What Is Myrcene Terpene? Effects and What Research Shows

Myrcene is a terpene that gives many cannabis varieties an earthy, musky aroma, and it is a major part of hops and a common flavoring in foods and drinks. A 2021 review found anxiety-lowering, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects in animal studies of beta-myrcene, but noted that studies in humans are lacking.

This guide covers where myrcene is found, which strains are often listed as high in it, what users report and what a 2010 government safety study found.

What Is Myrcene?

Myrcene is one of the main terpenes in cannabis strains, where it contributes to their aroma. Myrcene is found in cannabis plants and in many other plant species, including hops, and it is often described as relaxing.

The evidence for its relaxing, pain and inflammation effects comes from the animal and lab studies described below, and the idea that it works together with THC and CBD, part of the entourage effect, remains unproven.

How Common Is Myrcene in Cannabis?

Myrcene is an abundant terpene in many cannabis products, but a 2022 study of commercial cannabis in six states found that indica and sativa labels do not consistently match the measured chemistry.

High-Myrcene Cannabis Strains

The strains below are often listed as high in myrcene. Whether a given product is high in myrcene shows only in its lab results, and none of these strains has been tested for relaxation, pain or sleep.

OG Kush

Users often describe OG Kush as relaxing, and it is commonly listed among myrcene-rich strains. Its terpene content depends on the grower and batch, so the lab label is a better guide than the name.

Blue Dream

Blue Dream is a popular hybrid that users describe as both uplifting and calm. Reports that it eases discomfort are anecdotes.

Remedy

Remedy is sold as a high CBD, low THC strain, so users report little or no high. Whether it helps any medical condition has not been tested.

9 Pound Hammer

9 Pound Hammer is usually sold as an indica and listed as high in myrcene, and users describe it as heavy and sedating.

Tangie

Tangie has a strong citrus aroma and lists some myrcene, though users describe it as energizing rather than calming.

Harlequin

Harlequin is sold as a CBD-rich strain with some myrcene. Users report a milder high; claims that it eases tension or pain are anecdotal.

Grape Ape

Grape Ape is known for a sweet, grape-like aroma and is often listed as high in myrcene. Reports of stress relief come from users, not studies.

FPOG (Fruity Pebbles OG)

FPOG is a hybrid with a fruity, tropical aroma, and users describe a balanced high.

Granddaddy Purple

Granddaddy Purple is often listed as high in myrcene and described by users as deeply relaxing. Pain-numbing or sleep effects have not been tested, and sedation is one reason not to drive after use.

For personalized advice on cannabis strains, contact us.

Is Myrcene Safe?

Myrcene is used as a food flavoring, but concentrated products are different: a 2010 National Toxicology Program study found kidney and liver tumors in rodents given high oral doses of beta-myrcene. Avoid combining high-myrcene products with sedatives or alcohol without professional advice. A medical marijuana doctor can review your cannabis products and your other medicines for interactions, especially with high-potency products.

How Might Myrcene Work in the Body?

• A popular claim is that myrcene helps THC cross cell membranes.
• The receptors involved in its reported pain and inflammation effects are not settled.
• The entourage effect, in which terpenes would add to cannabinoids’ effects, is a hypothesis.

None of these has been confirmed in human studies, according to the 2021 review.

Myrcene Levels in Indica and Sativa Strains

Indica and sativa labels are often linked with myrcene levels, but the 2022 study cited above found those labels a poor guide to a product’s chemistry, and what a given myrcene level does in people is not known.

What Effects Has Myrcene Shown in Animal and Lab Studies?

• Relaxation: Calming effects seen in animal studies.
• Anti-inflammatory: Lower inflammation markers in animal and lab studies.
• Pain relief: Seen in rodents; not tested for chronic pain in people.
• Synergy: A proposed effect on THC and CBD that has not been tested in people.

Does Myrcene Make You Sleepy?

Whether myrcene makes people sleepy is not known. It is widely associated with sleepiness, and calming effects have been reported in animals, but studies in people are lacking, its link to the endocannabinoid system is unclear, and high-myrcene strains have not been tested as an insomnia treatment. Insomnia that lasts is worth raising with a doctor.

Can Myrcene Relieve Pain and Reduce Inflammation?

Whether myrcene relieves pain or inflammation in people is not known: beta-myrcene’s anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects come from animal studies, and it has not been tested for arthritis or muscle pain in people. For chronic pain or inflammation, ask a doctor about treatments with evidence behind them.

What Other Claims Are Made About Myrcene?

Each claim below is unproven in people.

• Stress Reduction: Anxiety-lowering effects reported in animals.
• Enhanced Absorption: Claims that it improves THC uptake have not been shown.
• Aromatherapy Use: Found in essential oils sold for relaxation.
• Antioxidant Properties: Reported in lab studies.
• Digestive Support: Claimed, but not established.

Conclusion

Myrcene is a common terpene in cannabis and in many other plants, including hops. Animal studies suggest relaxing, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, but human studies are lacking, and no strain has been shown to work better for sleep. Strains such as OG Kush, Granddaddy Purple and 9 Pound Hammer are popular, but a strain name is not a reliable guide to what is in the product. Beyond cannabis, myrcene is also found in some essential oils sold for aromatherapy; those uses have not been tested in people. High doses of myrcene have also raised safety questions, since the 2010 government study linked them to tumors in rodents. If you use cannabis along with other sedatives, ask a medical professional about the combined effect.

Last updated October 16, 2026 by the Dr. Green Relief Editorial Team.

Sources

• Surendran S, et al. Myrcene: What Are the Potential Health Benefits of This Flavouring and Aroma Agent? Front Nutr. 2021
• Smith CJ, et al. The phytochemical diversity of commercial Cannabis in the United States. PLoS One. 2022
• National Toxicology Program. Toxicology and carcinogenesis studies of beta-myrcene in F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice (gavage studies). NTP TR 557. 2010