Myrcene is the terpene found in the largest amount in most cannabis flower. Strains sold as myrcene-rich test at 0.5% or more myrcene by dry weight. No human trial has tested myrcene alone as a pain treatment. The pain evidence that exists covers THC, CBD, and whole-plant products. Myrcene shows pain-blocking effects in mice. That result has not been repeated in people.
What myrcene is
Myrcene is a monoterpene with the formula C10H16. It boils at about 167 C (332 F). The same molecule appears in hops, lemongrass, mango, thyme, and bay leaf. In cannabis, myrcene runs from trace amounts to about 2% of dry flower weight. A terpene panel on a certificate of analysis (COA) reports the number for each batch.
Animal work is the source of most myrcene claims. A 2015 mouse study found that myrcene reduced pain responses at several doses. Other mouse studies report sedation and muscle relaxation. The couch-lock claim attached to myrcene comes from these animal results and from strain reputation, not from controlled human data.
myrcene for sleep and relaxation
Strains that test high in myrcene
- Granddaddy Purple
- Blue Dream
- OG Kush
- Northern Lights
- Bubba Kush
- Hindu Kush
These are names, not chemistry. Two batches of Blue Dream from two growers can test at 0.2% and 1.1% myrcene. The strain name does not set the terpene number. The COA does.
myrcene for sleep and relaxation
What to ask at the counter
- The terpene panel for the exact batch on the shelf. Ask for the myrcene percentage per gram or per dry weight.
- The harvest date and the packaging date. Terpenes are volatile. Levels fall with time, heat, light, and air.
- Total THC and total CBD numbers, listed as percentages.
- The batch number on the package. It should match the number on the COA.
- Storage method. Sealed glass or opaque packaging at room temperature holds terpenes longer than an open jar.
Limits of the evidence
The FDA has not approved cannabis or myrcene for pain. Approved cannabinoid drugs are dronabinol, nabilone, and CBD (Epidiolex), each for specific conditions. A 2017 National Academies review found substantial evidence for THC-containing products in chronic pain in adults, and limited evidence for other conditions. That review did not isolate myrcene. Data on myrcene interactions with prescription drugs is thin. Lab tests point to effects on the CYP450 enzyme family. Human data is missing. Tell your pharmacist and your doctor what you use.