How myrcene affects THC potency and toxins

Less discussed in relation to myrcene is its ability to prevent the metabolism of certain drugs by inhibiting an enzyme. As a bonus, toxins become less potent, preventing side effects from the terpene itself. However, myrcene is said to affect THC potency in more ways than one.

In the couch with myrcene

Terpenes are a vital asset to any cannabis strain, but their mechanisms are still shrouded in mystery. For example, myrcene is an important monoterpene that more or less dominates indica strains from Afghanistan. When combined with thiols, the terpene produces a pungent Skunk smell. Although myrcene itself is reminiscent of musky stone fruit.

Sedation is a common effect produced by myrcene as it torments the α2 adrenoceptor. Hypotension and a slow heart rate coincide with sedation, giving THC a more potent effect. Additionally, studies suggest that myrcene can further increase the potency of THC by opening the blood-brain barrier. With a more permeable entry into the brain, greater amounts of THC can flow into intoxicating receptors. But myrcene has another trick to increase THC bioavailability.

Acute doses of myrcene can be toxic. In contrast, the terpene inhibits genotoxins and aflatoxin B. Sedation is possible via alpha-2 adrenoreceptors, which can be blocked by naloxone.

Metabolic blocks and THC are welcome longer

Drugs are often broken down in the liver by isoforms of an enzyme known as CYP450. Tetrahydrocannabinol is no different and myrcene inhibits various isoforms of CYP450. This prevents smoked THC (any THCa that decarboxylates when inhaled) from being broken down in the body, increasing potency. Essentially, myrcene allows for greater potency by preventing the metabolism of THC by allowing more cannabinoids to enter your receptors.

Pushing back the truth about mangoes and THC

Mangoes contain a small amount of myrcene, reflecting the false myth that eating a mango affects the potency of THC. In reality, mangoes are probably not rich enough in terpenes to achieve the dose required to affect THC potency. Grapefruit, on the other hand, affects drug metabolism by inhibiting CYP450 enzymes.

Although myrcene and other CYP450 inhibiting drugs affect edible THC differently than inhaled cannabinoids. THC is converted into an active ingredient known as 11-OH-THC or 11-Hydroxyl-THC. Because myrcene inhibits metabolism, it can decrease an edible’s potency depending on the edible and the individual.

Self-Inhibiting Toxicity

While CYP450 inhibitors can interact negatively with other drugs and cause serious problems, they offer great benefits. Myrcene is toxic in acute doses according to an in vitro study on human liver cells characterizing hepatoma, a form of cancer. A more recent study conducted by a company that sells beverages containing myrcene provided evidence to disprove myrcene’s potential toxicity.

The terpene can still produce a toxic effect at doses that humans are not normally exposed to, but toxicity is completely inhibited by myrcene’s other mechanisms. For example, carcinogens and aflatoxin B must be broken down by CYP enzymes before the body can absorb the toxins. Fortunately, myrcene prevents toxicity by inhibiting CYP enzymes. Inhibition of CYP enzymes blocks many toxins. On the other hand, the effect can also increase the toxicity of other processes.

Let us know how you react to high myrcene strains in the comments.

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1. Surendran S, Qassadi F, Surendran G, Lilley D, & Heinrich M (2021). Myrcene – What are the potential health benefits of this flavor and aroma compound?. Frontiers in Nutrition, 8, 699666.
2. Jansen, C., Shimoda, L., Kawakami, JK, Ang, L., Bacani, AJ, Baker, JD, Badowski, C., Speck, M., Stokes, AJ, Small-Howard, AL, & Turner, H. (2019). Myrcene and terpene regulation of TRPV1. Channels (Austin, Texas), 13(1), 344-366.
3. Orlando, JB, Silva, BO, Pires-Cunha, CL, Hiruma-Lima, CA, Gaivão, I., & Maistro, EL (2019). Genotoxic effects induced by beta-myrcene after metabolism by human HepG2/C3A liver cells. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health. Part A, 82(3), 176-185.