Myrcene (β-myrcene) is a monoterpene, C10H16, with an earthy, musky and slightly fruity smell. It is one of the most common terpenes in cannabis and also occurs in hops, lemongrass, bay, thyme and mango. Its effects have been studied mainly in animals, and no effect in people has been established. This Formula Swiss guide covers its chemistry and sources.
Key facts
- Chemical class
- Acyclic monoterpene (a hydrocarbon), C10H16.
- Where it occurs
- Cannabis and hemp, hops, lemongrass, bay leaves, thyme and mango.
- Legal status
- Not a controlled substance. It occurs naturally in foods; since 2018, synthetic myrcene may no longer be added to food as a flavouring in the US.
- In Formula Swiss products
- Our product data does not state a myrcene content, so we make no claim about it.
The earthy scent found in many cannabis strains often comes from one specific terpene: myrcene. This compound is not unique to cannabis. It also appears in mangoes, hops and thyme, where it contributes a musky aroma with light hints of spice or citrus.
This article explains what myrcene is, where it occurs in nature and what research says about it.
Prefer watching over reading? This video covers the key points from the article:
Key takeaways
- Myrcene is a widely occurring terpene found in plants such as cannabis, mangoes, hops and lemongrass, contributing to their distinct aromas.
- It is one of the most prominent terpenes in cannabis, although strain labels such as indica do not reliably predict how much a plant contains.
- Myrcene forms part of the broader terpene and cannabinoid profile often referred to as the entourage effect, highlighting the complexity of plant-based formulations.
- This terpene is widely used in industries such as aromatherapy, perfumery and personal care for its musky, earthy scent with citrus or herbal notes.
- Environmental factors and breeding techniques can affect myrcene concentrations in cannabis, contributing to the plant's aromatic and chemical diversity.
Defining terpenes
Terpenes are a large group of organic hydrocarbons that share a common structure consisting of multiple isoprene units. They are produced by plants as secondary metabolites and play important roles in plant growth, development and reproduction.
Over 20,000 different terpenes have been identified so far from various plant species, including lavender, lemon balm, rosemary, pine trees and cannabis. The diverse array of terpenes found in plants creates a range of unique aromas and flavours that distinguish species from one another.
For example, limonene gives lemons their characteristic citrus scent, while linalool is responsible for the floral aroma of lavender flowers. These compounds not only add to the sensory experience but also serve as natural defence mechanisms against herbivores or harmful insects.
The role of terpenes in nature and everyday products
Terpenes play essential roles that go well beyond their fragrance. In plants, they act as part of natural defence systems, offering protection against insects, animals and environmental stress factors.
According to research published in Microbiology Spectrum, terpenes can also help shield plants from certain bacteria and fungi, showing their importance in maintaining plant health.
Each terpene has unique features that influence how it interacts with other compounds inside and outside of plants. For example, studies have looked at myrcene’s possible role in shaping the way different plant compounds work together, especially within terpene and cannabinoid profiles.
These kinds of interactions continue to attract interest among researchers and product developers who study natural ingredient synergies.
Myrcene: an overview
Myrcene is a terpene that occurs naturally in many plants, including hops, thyme, lemongrass, mangoes and cannabis. It is especially notable in some cannabis varieties, particularly those with indica-leaning characteristics.
Best known for its earthy and musky aroma, myrcene often carries subtle notes of citrus, herbs or cloves, which contribute to the layered scent profiles found in both cannabis and other botanicals.
Classified as a monoterpene, comprising two linked isoprene units, myrcene bears the systematic name 7-methyl-3-methylene-1,6-octadiene. It has a molecular formula of C₁₀H₁₆ and a molar mass of approximately 136.24 g/mol. Structurally, it is a branched, open-chain molecule with three carbon–carbon double bonds.
In Brazil, lemongrass tea, which is rich in myrcene, is a traditional folk "sedative". In rats, myrcene was the main pain-relieving component of lemongrass oil (Lorenzetti et al., 1991). Today, myrcene is valued mainly for its fragrance in essential oils, botanical extracts and fragrance blends.
Its unique aroma and molecular structure have made it a common ingredient in industries such as aromatherapy, perfumery and personal care, where naturally sourced compounds are valued for their origin and appeal. Research into myrcene is ongoing, keeping it a subject of interest in both botanical studies and product development.
In cannabis, myrcene plays a role in shaping the plant’s overall profile through its interactions with cannabinoids and other terpenes. These interactions influence the layered aromas and sensory traits that distinguish different varieties.
As studies continue to investigate these dynamics, myrcene remains a key area of focus for its contribution to the distinctive qualities found in botanical and plant-based formulations.
Ongoing research into myrcene’s role across different applications is providing fresh insight, helping to expand its relevance in natural product innovation and development.
Definition and chemical structure of myrcene
The name comes from Myrcia, a genus of aromatic plants in the myrtle family. It has a pungent earthy aroma with hints of citrus and spice and can be found in several natural sources such as cannabis, hops, thyme, bay leaves, lemongrass and mangoes.
Common sources of myrcene in nature
Myrcene is widely present in many plants, contributing to their distinct aromas. Some notable sources include:
- Hops (Humulus lupulus)
- Mangoes (Mangifera indica)
- Cannabis (Cannabis sativa)
- Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
Its broad presence across these plants shows its importance in shaping natural fragrance profiles. Myrcene continues to be of interest in fields such as perfumery, aromatherapy and botanical research for the way it influences scent.
Interaction with other cannabinoids and terpenes
One of myrcene’s defining traits is how it interacts with other plant compounds within cannabis. This is often described as part of the entourage effect, a proposed synergy between cannabinoids and terpenes that is still under scientific study.
Myrcene works alongside cannabinoids and other terpenes, such as pinene and limonene, helping to shape the full aromatic and sensory experience of a cannabis variety. These synergies add to the richness and complexity of the plant’s profile, affecting scent, flavour and applications in non-consumable products such as aromatherapy blends and topicals.
Scientists continue to study these interactions, aiming to better understand how terpenes such as myrcene influence overall plant characteristics and how this knowledge can inform product development.
The high levels of myrcene found in certain cannabis strains
Myrcene is among the most prominent terpenes in cannabis, though its levels vary widely between plants (Wagner et al., 2024). Commercial "indica" labels are partly associated with differences in terpene synthase genes, but they do not reliably predict a plant's chemistry (Watts et al., 2021). Researchers have also raised concerns about how inconsistent the terpene profiles of named strains are (Booth and Bohlmann, 2019).
The reasons for these differences are not fully understood, but factors such as temperature, soil and humidity may play a role. Selective breeding can also influence terpene content, increasing or reducing levels of compounds like myrcene.
Influence on the aroma and flavour profile of cannabis
Myrcene is often described as having an earthy or musky scent with subtle notes of citrus or tropical fruit. Even at lower concentrations, it still contributes to the layered aroma of a strain, though less prominently.
In addition to its scent, myrcene influences flavour, often described as slightly sweet with faint hints of cloves or spice.
The future of myrcene research in cannabis
While much remains to be uncovered, early research already underscores myrcene’s importance in cannabis studies. Scientists are especially interested in how its varying levels across strains contribute to overall plant profiles.
As studies advance and regulatory landscapes shift, our understanding of how different terpene concentrations influence cannabis characteristics is expected to deepen. Myrcene’s distinctive role in aroma and plant chemistry ensures it will remain a key subject of future research.
Summary
Myrcene is a terpene that appears in a wide variety of plants, from mangoes to hops and, of course, cannabis. As explored throughout this article, it plays a major role in shaping the aromatic and sensory qualities of these plants.
More on terpenes, cannabinoids and cannabis.
Frequently asked questions
What is myrcene?
Myrcene is a naturally occurring monoterpene found in various plants, including cannabis, hops, lemongrass, mango and thyme. It is best known for its earthy, musky aroma with subtle spicy and herbal undertones, and it is among the most common terpenes found in cannabis varieties.
What is myrcene believed to do?
In a 2024 study in mice (Wagner et al.), inhaled β-myrcene reduced anxiety-like behaviour, with differences between males and females. It is also thought to play a role in the so-called entourage effect, the proposed synergy between terpenes and cannabinoids.
What are the common uses of myrcene?
Myrcene is widely used in perfumery, aromatherapy and cosmetic products thanks to its pleasant and distinctive scent. It is also found in various plant-based extracts and oils that are used in traditional wellness practices.
Is myrcene safe to use?
Myrcene occurs naturally in foods such as mango, hops, thyme and bay. In October 2018 the US FDA removed synthetic myrcene from its list of permitted food flavourings. The reason was the Delaney Clause, not a finding at normal use levels: that 1958 law bars the FDA from approving any food additive shown to cause cancer in animals at any dose, and evidence submitted to it showed that synthetic myrcene caused cancer in laboratory animals exposed to much higher doses. The FDA stated that the synthetic flavourings "do not pose a risk to public health under the conditions of their intended use" and are "otherwise safe", and the decision does not affect myrcene that occurs naturally in foods (FDA, 2018). In the EU, every cosmetic product needs a safety assessment before it can be sold.
What does myrcene smell and taste like?
Myrcene has an earthy, musky aroma, often complemented by hints of cloves, herbs and fruits such as mango or grape. It contributes significantly to the characteristic scent and flavour profile of many cannabis strains.
Which plants contain myrcene besides cannabis?
In addition to cannabis, myrcene can be found in hops, lemongrass, mangoes, thyme, bay leaves and some citrus fruits. These plants are commonly used in cooking, teas, essential oils and natural product formulations.
Is myrcene more common in indica or sativa cannabis strains?
The label cannot tell you. Commercial indica labels are partly associated with differences in terpene synthase genes, but they do not reliably predict how much myrcene a particular plant contains. Only a lab measurement can.
Why do people choose products containing myrcene?
Myrcene-rich products are often selected for their aromatic properties, particularly by those who appreciate earthy scents.
How does myrcene interact with other compounds in cannabis?
Myrcene is believed to work in combination with other terpenes and cannabinoids, influencing the aroma, flavour and overall sensory experience. This interaction is commonly referred to as the entourage effect, although the exact mechanisms are still under scientific study.
This article is general information about cannabis science. It makes no claims about the effects of Formula Swiss products, which are sold as cosmetics for use on the skin, and it is not medical advice. Read our full disclaimer.
Last reviewed:
Sources
- US Food and Drug Administration. FDA removes 7 synthetic flavoring substances from food additives list. Constituent update, 5 October 2018
- Lorenzetti BB, et al. Myrcene mimics the peripheral analgesic activity of lemongrass tea. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 1991. PMID 1753786
- Wagner JK, et al. Sex differences in the anxiolytic properties of common cannabis terpenes, linalool and β-myrcene, in mice. NeuroSci 2024. PMID 39728677
- Watts S, et al. Cannabis labelling is associated with genetic variation in terpene synthase genes. Nature Plants 2021. PMID 34650264
- Booth JK, Bohlmann J. Terpenes in Cannabis sativa: from plant genome to humans. Plant Science 2019. PMID 31084880
- Chou M-Y, et al. Terpenes modulate bacterial and fungal growth and sorghum rhizobiome communities. Microbiology Spectrum 2023. PMID 37772854
