Medical cannabis and Scotland's healthcare systems
More people throughout the UK are looking for alternative options to manage long-term health conditions.
Sarah Sinclair
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7 min read
Sam North
In the latest in our educational series looking beyond the aroma to explore the therapeutic potential of terpenes, we examine Myrcene, and what it brings to medical cannabis patients in the UK.
Myrcene, beta-myrcene, or β-myrcene, is a monoterpene that pops up all throughout the plant kingdom. Along with cannabis and hemp plants, you'll find it in elevated levels in hops, mangoes, cardamom, and thyme, along with many other plants and fruits.
Myrcene has an almost fruity, but more musky aroma with notes of cloves and earthiness. Its flavour profile is described as having a peppery taste with hints of spice and an overall herbal quality.
It's been used in perfumes, cosmetics,food flavourings, and it's an integral piece of the aromatherapy puzzle, where it's been used to address issues like anxiety and chronic pain. But what exactly does myrcene bring to the table when it comes to its relationship with medical cannabis?
Myrcene has been applied in traditional settings for centuries.
In the Indian and Sri Lankan Ayurvedic system of healing, myrcene-rich plants like hops have been used to treat inflammation, spasms, and anxiety.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, cardamom has been used to address digestion issues such as bloating and stomach pain.
The Brazilian native plant Myrcia sphaerocarpa is full to the brim with myrcene, and the local population has used this plant to address a variety of concerns, including stomach issues, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
When most people hear the words "medical cannabis", the vast majority think of cannabinoids - or THC and CBD, to be more specific. Fair enough, the cannabinoids are what medical cannabis research has mostly focused on, but they aren't the only players in the game.
To properly explain this, we need to have a chat about the entourage effect...
The entourage effect is a theory that suggests that the compounds produced by cannabis plants, including terpenes (like beta-myrcene) and cannabinoids (THC and CBD, etc.), work together to produce therapeutic effects that are greater than the ‘sum of their parts’.
This means that when you take a medical cannabis oil that's rich in multiple compounds, rather than just isolated THC or CBD, it may have more significant medicinal benefits than if you were to take just the one solo compound.
Yep, there sure is. While still in the initial stages, there's a growing body of research that suggests that myrcene may offer UK medical cannabis patients significant therapeutic effects.
Myrcene is a terpene produced by many plants and fruits, including cannabis, hops, cardamom, and thyme.
Myrcene's aroma is pungent, 'dank', earthy, and slightly sweet. In terms of taste, it is on the spicy end of the spectrum, with hints of cloves and anise.
Myrcene has been shown to offer anti-inflammatory, pain management, relaxation, sedative, and potential anti-ageing benefits.
Mangoes, thyme, basil, and parsley all contain elevated levels of myrcene.
In terms of strains available to UK medical cannabis patients, there are many options, including:
Myrcene and beta-myrcene are actually the same. Beta-myrcene is simply the more 'scientifically accurate' way of referring to it. Beta-myrcene is often used as a distinguishable feature for specific cannabis strains, but ultimately both terms refer to the same terpene.
Myrcene offers reduced inflammation and pain, relaxation and sedation, and potential anti-ageing benefits. There are no known dangers associated with myrcene (or any terpene) use when consumed through natural sources such as medical cannabis.
The vaporisation temperature of myrcene is 332-334°F (166-168°C).
While we do already understand a lot about medical cannabis and how it can be best used to relieve symptoms, research is still somewhat limited on the topic of terpenes and their benefits.
However, medical cannabis patients and traditional practitioners have been using terpene-rich plants for thousands of years, and as we see the science start to play catch up, we are unsurprised at the benefits it is confirming. Myrcene is a fascinating, intriguing, and potent cannabis terpene, and one that seems to offer patients a great deal of therapeutic potential.
If you have yet to explore our huge education and blog sections but want to learn more about cannabis-based treatment options and how they may help you, feel free to dive right in!
It is important to seek medical advice before starting any new treatments. The patient advisors at Releaf are available to provide expert advice and support. Alternatively, click here to book a consultation with one of our specialist doctors.
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Am I eligible?Sam North, a seasoned writer with over five years' experience and expertise in medicinal cannabis, brings clarity to complex concepts, focusing on education and informed use.
All of our articles are written by medical cannabis experts, guided by strict sourcing guidelines, and reference peer-reviewed studies and credible academic research. Our expert clinical team and compliance specialists provide valuable insights to ensure accuracy when required. Learn more in our editorial policy.
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