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Since 2018, medical cannabis has been legally available on prescription through licensed clinics like Alternaleaf for 50+ conditions. You can find out if you’re eligible by completing the quick questionnaire on our website.
The cannabis plant itself is complex, producing over 100 cannabinoids, or compounds (like THC which can produce a ‘high’ and CBD which doesn’t) and over 150 different terpenes. Terpenes are the compounds naturally found in plants which give them their individual aromas and flavours and they are all around us.
One of these terpenes is myrcene.
What is Myrcene?
Myrcene is the most common terpene in medical cannabis and can be found in most strains. It can also be found in hops, thyme and mango, and is known by some people for its sedative properties/calming effects. It’s been reported to potentially help relieve pain, anxiety and work as a muscle relaxant.
Below, we’ll be exploring myrcene in cannabis, in particular medical cannabis. Why? Because this terpene has been shown to have some potential health benefits.
Potential Medical Benefits of Myrcene
Below, we’ve listed some potential myrcene effects:
- Pain management: This 2019 study found that "myrcene shows promise in pain relief”.
- Anti-inflammatory: This 2022 study found that myrcene could help reduce joint pain and inflammation in chronic arthritis.
- Relaxation and sedation: This 2021 study found that "myrcene is well-known for its anxiolytic (antianxiety) and sedative effects".
But, what’s so special about myrcene in the UK and the rest of the world?
Well, terpenes, like myrcene, may work together with cannabinoids, like THC and CBD, to enhance the effects of medical cannabis, as seen in this research. Using the whole cannabis plant as medicine might be more helpful than using just its separate parts.
Some terpenes may make it easier for cannabinoids to get into the brain, which could improve how well patients respond. So, yes, terpenes will influence the flavour and aroma of individual strains of cannabis, but studies suggest that terpenes are actually making a pretty significant contribution to the therapeutic effects of cannabis too.
Myrcene and the Entourage Effect in Medical Cannabis
Some conditions and symptoms may benefit more from a combination of CBD, THC and terpenes. Together, they could offer a number of potential medical benefits, due to a phenomenon known as the entourage effect. When these compounds work together, they can provide targeted and enhanced therapeutic effects.
Is Myrcene Safe for Everyday Use?
Generally yes, myrcene is considered safe for everyday use. Like we mentioned above, this terpene can be found in everyday foods, fruits, herbs and even fragrances.
But, if you’re asking if it’s safe to consume medical cannabis everyday, it depends on what you’ve been prescribed, and your condition or symptoms. Following your clinicians guidance is always best. Remember that everyone’s body can react differently, and you’ll have your own individual tolerance to the medication. Just monitor how you react, and feed this back to your clinician during your next appointment.
You may not get it right the first time you use medical cannabis, which is why we recommend starting slow.
Myrcene vs Other Terpenes
So, how does myrcene compare to other medical cannabis terpenes?
Well, although different terpenes may have different effects, they can also sometimes potentially complement each other. This goes back to the entourage effect.
For example linalool potentially relieves stress, relieves pain including neuropathic (nerve) pain, boosts the immune system, is a relaxant and could relieve anxiety. Limonene may relieve stress, is antifungal, antibacterial, energising, can elevate mood, can potentially work as an antidepressant, and is possibly gastroprotective (healthy digestion and gut).
But, instead of looking at these different terpenes separately, we should look at how they can complement each other, and how they affect you individually. For example, some of the potential benefits of pinene are: antibacterial, antiseptic, a pain reliever, anti-inflammatory, relieves anxiety, relaxes lung muscles and widens the airways. Some of these overlap with myrcene. And this means pinene could enhance the effects of medical cannabis strains rich in myrcene when consumed together. In other words, the entourage effect! On the other hand, you may find that the combination of different terpenes produce unique and different effects.
And just because there’s research that suggests a terpene may work a certain way, doesn’t necessarily mean it will be your reality. Cannabis products and strains can impact everyone differently. Effects are often subjective and different blends of different terpenes will have different effects on different bodies!
FAQs
Does Myrcene cause drowsiness?
We mentioned above that myrcene is known for its sedative properties, calming effects, and can help with relaxation. However, this study mentions how “sedating agents can create drowsiness and impair motor coordination”. So, yes, it can cause drowsiness. If this is something you’re concerned about, speak to your clinician. They’ll keep this in mind when building your personalised treatment plan.
As long as you’re consuming your medication as prescribed, you shouldn’t encounter any unwanted side effects.
Is Myrcene legal in the UK?
As we mentioned, myrcene can be found in so many things like thyme and mango. So, yes, of course it’s legal!
Medical cannabis, including high myrcene strains in the UK, has been legal since 1st November 2018, but it needs to be prescribed by a specialist doctor. To be eligible, you’ll need a diagnosis for a qualifying condition such as chronic pain, anxiety, depression, ADHD or autism, and to have been offered at least two conventional treatments.
Just because it’s legal in the UK, doesn’t mean it’s legal everywhere. It’s always a good idea to check if you’re travelling somewhere, what their rules and laws are around medical cannabis.
How does Myrcene interact with THC?
We’ve pretty much covered this above. When myrcene, THC, and other compounds found in the cannabis plant work together, they can provide targeted and enhanced therapeutic effects, as well as a number of potential medical benefits, due to a phenomenon known as the entourage effect.
Which Cannabis Strains Are High in Myrcene?
Myrcene is usually dominant (the terpene present at the highest level) in flower. Indica-dominant strains commonly contain high Myrcene, but you’ll also see high levels in sativa and hybrid strains. Like we said, it’s the most common terpene in medical cannabis!
Summary
There’s no denying the potential health benefits myrcene could have, especially when working alongside other terpenes and cannabinoids. However, more research is needed to fully discover the true potential. Discovering how myrcene works in medical cannabis, and the effect it can have on different conditions could really make an impact.
The best thing to do is speak to your Doctor or clinician, or seek the help of a licensed medical cannabis clinic like Alternaleaf if you’re considering medical cannabis treatment. Find out if you’re eligible by heading to our website and completing our 30 second questionnaire.