Chronic pain affects millions of people, and while cannabis is increasingly used for symptom relief, most research has focused on cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Far less is known about terpenes—aromatic compounds in cannabis that may also influence pain. One of the most abundant terpenes, myrcene, has shown potential analgesic properties in animal studies, though its mechanisms remain unclear.

Researchers at UCLA investigated the pain-relieving effects of myrcene in male and female mice with nerve injury-induced pain. Mice received various doses of myrcene (1–200 mg/kg) and were tested for mechanical pain sensitivity using von Frey filaments. The study also assessed cannabinoid-like side effects (e.g., reduced movement or body temperature), reward-related behaviors using conditioned place preference tests, and whether myrcene directly activates cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) using in vitro assays.

Myrcene significantly reduced pain sensitivity in a dose-dependent and sex-specific manner, with females responding at lower doses than males. The analgesic effect was blocked by a CB1 antagonist, suggesting involvement of the endocannabinoid system. However, myrcene did not directly activate CB1 receptors or enhance the effects of known CB1 agonists or endocannabinoids. Unlike THC, it did not cause sedation or hypothermia, but female mice showed behavioral aversion to myrcene.

These results suggest that myrcene may relieve pain by indirectly engaging the endocannabinoid system, possibly by increasing endogenous cannabinoid tone or acting on upstream pathways, without producing THC-like side effects. The observed aversion in female mice raises questions about tolerability and optimal dosing. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanism of action and evaluate the translational potential of myrcene in human pain management.

Read the full study here.

Citation: Alayoubi, Myraa,b; Rodrigues, Akeeshab; Wu, Christineb; Whitehouse, Ellab; Nguyen, Jessicab; Cooper, Ziva D.b,c,d,e; O'Neill, Patrick R.b,c; Cahill, Catherine M.b,c,d,*. Elucidating interplay between myrcene and cannabinoid receptor 1 receptors to produce antinociception in mouse models of neuropathic pain. PAIN ():10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003558, March 18, 2025. | DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003558