Terpenes 101: Myrcene

That delicious aroma wafting out of your freshly ground CBD flower? You can thank terpenes for that.

Terpenes are aromatic molecules found in plant resins and are the compounds responsible for the trademark aromas of not only your favorite hemp flower strains, but also your favorite plants, and essential oils.

Terpenes are also responsible, in many ways, for the effects of aromatherapy and are at least partially responsible for the medicinal properties of plants and natural medicine. As you’ll see in the chart at the bottom of the page, each terpene holds its own beneficial properties.

As if that weren’t enough, terpenes also play a large role in determining the effects of cannabis! Without terpenes, cannabinoids like CBD and THC would have relatively muted effects, but when they’re combined with these miraculous aromatic compounds - that’s when the magic happens; and more pointedly, it’s when the true difference between strains considered “indica” or “sativa” can be felt.

What is Myrcene (aka beta myrcene, b-myrcene, or β-myrcene)?

Myrcene is a monoterpene, a type of aromatic compound that contributes to both the scent and the overall experience of a cannabis cultivar. While it’s abundant in cannabis, myrcene also occurs naturally in hops, mangoes, lemongrass, basil, thyme, and verbena. Its aroma is often described as earthy, herbal, musky, and slightly sweet, with a subtle spice that can remind you of cloves or cardamom.

In cannabis, myrcene can be found at varying concentrations, sometimes making up a significant portion of a strain’s total terpene content. You’ll often encounter high-myrcene cultivars in both indica- and sativa-dominant varieties.

Although we cannot point to a robust study to prove this fact, we can say anecdotally that myrcene seems to be even more common in the hemp industry, as it is found in significant concentrations in nearly every strain we see.

Potential Benefits and Effects

While research is ongoing, myrcene is widely recognized in aromatherapy and botanical circles for its potential to promote a sense of calm and relaxation. It’s often associated with creating a more mellow, tranquil experience — the kind you might enjoy at the end of a long day.

Some cannabis enthusiasts also talk about the “mango connection” — the idea that eating mangoes, which are naturally rich in myrcene, before enjoying cannabis could influence the onset or depth of effects. This remains more folklore than hard fact, but it’s a fun piece of terpene trivia worth knowing.

Aroma & Flavor Profile

• Earthy & Herbal – Reminiscent of damp forests and fresh-cut herbs.

• Musky & Spicy – Similar to cloves, with a soft peppery edge.

• Fruity & Sweet – Subtle tropical notes, especially when paired with other fruity terpenes.

• Hoppy & Resinous – Particularly noticeable in cultivars that also contain humulene.

Myrcene in Cannabis Cultivars

If you’ve ever scanned a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for your favorite pre roll, you might have noticed myrcene listed among the top terpenes. Cultivars known for their myrcene-rich profiles often lean toward earthy, fruity, or spicy aromas.

At Tweedle Farms, we regularly highlight terpene content on our product pages, so you can explore strains that feature myrcene as a dominant player — whether you’re seeking its aroma, its potential to enhance relaxation, or simply to experience one of cannabis’s most common and beloved terpenes.

How to Experience Myrcene

• Check the COA – Look for myrcene in the terpene breakdown.

• Explore Variety – Try strains with differing levels of myrcene to see how the aroma and experience shift.

• Pair with Familiar Aromas – Notice the similarities between cannabis rich in myrcene and mango, hops, or lemongrass.

Final Thoughts

Myrcene might be one of the most common terpenes in cannabis, but it’s far from ordinary. Its rich, earthy aroma and potential for promoting a calm, relaxing vibe make it a favorite among many enthusiasts. Whether you’re seeking it out intentionally or simply enjoying it when it appears, understanding myrcene adds another layer to appreciating the complexity of the cannabis plant.