Myrcene Terpene Expression

Myrcene is one of the most abundant terpenes in cannabis, commonly associated with earthy, herbal, and musky aromatic profiles. Lineage records frequently report high myrcene expression in Indica-dominant and landrace varieties, particularly those originating from tropical and subtropical regions. The terpene is produced in cannabis trichomes alongside cannabinoids and often comprises 20–65% of a cultivar's total terpene profile. Myrcene biosynthesis is influenced by genetics, growth conditions, and harvest timing, making it a useful marker for breeding programs targeting specific aroma families. Breeders working in this category often select parent plants with stable myrcene production to establish consistent chemotype profiles across generations.

Myrcene expression is frequently tracked in breeding programs as a primary chemotype descriptor and stability marker. Breeders use myrcene dominance as a selection criterion to maintain or intensify earthy and herbal aromatic signatures within cultivar families.