Rich, earthy, musky and herbal, the myrcene terpene is an absolutely crucial cannabis compound. It contributes to the signature “dank” scent we associate with the plant, but its influence goes far beyond aroma. Myrcene plays a vital role in the overall cannabis experience, lending uniquely calming and sedative qualities to countless beloved strains.
Myrcene at a Glance
Myrcene is the most abundant terpene in cannabis and one of the biggest drivers of its signature aroma and relaxing effects. It helps shape how certain strains feel, often leaning toward calm, comfort, and full-body ease. While it doesn’t act like a cannabinoid on its own, myrcene plays an important supporting role in the entourage effect, influencing how other compounds like THC are experienced.
What Is Myrcene?
To understand myrcene, you need to get familiar with terpenes. Terpenes are naturally occurring aromatic compounds found in cannabis and many other plants, and are responsible for the way plants smell and taste. Beyond cannabis, it appears naturally in mangoes, hops, lemongrass, thyme, and other aromatic plants, helping explain why its scent feels so familiar.
While every terpene has a part to play in shaping the experience, myrcene is considered so vital to cannabis that it’s sometimes known as “the mother of all terpenes.” Why? It’s the most abundant terpene in weed, similar to the role THC plays for the plant’s cannabinoids.
It’s also considered a “helper compound,” meaning it may increase the permeability of the blood-brain barrier, influencing how cannabinoids like THC move through the body, potentially affecting how strongly or how quickly certain effects are felt. Its presence is also closely associated with calming, body-focused, and gently sedative cannabis experiences.
Myrcene and the Endocannabinoid System
Unlike cannabinoids such as THC or CBD, terpenes don’t usually bind directly to the CB1 and CB2 receptors in our body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). One notable exception is caryophyllene, which can interact directly with CB2 receptors.
Myrcene works differently. It’s believed to play a major role in the entourage effect, an established theory that has recently gained traction. The effect suggests that the plant's range of compounds works in concert to strengthen and modulate one another’s effects rather than acting in isolation.
In practical terms, that means myrcene may help guide the overall “feel” of a cannabis experience, especially when paired with THC and other terpenes. Its calming, body-centered qualities are often thought to balance or soften more energizing terpenes like limonene or terpinolene, contributing to a more grounded or relaxed effect profile.
At URB, we formulate with this synergy in mind. Myrcene works best as part of a complete terpene ensemble, balancing more energizing terpenes like terpinolene and limonene.
For a deeper look at how cannabis compounds interact, explore our guide: Plant Synergy: Exploring the Entourage Effect.
What Are Myrcene’s Effects and Potential Benefits?
Everyone’s physiology is different, so everyone reacts slightly differently to cannabis. For example, some consumers report mild sedation or “couch-lock” when myrcene appears in their favorite strains, while others experience a gentle tranquility but not full sedation.
The most well-known effects of myrcene include relaxation, comfort, and a sense of deep-body calm. Research is still evolving, but early studies and consumer reports suggest several potential benefits associated with myrcene.
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Relaxation support: There’s some evidence that myrcene is a major contributor to the relaxing and stress-relieving effects associated with cannabis.
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Relief from pain: Adding to the growing evidence that cannabis may offer non-pharmaceutical relief from pain, studies suggest myrcene has analgesic (pain-relieving) effects.
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Anti-inflammatory potential: Like many other terpenes, myrcene has shown the potential to reduce the impact of inflammation.
What might you lean on myrcene for? Many people find that terpenes help them transition from the focus-based tasks of the workday into a more relaxed, body-centered vibe once the sun goes down. Others find it supports deeper, more restorative sleep and a grounded, centering sense of calm.
Which Strains Are High in Myrcene?
Often comprising 20% – 65% of the total terpenes present in a given strain, myrcene is cannabis’s perfect seat-mate. And while exact terpene content varies widely from strain to strain (and batch to batch), some strains with reliably high myrcene levels include:
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OG Kush: Lush with dank, myrcene-fueled aromas, this high-THC strain is commonly chosen to ease stress.
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Northern Lights: An indica legend, it’s known for strong, myrcene-driven couch-lock effects.
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Purple Urkle: Beloved as much for its rich purple hues as it is for its strongly sedative qualities.
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Blue Dream: Though it leans sativa, this well-known hybrid delivers a balanced effect with less sedation than is typically associated with myrcene.
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White Widow: A sativa-leaning hybrid, this creative and stimulating strain carries the telltale dank flavors and aromas of a myrcene-forward varietal.
Of course, terpene profiles don’t exist in a vacuum. While classic strains can offer helpful reference points, the actual myrcene experience depends on the full cannabinoid and terpene composition of each product. That’s why many consumers look beyond strain names and focus instead on terpene-forward formulations.
Within URB’s lineup, myrcene appears across multiple formats, allowing you to explore its calming, aromatic qualities in ways that match your preferred experience.
What Does Myrcene Taste and Smell Like?
It’s hard to mistake the myrcene terpene flavor. If you’ve ever detected a dank, earthy, subtly sweet, and almost funky aroma reminiscent of ripe fruit and aged vinegar, there’s a good chance it was myrcene, often described as being a chief contributor to “the weed smell.”
Myrcene is also abundant in hops, which flavor most beers, as well as in lemongrass, thyme, and mangos.
That distinct taste and aroma influence the overall experience of a strain, especially in flower or concentrate form. At URB, our formulations highlight the terpene’s authenticity for a rich, natural taste, while imparting those relaxing effects.
How Does Myrcene Boost the Effects of THC?
Myrcene is often discussed in relation to THC because of its role in the entourage effect, the idea that cannabis compounds work together to shape the overall experience. Rather than acting on cannabinoid receptors directly, myrcene appears to influence how THC feels in the body, particularly when it comes to relaxation and body-focused effects.
To be clear, myrcene doesn’t increase THC potency or concentration. Instead, its calming and sometimes sedative qualities may shape how the experience is perceived, which is why myrcene-rich profiles are often described as mellow, grounding, or physically relaxing. This may help explain why certain THC-forward products feel deeper or more soothing when myrcene is present.
Where to Find Myrcene-Rich Products
Mellow, balanced, and aromatic, myrcene takes a starring role here at URB. Our products leverage the naturally relaxing properties of myrcene to deliver targeted, effect-based results among cannabis formats. Some of our favorites include:
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Vapes: A bold hybrid experience in a sleek 3ml disposable, the Aerovape 710 Euphoria is powered by our award-winning Pegasus-certified Delta 8 oil, plus select cannabinoids and live resin terpenes.
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Gummies: Our mouthwatering gummies, Cloud 9 Skybites, offer a whole sensory-forward profile to help you cruise through creativity or float into chill mode.
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Concentrates: Strain-specific flavor, elevated. Our Cloudpod THCA live resin pods are powered by high-terpene extract for smooth, expressive sessions.
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Pre-Rolls: Explore our fresh, diamond-infused THCA pre-rolls, packed in a durable five-count Jointcase and ready when you are.
Crafting terpene-forward products means balancing authentic flavor with precise formulation and verified ingredients. That’s why we provide Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for every product, so you can explore with confidence, clarity, and trust in what you’re consuming.
From Liftoff to Landing, Explore More Terpenes With URB
Terpenes shape the experience, and myrcene shapes the mood. As one of cannabis’s most essential compounds, it brings depth, aroma, and relaxation to countless profiles.
Explore URB’s terpene-forward lineup to better understand how myrcene and other terpenes guide each session. Join the URB Mileage Loyalty Program and enjoy a smoother journey every time.
Myrcene FAQs
What are the effects of myrcene in weed?
A major factor in the overall cannabis experience, myrcene’s effects are often described as being relaxing and even sedative—one reason they’re often associated with indica and indica-leaning strains.
Is myrcene a sativa or indica?
The terms “sativa” and “indica” refer to different types of cannabis strains, not terpenes like myrcene. That said, the relaxing and soothing myrcene terpene effects are common in heavy indica and indica-leaning strains.
Does myrcene boost the effects of THC?
The entourage effect is a theory about how unrelated cannabis compounds work in partnership to boost or modulate each other’s effects. While the exact mechanism of what myrcene does in the entourage effect isn’t fully understood, its sedative and relaxing properties are believed to shape how the effects of THC are experienced.
What does myrcene feel like?
The myrcene terpene is generally described as soothing and relaxing. No wonder, as it’s a primary component in many indica and indica-leaning strains.
What does myrcene smell like?
Myrcene is often described as earthy, herbal, and musky, with a rich, slightly sweet “dank” aroma. It’s a key contributor to the classic cannabis scent and is also found in plants like hops, lemongrass, and mango.
What strain has the most myrcene?
While exact terpene content varies from batch to batch, some strains with reliably high myrcene levels include OG Kush, Northern Lights, and Purple Urkle. These strains are often associated with earthy, musky aromas and myrcene effects, such as relaxing, sedative sensations.
