Beta Myrcene

Beta-myrcene (β-myrcene) is a monoterpene commonly found in cannabis and many other plants including hops, thyme, and mangoes. In cannabis breeding records, strains with elevated myrcene levels are frequently associated with earthy, herbal, and sometimes fruity aromatic profiles. Myrcene comprises a significant portion of the terpene profile in many traditional landrace and modern cultivars. Breeders often monitor myrcene content as part of their phenotype selection process, since terpene ratios contribute to the distinctive sensory characteristics of different lines. Understanding myrcene-dominant chemotypes helps cultivators and researchers classify strain families by their aromatic heritage and chemotaxonomy.

Breeders working with myrcene-forward genetics use terpene profiling to stabilize aromatic traits across generations and to identify parent plants that will reliably express earthy and herbal notes. Myrcene levels are tracked during selection of both photoperiod and autoflowering lines, as the terpene's prevalence in many classic strains makes it a useful marker for lineage verification.