Myrcene Chemistry

Myrcene is a monoterpene commonly found in cannabis, hops, and mangoes, characterized by a molecular structure of C₁₀H₁₆. In cannabis samples, myrcene concentrations typically range from trace amounts to 65% of the total terpene profile, though exact levels vary by cultivar and growing conditions. The compound forms through the mevalonic acid pathway in plant secondary metabolism and is biosynthesized early in flower development. Myrcene's boiling point of approximately 167°C (332°F) makes it volatile and susceptible to loss during drying, curing, and extraction processes. Breeders and cultivators often monitor myrcene alongside other terpenes to understand the chemical profile of their lines, as it frequently co-occurs with limonene and pinene in many cannabis families.

Breeders working in terpene-focused selection programs track myrcene as a marker trait since it's one of the most abundant terpenes in commercial cultivars. Understanding myrcene expression helps breeders predict and stabilize aroma profiles across generations and crosses, particularly in lines historically selected for high volatile compound production.