Limonene
Do you love the smell of Fabuloso? Do you love the smell of fresh squeezed Chick-fil-a lemonade? If you like the fragrance that radiates from most major cleaning supplies and most lemon-lime beverages then you are probably a fan of the terpene limonene. Limonene is a compound extracted from the peels of citrus fruit and is also found in juniper. Terpenes are the natural fragrance a plant produces that creates its specific smell and taste and cannabis plants have multiple terpenes, of which limonene is dominant in many of today’s most popular strains. Strains with limonene content include the following;
- Cinex
- Berry White
- Strawberry Banana
- Sunset Sherbet
- Super Sour Diesel
- Wedding Cake
- Super Lemon Haze
“Various strains contain high amounts of this terpene. Both sativas and indicas will express this citrusy terpene, allowing almost all strains to reap the benefits of limonene. What makes a strain a Sativa vs Indica is not from a single terpene, but rather the holistic effect of all the terpenes it expresses. This entourage effect allows for limonene to shine in a wide variety of cannabis strains,” according to Straingenie.com.
Terpenes from cannabis are able to enter the system through consuming it through smoking, vaping, and strain-specific edibles. Users describe limonene to have a fruity, citrus, lemon-lime flavor profile with uplifting effects. Limonene is also known and popular for its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects.
“Limonene may block cancer-forming chemicals and kill cancer cells in the laboratory. But more research is needed to know if this occurs in humans.” according to Web MD. The study, titled Role of D-Limonene in Autophagy Induced by Bergamot Essential Oil in SH-SY5Y Neuroblastoma Cells, observes “the mechanisms underlying in vitro antiproliferative effects of limonene”. Its effects on breast cancer, lung cancer, and brain cancer are continued to be studied.
Limonene has also been shown to reduce inflammation including chronic inflammation conditions. Its uses and benefits are just as diverse and helpful to users as many other terpenes are, those benefits include:
- Decreases stress and anxiety
- Supports healthy digestion
- Reduces appetite
- Elevates mood
- Reduces heartburn
- Antifungal properties
- Antibacterial properties
It also has high antioxidant effects. Consuming anything high in antioxidants can reduce the risk of disease and scavenge free radicals in the body. According to Health Line, “Limonene has demonstrated antioxidant effects as well. Antioxidants help reduce cell damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals. Free radical accumulation can lead to oxidative stress, which may trigger inflammation and disease”.
Whether you consume cannabis or not, you probably already have limonene in your system and it’s doing something good for your brain and body. However, for those who do smoke the herb, adding limonene to your system can be beneficial even in small doses. Like with anything, consuming too much of something can have adverse effects. High doses of limonene have also been reported to cause some users anxiety, dizziness, or nausea. The more users learn about terpenes, the better understanding each individual will have on what strains and terpenes work best for them. Stay tuned for the remainder of our terpene series and get an introduction to terpenes and how they work here.
