When life hands you lemons, you’re getting way more than a strong (and sour) dose of vitamin C; you’re receiving a healthy dose of limonene, one of the most common terpenes that appear in your favorite cannabis strains. Often found in the rinds of lemons, grapefruit, oranges, and limes, limonene is known for its citrusy zest and uplifting effect.
Chances are you and limonene are old friends. After all, who doesn’t love citrus? Demystifying cannabis and its components are important to us, because . . . well, let’s be honest: it’s a plant. Being of this Earth, cannabis plants share many commonalities with other, less-taboo plants, flowers, and fruits.
Even though you might not have known it, limonene has been in your diet all along. If you’re reading this article, then it’s likely that limonene has also been in your joint, bong, or vape, contributing to many a great smoke session.
So which strains commonly contain Limonene? Some popular members of this terpene club include Lemon OG, Wedding Cake, Purple Hindu Kush, and Strawberry Banana. I’m partial to Lemon OG, a hybrid strain that smells great and feels even better. Strains with limonene we’ve reviewed here at Cannabinthusiast include Lemon Icing, Alien Rock Candy, Purple Sunset, Chem OG, Military Chocolate and Skunk Shocker. Next time you come across one of these strains high in the terpene limonene, take a good, long whiff and see if you can notice those citrusy notes.
Each strain of cannabis has its own unique terpene profile, and these terpenes play a role in how those strains make us feel. If you’ve been following our Terpene Talk series, you might remember that myrcene, a terpene commonly found in indica strains, often brings about a more relaxing effect. Limonene, on the other hand, brings about a more energized high.
It isn’t just energy levels or moods that terpenes affect, however. When combined, terpenes and THC have been shown to synergize quite well, resulting in additional health benefits, and adding yet another feather to the cap of medical cannabis.
When it comes to these types of additional benefits, what does limonene offer? This terpene is reported to reduce stress and anxiety, with lab studies pointing toward a reduction in OCD and anxious behaviors in animals.
Limonene is also popular for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties! You can actually find limonene dietary supplements in your local health shop, in liquid or capsule form. In fact, some even recommend taking limonene supplements to help alleviate symptoms of GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease).
Another well-researched claim is that limonene has anti-cancer properties. Since the mid 90s, scientists have been studying these properties, and have shown limonene to be effective in fighting against lung tumors, liver cancer, and the formation of new tumors.
Finally, limonene also exhibits anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. In fact, limonene is commonly found in household cleaners, and lemon oil was used for this purpose long before humans even had supermarkets to shop at. Again, part of normalizing cannabis is remembering how intrinsically linked with nature we are and have always been as a species.
Next time you’re looking for a cannabis strain that can elevate your mood while curbing your stress and anxiety, simply follow your nose! Sniff out those zesty notes of limonene and enjoy one of the most common terpenes found in your favorite flower.
