Myrcene is one of the most intriguing terpenes found in cannabis. In this post, you'll learn more about how myrcene can enhance the effects of cannabis and what other health benefits it offers.
What is Myrcene? Myrcene is a monoterpene terpene found in many plants, including cannabis. It gives cannabis its characteristic smell of nutmeg and cloves and is responsible for the sedative effects of some cannabis strains.
Myrcene and the Enhancement of Cannabis Effects An interesting property of myrcene is its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. This allows it to enhance the effects of cannabinoids such as THC by helping them reach the brain more quickly 1 . This can lead to a stronger psychoactive effect and intensify the "high."
Health Benefits of Myrcene In addition to its role in enhancing the effects of cannabis, myrcene also has several health benefits. It has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and sedative effects. Studies have shown that myrcene can help treat insomnia, anxiety and chronic pain 2 .
Conclusion Myrcene is a fascinating terpene that is not only responsible for the characteristic smell of cannabis, but can also enhance its effects. By crossing the blood-brain barrier, myrcene can intensify the psychoactive effects of THC while providing various health benefits.
- Russo, E. B. (2011). Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. British Journal of Pharmacology, 163(7), 1344–1364. ↩
- Galdino, P. M., Nascimento, M. V. M., Florentino, I. F., Lino, R. C., Fajemiroye, J. O., Chaibub, B. A., ... & de Paula, J. R. (2012). The anxiolytic-like effect of an essential oil derived from Spiranthera odoratissima A. St.-Hil. leaves and its major component, β-caryophyllene, in male mice. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, 38(2), 276–284. ↩
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