Limonene: Exactly What It Looks Like
The limonene terpene is found in the cannabis plant known for its distinctive citrus aroma, along with several therapeutic benefits from its distinctive characteristics. This addition to our series on Terpenes will explore limonene in nature, its role during all the stages of the cannabis plant’s life cycle, and its unique characteristics. By understanding the limonene terpene, cannabis consumers can make more informed decisions about their medical cannabis use, so let’s have a look at the limonene strains and what to expect from limonene terpene effects.
What Is Limonene
What is limonene? Limonene is a fairly common terpene found in many plants around the world, including cannabis. As the name suggests, limonene terpene is responsible for the aromatic profiles of most, if not all, citrus fruits, along with various herbs, spices, plants, and even pine and fir trees. If you like the way your fingers smell after you open up a mandarin orange, or enjoy your martini with a lemon twist, cannabis strains with limonene might be the strains for you.
Characteristics Of Limonene
Limonene terpene has several characteristics that make it popular in many products, not just cannabis. What is Limonene’s profile that makes it so popular?
To start, limonene’s aroma is not only pleasant but also easily recognizable. Ask anyone if they walked into a room that smelled like citrus, what would be their first impression, I’d be willing to wager that their first thoughts are freshness and cleanliness. Sure, plenty of people prefer a lavender, or a minty scent for their relaxing ambiance, in which case I would point them to our article about the linalool terpene! Anyway, that citrus aroma, with its reputation for cleanliness and freshness, means it is a very popular terpene that gets used for all sorts of cleaning products, essential oils, cosmetics, and personal care products.
Another quality of limonene that makes it a popular terpene for cleanliness is its solubility. Limonene is hydrophobic meaning it doesn’t dissolve in water, but it does dissolve in organic solvents, making limonene a popular eco-friendly cleaning product. I don’t fully understand the science behind all that, but there has to be a reason why all my expensive hand washes for the kitchen are citrus-scented, right?
Limonene is also known for its bioavailability. Limonene terpene effects can be felt easily as it can easily penetrate cell membranes. It makes sense that so many lotions and topicals can have a citrus aroma to them.
Additionally, there are actual therapeutic benefits from limonene terpene effects- we will dive into that when we talk about limonene in cannabis, so let’s look at how limonene is present in the growing and cultivating of the cannabis plant.
Limonene In The Cannabis Plant Life Cycle
Limonene plays an important role in all stages of the cannabis plant life cycle, so what is limonene helpful with in making your favorite cannabis strain so good?
In the early stages of germination and seedling, limonene is commonly present and provides a hint of the aroma that will be in full effect in a matter of weeks. Despite the appealing scent, the limonene terpene begins its work as a natural defense mechanism for the cannabis plant from the very early stages, too.
In the vegetative stage, limonene production increases, augmenting its aromatic characteristics and continuing to serve as a defense against pests and extreme weather. Next, in the all-important flowering stage, limonene concentrates in large quantities, typically providing a strong citrus aroma. This citrus smell attracts pollinators, effectively guaranteeing the survival of the strain.
Lastly, when in the harvesting stage and afterward, limonene terpene is excellent at retaining its aroma, ensuring the smell and flavor profile will not be lacking in limonene strains. When you know your strain is limonene dominant, it’s time to think about limonene terpene effects after you consume that cannabis we’ve been talking so much about.
Limonene Terpene Effects
What Is Limonene & Limonene Strains
Limonene Terpene Effects
Limonene terpene is more than a citrus-scented plant. Limonene is very popular for its health benefits. Here’s a list of the potential therapeutic benefits of limonene strains of cannabis:
Anti-Inflammatory And Antioxidant
Studies show that limonene has high anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This means limonene terpene effects can help with a sore back after a long day and also protect against chronic diseases, like arthritis and cardiovascular disease. Its antioxidant properties help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Anxiety And Depression
Research shows that limonene terpene interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain, known to elevate mood and reduce stress. Serotonin helps regulate mood and the interaction with limonene can help to reduce anxiety. Limonene strains are also popular for people with anxiety and depression as many strains are known to balance cerebral stimulation and physical relaxation.
Cancer
Preliminary research suggests that limonene may inhibit the growth of certain cancer cells, particularly in breast cancer. Its potential as an anticancer agent is an exciting area of ongoing research.
Digestive Health
Limonene terpene effects show the ability to neutralize stomach acid. These studies are still ongoing, but the outlook is very positive. This neutralization can help to relieve symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and improve overall digestive health.
Limonene Strains
Limonene is a versatile and valuable terpene, and therefore it can be found in the whole spectrum of cannabis strains- indica, sativa, and hybrids are all commonly found to have limonene. In fact, other than our previously explored Myrcene terpene, limonene may have the most available strains, Leafly.com has 252 limonene strains! Here are a few of the more renowned limonene strains:
Sour OG
If you are a real weed head, you will recognize this has a couple of popular names in it. Sour Diesel and OG Kush were crossed to make this beautiful hybrid limonene strain. Its aroma and flavor are a perfect blend of the lemony Sour diesel aroma and the indescribable kush taste. It is known for helping with anxiety and depression, while also being an “energetic and talkative” high.
Strawberry Cheesecake
My favorite dessert is also my favorite limonene strain. It smells and tastes like you would expect, with a berry cheesy aroma and can even have a sweet taste. Limonene terpene effects from this indica strain include pain relief and managing depression and general fatigue. This strain is perfect after a long run and you have sore knees and don’t feel like walking around with an icepack taped to you all day. It’s an indica, but this limonene strain is known for bringing out your creative side as well.
Tangerine Haze
This is a sativa limonene strain known and sought-after throughout the cannabis world for its strong citrus profile. Being a sativa, it is perfect for the active pothead, a wonderful daytime high. Finish your solar bowl and go for an enduro bike ride or bust out your tufting machine, it’s a great time to be alive.
Limonene Terpene Conclusion
Well, there you have it, the latest installment in our series on terpenes. The limonene terpene is very common in the cannabis flower, providing hundreds of cannabis strains with a lemony, citrus-y aromatic profile. That is also why so many cleaning products, lotions, and essential oils utilize the limonene terpene. What is limonene known for is pretty straightforward pain relief and prevention, as well as a big help to treat depression and anxiety. Limonene strains span the spectrum of indica-sativa, but most strains will be known for pain relief and being clear-headed, making it a good strain for any time of the day. Enjoy your favorite limonene strain and feel fresh and clean.
