Myrcene Terpene

Myrcene is one of the most abundant terpenes in cannabis, often comprising 20–65% of a strain's total terpene profile. It is also found in hops, mangoes, and lemongrass, and is commonly associated with earthy, herbal, and sometimes fruity aromatic notes. Lineage records frequently report myrcene dominance in indica-leaning cultivars and their descendants, though the terpene appears across all chemotypes. Breeders working with myrcene-rich strains typically select parent plants based on gas chromatography results rather than phenotype alone, since terpene expression varies significantly between growing conditions and harvest timing.

Myrcene levels are a key target in breeding programs focused on aroma stability and consistency. Breeders often cross high-myrcene parents to establish this trait in new lines, monitoring offspring through multiple generations to lock in myrcene-dominant chemotypes.