The most common terpene found in cannabis is Myrcene. Found in nearly all strains and is also a precursor to many other minor terpenes.
Reflecting to one of our previous blogs about terpenes for a moment. Terpenes are natural compounds found in the essential oils of plants, herbs and cannabis producing a plants flavor and scent. Myrcene has been utilized throughout history in herbal medicine. Other than cannabis Myrcene can be found in everyday use in hops, thyme, mangoes, lemon grass and cardamon. It produces aromas of wood, earthy, musky, ripe fruit smells.
The cannabis industry can be difficult to navigate, as there are hundreds of different strain options. Ever go into a store and wonder, “what is the difference between Indica A 240 mg/g THC and this Indica-B which is also 240 mg/g?” and “which one will help me relax?”. Look into your terpene content, most dispensaries and Licensed Producers are displaying this information for consumers. Many Canadians turn to the recreational market and are self-medicating looking for relaxation and sleep induced effects. When consumers utilize strains containing 40% or above of Myrcene, have reported pain reduction and sedation. Do not forget about the entourage effect, as plant type, phyto-cannabinoids and terpenes can affect this outcome.
Myrcene through research has shown promise as an analgesic, stomach protectant (anti-ulcer), anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antibacterial and antinociceptive.
Myrcene and Mangoes: Truth or Foe?
As mentioned earlier Mangoes contain myrcene, and over the years many cannabis users have reported some interesting stories regarding cannabis and mangoes. Ingesting a mango approximately 45 minutes prior to use of a cannabis strain high in Myrcene, produced intensified feelings of relaxation and the high, but also helped decrease the “munchies”. Research continues to prove this theory with science, but consumer reviews report this in fact a truth.
Strains high in Myrcene
Pink Kush
Durga Mata 2
Cookies & Cream
MRS Vet Kush
Myrcene and Sexual Health
Experiencing high levels of stress, anxiety, depression can in turn create sexual anxieties or painful intercourse. With Myrcene’s muscle relaxing and calming properties, in combination with other relaxing cannabis components. It should not be left out of consideration for the bedroom but if taken should be done in small amounts. We do not want you too sedative for sex. Terpenes and sex still have much research to go through before proving any efficacy. When combined with specific cannabinoids it can help sexual function. CB1 receptor has been found in several areas of the brain related to sexual function. In a 2017 study, consumers who utilized cannabis prior to sex experienced increased sexual pleasure, sensation, and intensity of orgasm in both men and women.
Before utilizing a new strain of cannabis for sex, trial small amounts to start. Combining THC and/or CBD with the right terpene profile may just give you the sexual experience you have been looking for. Stay safe!