northern forests- contain trees that all release monoterpenes at different strengths. Even arctic grasslands let off monoterpenes!
Monoterpenes tend to be volatile compounds- aka they vaporize easily. Lots of monoterpenes are fragrents that get used in perfumes, cosmetics, and cleaning products. Some examples include:
- Citronellol. Helps combat oxidative stress.
- Eucalyptol. The main monoterpen found in eucalyptus essential oil. Can help chronic diseases via aromatherapy.
- Myrcene. You already know!
- Menthol. Triggers a cold sensation and can help ease pain when applied topically.
- Limonene. Potentially the most commonly occurring monoterpene. Found in citrus fruits among other foods.
Other monoterpenes are used as food additives and flavoring like citral and menthol. Others still are utilized in insect repellents, including citronellol and eucalyptol.
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Do essential oil extracts contain b myrcene?
B myrcene terpene is found in many essential oil extracts. It can even make up as much as 70% of the volume of hop essential oil!
B myrcene is synergistic and can help contribute to the overall taste and flavor of beer simply by being in the mix, encouraging other essential oils to play ball (such as linalool). This is particularly common when the essential oils have similar notes and structures.
Cannabis essential oil tends to be about 23% myrcene.
B myrcene content can vary greatly based on growing conditions and life cycles of plants, so not every harvest will have the same myrcene terpene levels.
B myrcene smells delicious and is also found in lemongrass, verbena, and bay essential oils!
What strains have myrcene?
Some myrcene terpene strains are:
- 9lb Hammer
- Afghan Moon
- Aliens on Moonshine
- Blue Dream
- FPOG
- Grape Ape
- Granddaddy Purple
- Harlequin
- Mandarin Drea
- OG Kush
- Remedy
- Strawberry Switchblade
- Tangie
- TruBerry OG
These strains all have a strong myrcene terpene flavor.
Check out our current offerings online or in person to snatch one of these amazing strains!
What foods have myrcene?
The most well-known food containing myrcene is mangoes. Mercyne is also found in lemongrass, most popularly known for its antimicrobial essential oil. But lemongrass stalk can also be cooked with and is popular in Asian meals- perfect for the munchies!
How to extract myrcene terpenes from marijuana
One way to extract myrcene terpenes from marijuana is via solvent extraction. Propane, butane, and subcritical CO2 extraction are all solvent options.
Because myrcene terpene can’t get too hot due to its volatility, solvent extraction requires low temperatures and limited pressure.
Another method to extract myrcene terpenes from marijuana is CO2 extraction. This is probably the “cleanest” way to extract myrcene terpenes from marijuana because there is no risk of solvent residue.
Interestingly enough, CO2 extraction uses carbon dioxide as the solvent. How cool! It’s also environmentally friendly.
First, the more lightweight volatile terpenes are removed. Then, in a second phase, lipids and heavier cannabinoids are processed. Some manufacturers have as extreme as a 10 step purification process, looking at the molecular level of the CO2 extraction to make sure the terpene extraction is completely pure!
Butane hash oil extraction is cheap and has high yields, so it’s a favorite among heavy producers.
The last myrcene extraction method we’ll talk about is steam distillation. Steam distillation is often the go-to method to extract essential oils from plants in general. It’s special because it’s one of the only methods that can utilize fresh plants instead of their dried or frozen counterparts- which cuts out an entire step in the process!
Steam is released onto the cannabis and holds onto the weed’s essential oils. Then the steam enters a cooled condenser to liquify the essential oils.
According to the most current research, steam distillation carries myrcene quite well, especially compared to other methods we’d discussed.
So if you’re looking to extract myrcene terpenes from marijuana, steam is your best friend.
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