Limonene [Li – mo – nene]: a widely distributed terpene hydrocarbon C10H16 that occurs in essential oils (as of oranges or lemons) and has a lemon odor.
Terpenes are chemical compounds that dictate the taste and aroma of different cannabis strains, and can even contribute to the effects. They also make up the smells and tastes of many other herbs, fruits, and natural products.
Terpenes are also extracted and used in perfumes, pesticides, cleaning products, dyes, and more. If you’ve ever smelled the rind of a lemon or a sage leaf, then you’ve inhaled terpenes!
Medicinal Uses
Limonene is hailed for its antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant properties. In fact, the reason it is so useful to the plants where it naturally occurs are these very properties. In humans, it has also been proven to help relieve anxiety and combat stress. Limonene continues to be studied for its potential to treat a variety of mental health issues, and early findings point to positive results!
Limonene is thought to provide mood-lifting and anti-anxiety effects when consumed via cannabis. Often, there is a characteristically fruity and citrusy aroma to strains high in limonene, though this can vary depending on other factors, including the other terpenes present.
History
During WWII, a distiller producing ethyl alcohol in Florida named Henry E. Schulz and his father, W. H. Shulz, began producing limonene and selling it as a commercial product. They saw the waste produced by Florida’s enormous citrus industry as an opportunity to make an abundant and easily-produced fragrance and flavoring agent. Limonene quickly became a standard in cleaning products, insect repellants, and many other household items. Check the labels next time you’re cleaning, you’ll likely see limonene!
Where Else is Limonene Naturally Occurring?
It might be easier to list off where limonene isn’t found because it is one of the most common terpenes in nature. But here are a few examples of where you can find limonene in the wild (besides cannabis):
- Spruce and pine trees
- Juniper plants
- Lemons, limes, grapefruits, oranges, and every other citrus variety
- Turmeric
- Bay leaves
- Rosemary
- Lavender
- Fennel
- Cumin
- Bergamont
- And much, much, much, much, much more!
Strains High in Limonene:
Below are just a few strains that are high in limonene:
Gelonade
This strain has been produced by many different cultivators, and is a classic, sativa-leaning hybrid. Gelonade has that tell-tale citrusy smell that immediately lets you know it’s high in limonene. Gelonade is a cross between Lemon Tree and Gelato #41 and provides an excellent social buzz.
Raspberry Shortcake
Raspberry Bellini and Slapz combine to make this memorable sativa. The pure, citrus smell is warped into a more berry aroma with a distinct cream and pastry flavor. The limonene in this strain contributes to an energetic and euphoric high great for knocking out some chores or inspiring a creative activity.
Do-Si-Dos
This strain breaks the mold a bit in that it is the only limonene-dominant strain on our list that leans indica. A product of the legendary Girl Scout Cookies phenotype, Do-Si-Dos provides deeply relaxing mind and body effects. Melt worries and aches away with this stoney, limonene-dominant bud.
OMFG
Bred by crossing Chem D with Fog Dog, IC Collective’s OMFG is a delightfully rousing smoke. It’s a balanced hybrid that gives users a good dose of productive energy and mental calm. The nose on this one is strong, but not particularly citrusy. Notes of gasoline and sweet fruit fill your palate with every toke.
