If you’ve ever checked a cannabis label and noticed the myrcene terpene listed near the top—there’s a reason for that! Myrcene is one of the most common terpenes found in cannabis.
Here’s a full rundown on what the myrcene terpene is, why it appears so often in cannabis flower, and how people commonly describe strains where it plays a leading role.
What is the myrcene terpene?
Myrcene is a naturally occurring terpene found in cannabis and many other fruits and plants, including mangoes, guava, basil, thyme, cardamom, cinnamon and oregano, parsley… the list goes on!
Terpenes are aromatic compounds responsible for the smell and flavor of cannabis, and they also help shape how different strains are commonly experienced.
In cannabis, the myrcene terpene often appears in higher concentrations than other terpenes, which is why it shows up so frequently on lab labels and product descriptions.
What does myrcene smell and taste like?
The myrcene terpene is typically described as:
- Earthy
- Herbal
- Musky
- Slightly spicy or clove-like
Rather than bright or citrus-forward, myrcene tends to give cannabis a deeper, more grounded aroma. This is often what people mean when they say a strain smells “classic” or “old-school.”
Outside of cannabis, the myrcene terpene is also found in mangoes, hops, thyme, bay leaves, and lemongrass.
Why is myrcene so common in cannabis?
Many cannabis genetics naturally express the myrcene terpene, especially strains with rich, full-bodied aroma profiles.
Myrcene is one of the most abundant terpenes in cannabis because it plays a critical role in the plant’s natural defense system. During growth, the myrcene terpene’s strong, bitter taste helps guard against predators like insects and herbivores.
The myrcene terpene is also easier for cannabis plants to produce. so they naturally express higher levels of myrcene compared to many other terpenes. This is especially true for cultivars bred for their resilience and high resin production.
Because of this, myrcene appears across a wide range of cultivars, from long-established strains to modern hybrids.
Seeing myrcene on a label doesn’t automatically define how a strain will feel, but it does explain part of why it smells and tastes the way it does.
Myrcene terpene effects: How people commonly describe it
When myrcene is a dominant terpene, people often describe the experience as:
- Calming or relaxing
- More body-centered than heady
- Grounded or steady
One of the classic effects of myrcene is its well-known, sedative “couch-lock” effect. The interaction between the myrcene terp and THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, can also intensify the overall perceived effects of a strain. So products high in myrcene can feel more potent than those with different dominant terpenes.
The deep relaxation associated with high-myrcene profiles can be a real plus if you want to unwind. But a note for consumers prone to anxiety — the feeling, depending on the strain, can be overwhelming, even though there’s no real negative reaction or effect on the body.
It’s also important to note that myrcene terpene effects aren’t universal. Cannabinoid content, genetics, presence of other terps, and individual tolerance all influence how a strain feels. Myrcene is one piece of the overall profile, so as with all cannabis, there is not going to be a uniform effect or result for everyone.
Reading the jar: What myrcene can tell you
If the myrcene terpene is listed prominently on a cannabis label, it can be a useful signal that the strain may lean toward:
- Earthy or herbal flavors rather than sweet or fruity
- A smoother, less sharp aroma
- A more settled, end-of-day experience
It’s a helpful reference point for understanding what you’re picking up, especially when comparing strains.
The takeaway
In short, the myrcene terpene is an important part of many cannabis profiles and one of the easiest terpenes to learn how to recognize.
Understanding myrcene won’t tell you everything about a strain, but it can help you make more informed choices and better understand why certain cannabis smells, tastes, or feels familiar. You can see which Elevate cannabis strains are heavy in myrcene here.
