I. Myrcene: Exploring its Role in Cannabis
Myrcene, a terpene commonly found in cannabis and many other plant varieties, plays a role for breeders, growers and staff at dispensaries. It is crucial for professionals in the industry to grasp the characteristics and potential effects of myrcene.
Terpenes and Cannabis:
Terpenes, which include myrcene, are compounds in various plants. These compounds contribute to the experiences associated with different cannabis strains. Terpenes not offer scents and flavors but also play a vital role in influencing the overall effects and therapeutic potential of cannabis.
Myrcene brings forth a scent and taste cannabis strains with earthy, musky and herbal notes. It can be detected in strains that display characteristics such as indicas, sativas and hybrids.
Effects and Potential Benefits:
Myrcene is thought to contribute to the entourage effect by enhancing benefits through the combined presence of cannabinoids and terpenes. Studies indicate benefits of myrcene including analgesic properties, anti inflammatory effects as well, as sedative qualities.
Myrcene can also enhance the potency of THC and various other cannabinoids by affecting the blood brain barrier improving the passage of substances, like cannabinoids into the brain.
Broader Applications:
Myrcene is present in plants such as hops, thyme and lemongrass. It is commonly used in the fragrance and flavor industries to add richness and complexity to perfumes, soaps and culinary delights. Essential oils rich, in myrcene are also employed in aromatherapy for their perceived ability to induce relaxation and alleviate stress.
II. Top Myrcene Dominant Cannabis Strains
Mimosa:
Hybrid strain with Clementine and Purple Punch genetics. Releases a citrusy, tropical aroma with hints of earthiness. Offers an uplifting, euphoric high, promoting creativity and relaxation.
Blueberry:
Indica-dominant strain with Afghani and Thai genetics. Exhibits a sweet, berry aroma reminiscent of fresh blueberries. Delivers a deeply relaxing, calming high, easing stress and inducing sleep.
Alien OG:
Indica-dominant strain with Alien Kush and Tahoe OG Kush parentage. Possesses a pungent, earthy scent with notes of pine. Provides a potent, full-body high, promoting relaxation and pain relief.
Apple Tartz:
Hybrid strain with Apple Fritter and Zkittlez genetics. Emits a sweet, fruity aroma with hints of apple and candy. Delivers a balanced high, combining relaxation and euphoria.
Lemon Cake:
Hybrid strain with Lemon Skunk and Cheese genetics. Releases a zesty, lemony scent with undertones of sweetness. Offers an uplifting, energizing high, enhancing mood and creativity.
Sour Tangie:
Sativa-dominant strain with Sour Diesel and Tangie parentage. Exhibits a pungent, diesel-like scent with citrus undertones. Provides an invigorating, cerebral high, promoting focus and sociability.
Blueberry Kush:
Indica-dominant strain with Blueberry and OG Kush genetics. Possesses a sweet, fruity aroma with hints of earthiness. Delivers a relaxing, sedating high, easing muscle tension and inducing sleep.
Laughing Gas:
Hybrid strain with Sour Diesel and Cherry Pie lineage. Releases a fuel-like aroma with hints of cherry and sweetness. Offers a euphoric, uplifting high, inducing happiness and creativity.
Strawberry Lemonade:
Hybrid strain with Strawberry Cough and Lemon OG genetics. Exhibits a sweet, fruity aroma combining strawberries and lemons. Provides an uplifting, energizing high, enhancing mood and sociability.
Fruit Punch:
Hybrid strain with Skunk, Haze, and Northern Lights genetics. Possesses a tropical, fruity aroma reminiscent of fruit punch. Delivers a balanced high, combining relaxation and cerebral stimulation.
Blue Dream:
Sativa-dominant hybrid with Blueberry and Haze parentage. Exhibits a sweet, berry aroma with undertones of vanilla. Provides a balanced high, combining relaxation and cerebral stimulation for a dreamy experience.
OG Kush:
Indica-dominant strain with Chemdawg and Hindu Kush lineage. Offers a distinct earthy aroma with hints of citrus. Provides a relaxing, euphoric high, promoting stress relief and relaxation.
Granddaddy Purple:
Indica strain with Purple Urkle and Big Bud genetics. Exhibits a sweet, grape-like scent with undertones of berry. Provides a deeply relaxing, euphoric high, relieving pain and promoting sleep.
III. Myrcene: Aroma and Taste in Cannabis
Myrcene, a terpene in cannabis, plays a crucial role in shaping the smell and taste profiles of different strains. Recognizing the effects and advantages of myrcene is vital for breeders, growers and staff at dispensaries.
Scent and Flavor:
Myrcene contributes to the aroma of strains often described as herbal, musky and earthy. It gives off a scent that can vary from slightly sweet to mildly spicy depending on the strain. This particular aroma is essential for distinguishing and enjoying types of cannabis.
Regarding taste, myrcene can bring complexity and richness to the flavor profiles of strains. It can enhance the earthy, herbal and sometimes fruity tastes experienced when consumed. The presence of myrcene in cannabis can deliver a unique taste that elevates the sensory experience.
Essential Oils:
Myrcene is also present in oils, like those obtained from hops, lemongrass and thyme. In oil production myrcene influences contribute to the citrusy and spicy notes that define these oils.
Including oils, in myrcene in products such as perfumes, soaps and candles enhances their fragrances with depth and complexity catering to a wide range of preferences.
IV. Myrcene Boiling Point & Chemistry
Having knowledge about the science behind myrcene along with its boiling point and chemical makeup is essential for industry professionals.
Boiling Point:
Myrcene has a boiling point of around 166°C (330°F) which is crucial for extraction and processing purposes. This boiling point falls within a range for vaporization, without degradation or loss of the terpene's beneficial properties.
Controlling the temperature during the extraction and formulation processes enables professionals in the cannabis industry to unleash the potential of myrcene while keeping its aromatic and therapeutic qualities intact.
Chemistry and Composition:
Chemically, myrcene falls under the category of monoterpenes as a diene. Its molecular formula, C10H16 reveals that it comprises ten carbon atoms and sixteen hydrogen atoms. Structurally myrcene features a carbon chain with a bond that contributes to its distinct chemical characteristics.
The aroma and flavor of myrcene are derived from its chemical makeup. This molecule carries a signature scent described as herbal, musky and earthy thanks to groups like alkene and methyl groups that lend to its recognizable fragrance.
Chemical Properties and Effects:
Myrcene showcases chemical properties that make it an essential element in cannabis strains. Its lipophilic nature allows it to dissolve in fats and oils facilitating interactions with cell membranes and boosting the absorption of compounds.
Research indicates that myrcene may play a role in the entourage effect by enhancing benefits through synergies, with cannabinoid and terpene compounds.
Implications for Cannabis Industry:
Having a grasp on the aspects and chemical makeup of myrcene holds importance for those in breeding, cultivation and product development within the industry. Taking into account the boiling point of myrcene enables experts to fine tune extraction techniques. Uphold the essence of this terpene. Moreover, understanding the chemical structure and characteristics of myrcene can inform decisions on strain choices and cultivation methods to boost levels in cannabis strains.