Cannabis Terpenes: Limonene

Cannabis terpenes play a significant role in the flavor and aroma of a cannabis strain. They also work in harmony with cannabinoids and other cannabis compounds to effect psychoactive benefits.

Terpenes can be defined as natural chemical compounds present in plants and some animals. In cannabis, terpenes make various strains taste or smell differently compared to others. Some terpenes are known to have therapeutic and physiological properties.

Limonene is one of the most common cannabis terpenes. It is identified by its energizing effects and zesty citrus fragrance. It is also a core ingredient in lime, lemons, oranges, and grapefruits. Aside from being one of the most abundant cannabis terpenes, limonene is famous for its diverse therapeutic benefits.

Limonene stands out due to its unique structure, benefits, and terpene effects. Let’s look at an overview of limonene and identify its uses and benefits.

An Overview of Limonene

Here’s a comprehensive overview of limonene and its potential effects:

What is Limonene?

Limonene is an aromatic mono-terpene processed in the resin glands of a cannabis flower [1]. The resin glands are also responsible for synthesizing cannabinoids. However, limonene can also be found in other botanical species, like many other cannabis terpenes.

Also known as d-limonene, limonene is viewed as the third most abundant terpene from a list of hundreds found in various cannabis plants. It works together with flavonoids and cannabinoids to create unique medicinal results. As mentioned in the introduction, limonene’s chemical compound is also present in plants like lime, ginger, mint, oranges, lemon, anise, and rosemary. Its distinctive smell is easily noticed in citrus fruit peels.

Limonene Structure

Limonene is a colorless liquid classified as a monoterpene. It is a member of the hydrocarbon family [2]. Its chemical structure comprises a mixture of carbon and hydrogen atoms that cling together to create a double bond. 

Limonene occurs in two active compounds, namely d-limonene and l-limonene. These two compounds have similar molecules. However, d-limonene occurs naturally in the peels of citrus fruits and the cannabis flower.

Limonene Effects

Limonene is available in various sativa, indica, and hybrid cannabis products. Consumers are drawn to these products since they tend to positively affect mood and feelings. 

Limonene effects do not include a high feeling, unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the main psychoactive compound present in cannabis. This is due to limonene’s profile, structure, and effects on the consumer’s endocannabinoid system. 

Additionally, researchers suggest that d-limonene helps improve the stress-relieving or sedative effects of cannabinoids and other terpenes [3]. These effects arise from how d-limonene relates to the CB1 (cannabinoid receptor 1) cannabis receptors in the body and brain.

What Strains Have Limonene?

While limonene can be found in many strains, it frequently appears in sativas. You can also find it in certain indica varieties and many hybrid stains. Here is a list of the most popular strains with limonene on the market:

• Lemon OG: If you want to experience the benefits of limonene to reduce stress and anxiety, Lemon OG is an ideal strain. It contains an intense, fruity flavor and an average THC content of about 20%.
• Durban Poison: This strain is considered a pure sativa from South Africa [4]. Limonene lovers appreciate its sweet aroma and its stimulating properties. It is popular among daytime warriors who wish to spark curiosity and creativity. Outdoor activities such as hiking would be perfect. It’s considered one of the most powerful strains since its THC levels sometimes get to 24%.
• Wedding Cake: Wedding cake is among the most popular cannabis strains. It is renowned for its calming effects and delicious flavor. It has a THC content of around 22%.
• Jack Herer: This is a common hybrid strain that limonene enthusiasts love for its capacity to increase creativity, focus, and joy. Jack Herer comes in several variations. However, most are sativa dominant at about 55%. They also feature THC content at approximately 18-24%.
• Giesel: This strain is known for its limonene-derived citrus punch. It is a cross between Chemdog and Mass Super Skunk. With about 15% THC, it leads to a high that induces physical and cerebral relaxation.
• Cinex: This strain has an intense citrus smell and can help boost your mood. It is a cross between Vortex and Cinderella 99. Based on its cultivation method, the THC content ranges from 15 to 25%.

Limonene Uses

While limonene is known for its diverse therapeutic effects, it is also used in cleaning products and fragrances used in cosmetic formulation [5]. However, limonene has diverse beneficial health uses in the following:

• Anti-inflammatory
• Antiviral
• Antioxidant
• Antidiabetic
• Anticancer
• Antinociceptive
• Antihyperalgesic
• Gastroprotective 

You may wonder, what does limonene do to ensure all these health benefits? A 2017 Food and Chemical Toxicology study demonstrated Limonene’s ability to minimize disease activity and organ damage [6]. Limonene also prevents the growth of fungi. 

Benefits of Limonene

What is limonene good for? As shown in the previous section, limonene has numerous therapeutic benefits. Researchers have successfully demonstrated limonene’s capacity for medicinal functions. For instance, it can drastically lower sugar levels and increase good cholesterol. Limonene also promotes weight loss by lowering blood sugar and the lipids related to metabolic syndrome.

Additionally, limonene can help in the production of dopamine and serotonin in sections of the brain related to depression and anxiety. Thanks to these mood-boosting and energizing properties, strains with high doses of limonene may benefit consumers seeking to manage conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, and ADHD (Attention Deficit Disorder).

Final Thoughts

As one of the most abundant terpenes present in cannabis, limonene can act as a therapeutic agent. It has a flavorful and aromatic profile that highly attracts its lovers. Limonene has numerous benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties, digestion improvements, and mood enhancement.

 However, not every strain contains the necessary levels of this beneficial compound. You can check the concentration of each variety using the COA (Certificate of Analysis). Each product should contain a COA from a verified testing laboratory. The COA lists the cannabinoid content and provides safety information.

We are proud to serve you with premium cannabis terpene products for your therapeutic and recreational benefits. Explore our online menu to experience various high-quality cannabis products.

Sources

1. https://www.mamedica.co.uk/everything-to-know-about-limonene/#:~:text=Studies%20on%20the%20effects%20of,energy%20and%20improve%20one’s%20mood.
2. https://www.hwy420.xyz/blog/limonene-intro-terpene-effects/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8348102/
4. https://www.acslab.com/terpenes/terpene-tuesday-everything-you-need-to-know-about-limonene-flavor-fragrance-and-benefits
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29427589/#:~:text=The%20therapeutic%20effects%20of%20limonene,other%20beneficial%20effects%20in%20health.
6. https://www.trulieve.com/discover/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-limonene#:~:text=Limonene%20inhibits%20the%20growth%20of,%2C%20and%20anti%2Dinflammatory%20properties.