Low Myrcene Phenotype

Low myrcene phenotypes are cannabis plants expressing reduced levels of the monoterpene myrcene, a compound commonly associated with herbal and earthy aromatic profiles in cannabis. Myrcene typically represents a significant portion of the terpene profile in many cultivars, so plants selected or bred for lower myrcene expression often display distinctly different aromatic signatures—frequently described as citrus-forward, pine-dominant, or spice-leaning. These phenotypes arise through natural genetic variation and selective breeding practices targeting terpene ratios. Breeders working in this category often cross parent plants showing recessive low-myrcene traits to stabilize these chemotypes across generations. Understanding myrcene expression remains relevant for lineage development and cultivar characterization in breeding programs.

Cultivators and breeders select low myrcene phenotypes to develop distinct terpene profiles independent of myrcene dominance, enabling exploration of secondary monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes in novel combinations. Stabilizing these phenotypes through backcrossing and controlled crossing strategies allows breeders to document and reproduce specific aromatic and volatile profiles in seed lines.