The cannabis plant contains hundreds of chemicals, some of these, like cannabinoids, we have only just begun to fully understand. Others, however, like terpenes, have been known about and used for thousands of years. Myrcene is one of the commonly occurring terpenes in cannabis, also, a slew of other plants and foods.
Do you know what synergistic effects of myrcene in cannabis have on medical marijuana patients?
Exploring the Entourage Effect: Myrcene and Cannabis
Although much attention has been paid to the potent psychoactive effects provided by cannabinoids, many cannabis users are starting to realize that the power of their cannabis lies in its terpene content, not necessarily how much THC is in the equation.
Like cannabinoids, terpenes are produced within the trichomes of the cannabis planet. Trichomes are small, hairs made of living cells on the leaves of plants that grow to protect it from the elements. In cannabis, terpenes like myrcene, are produced alongside cannabinoids in special secretory cells. Of the approximately 20,000 naturally occurring terpenes in nature, more than 200 have been identified in cannabis.
Why do terpenes like myrcene exist?
Terpenes play an essential role in protecting plants in nature; in addition to protecting the plant from environmental stresses, terpenes also deter insect predation while acting as the building blocks for other molecules, like cannabinoids. Terpenes like myrcene and others often co-occur with other terpenes and cannabinoids to act synergistically; often resulting in recreational or therapeutic releaf for medical marijuana patients.
The power of myrcene in cannabis
If you have purchased marijuana from any Nevada marijuana dispensary, chances are there was at least some percentage of myrcene in your weed. That’s because myrcene is the most common terpene to occur naturally in cannabis.
In plants and nature, myrcene produces an earthy, balsamic, and clove-like odor; it can sometimes make up as much as 50% of the terpene volume in a strain. This may also have to do with the fact that myrcene is a monoterpene, making it a precursor a variety of more complex terpenes, thus enabling different plants to develop a dynamic body of fragrance oils.
The percentage of myrcene in a particular strain of cannabis also plays a vital role in determining where along the sativa/indica spectrum the plant’s effects will land. According to industry experts, any strain with more than .5% myrcene is considered an indica or indica dominant strain.
Myrcene in foods and herbs
Myrcene isn’t only found in marijuana though. This popular terpene most is most famously produced by mangos, but there are a variety of foods you can find myrcene in.
Foods and herbs with myrcene include:
- Mangoes
- Basil
- Hops
- Citrus fruits
- Bay leaves
- Eucalyptus plant
- Thyme
- Parsley
- Cloves
- Lemongrass
Fun Marijuana Fact: Because of their particularly high myrcene content, it has been found that eating a mango 45 minutes prior to consuming cannabis can enhance the marijuana patient or consumers experience.
The benefits of myrcene in cannabis
Regardless of whether you are a medical marijuana patient in Las Vegas or a recreational marijuana consumer, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the effects of cannabis and cannabis products. The myrcene terpene provides many therapeutic benefits and has long held a place in folk medicine.
Effects of myrcene on the human body
- Pain relief
- Slows bacterial growth
- Helps mitigate the physiological effects of diabetes
- Reduces inflammation systemically
- Helps counteract insomnia
- Inhibits cell mutation, including cancer cells
- Provides tranquilizing effects that relieve symptoms of psychosis
- Helps suppress muscle spasms
Myrcene is a crucial component of cannabis because it facilitates the formation of other terpenes in addition to synergizing their antibiotic and therapeutic potential of other terpenes. Myrcene also changes the permeability of cell membranes, allowing it to act as a regulator of other terpenes and cannabinoids.
Make the Most of Your Nevada Marijuana Dispensary Visit
If you’re wondering how to buy medical marijuana from a Nevada recreational and medical marijuana dispensary or how to get your medical marijuana card in Las Vegas, our team can help. As one of the first Nevada marijuana dispensaries to open in Las Vegas, we work with recreational marijuana consumers and patients alike to help them get the Releaf they’ve been looking for. ,
