Monoterpene

Myrcene

Myrcene is the most abundant terpene in cannabis, with an earthy, musky, herbal aroma. It is dominant in indica-leaning cultivars like Northern Lights and is associated with sedating, body-relaxing effects. Myrcene is also found in hops, mangoes, lemongrass, and thyme.

Aroma

Earthy, musky, herbal, slightly fruity

Boiling point

167°C / 332°F

Associated effects

sedating, muscle-relaxing, couch-lock

Also found in

hops, mango, lemongrass, thyme, bay leaves

Myrcene is a monoterpene present in roughly 20% of cannabis strains as the dominant terpene, and it is the single most abundant terpene across the global cannabis gene pool. Its characteristic earthy, musky, herbal aroma is the foundational note of classic indica genetics. Lab panels typically report myrcene-dominant strains in the 0.3% to 1.5% terpene-by-weight range. Myrcene is widely cited as a contributor to the sedating, body-heavy effects associated with indica cultivars, though current research suggests its sedative reputation is partly attributable to its interaction with other cannabinoids and terpenes in the entourage effect rather than to myrcene in isolation.

Frequently asked questions

Is myrcene sedating?

Myrcene-dominant cannabis strains are widely reported as more sedating than limonene- or pinene-dominant strains. The pharmacology of myrcene in isolation is less established than the consumer experience suggests; the sedative effect is most likely a combination of myrcene with THC and other compounds (the entourage effect).

What does myrcene smell like?

Myrcene has an earthy, musky, herbal aroma with subtle fruity notes — often compared to the smell of ripe mango or hops.

What strains are high in myrcene?

Classic myrcene-dominant strains include Northern Lights, OG Kush, Granddaddy Purple, and Blue Dream. Most indica-leaning cultivars carry meaningful myrcene levels.