Stress goes down, energy stays up. That’s how medical marijuana users often describe the experience of limonene-rich cannabis strains. As one of the more prominent terpenes found in the marijuana plant, limonene influences the scent and taste of cannabis products and also plays a major role in determining the nature of the user experience. Understanding limonene can enhance both the enjoyment and efficacy of medical marijuana therapy. Let’s meet this zesty, uplifting and therapeutic terpene!
What Is Limonene?
Limonene is the third most common of the more than 200 known terpenes found in marijuana.
It is produced by the resin glands of the cannabis flower and is also prevalent in many citrus fruits, red pepper, and ginger. Limonene-rich extracts are widely used in the culinary world to flavor beverages and sweets. It’s valued in the cleaning industry for its citrus scent and solvent properties and is an active ingredient in natural pesticides. Limonene is also found in many personal care products such as creams and ointments, as it aids in absorbing other active ingredients.
Chemists classify limonene as a monoterpene and note that it occurs in two isomeric forms, d-limonene and l-limonene (which are molecular mirror images of the same chemical formula: C10H16). The takeaway for consumers is that the isomers have different scent profiles.
- D-limonene has a pleasant citrus scent reminiscent of oranges
- L-limonene’s odor is closer to pine and turpentine
- Dl-limonene, known as dipentene, is a mix of dl-limonene and other terpene hydrocarbons
D-limonene is the dominant isomer in a majority of cannabis strains, and its pleasant orange/citrus aroma can be a good indication of a limonene-rich product. L-limonene may also influence the scent profile of cannabis, and the ratio of d- to l- creates the unique scent profile of a given strain.
Is Limonene More Sativa Or Indica?
Limonene is not exclusive to sativa or indica strains; however, it is more commonly found in sativa-biased strains due to its energizing and mood-lifting effects. Like other terpenes, it is not psychoactive in the traditional sense of causing a “high”. It has demonstrative effects on mood and stress levels; does not produce the psychoactive effects associated with THC; and may mitigate some of the debilitating effects of high-THC strains.
What Are The Effects Of Limonene?
Like a number of the terpenes found in cannabis, limonene may provide a wide spectrum of therapeutic benefits based on its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, and potential anti-tumor properties. It may also offer immune system support and contribute to mental well-being and overall cellular health. The full extent of potential benefits is beyond the scope of this article, but there are several key attributes worth exploring in more detail.
Mood Enhancement
Within the medical cannabis community, limonene-rich strains are often described as uplifting and energizing; users report feeling awake, creative, talkative, and euphoric. These anecdotal effects have a basis in science, as there is a robust body of research reflecting the ways this terpene can positively influence mental health, reduce stress, combat depression, and decrease anxiety. One key to these mood-enhancing qualities may be an ability to boost the production of the hormone dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that has memory-enhancing, motivating, and invigorating effects.
Anti-Anxiety Effects May Take The Paranoia Out Of Pot
A study published in the International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology reports that limonene triggers the release of the neurotransmitter GABA, which produces a calming effect and plays a major role in controlling fear, stress, and anxiety.
A 2024 study is the first human trial to investigate limonene’s potential for reducing the anxiety effects of THC. The research team compared the reactions of volunteers to vaporized inhalations of d-limonene, THC, THC and d-limonene together, and distilled water. The results were shared in a news release from Johns Hopkins University: which reported that
The addition of d-limonene significantly reduced overall ratings of feeling “anxious/nervous” and “paranoid” compared with rating the effect of THC alone.
Relieves Stress
Under laboratory conditions, an orally administered dose of limonene reduced both the psychological effects of stress and physical reactions to stress. This ability is linked to its ability to interact with key areas of the brain to calm stress reactions caused by the activation of the HPA-axis, which controls the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands. Repeated and prolonged stimulation of the HPA-axis by stress can lead to psychiatric problems, suppress immune system functions, and exacerbate the risk of health conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.
Helps Depression
Research shows that inhaled limonene-rich essential oil provides anti-depressive effects on mood and can balance key nerve systems compromised by high stress. Oral doses create similar anti-depressive effects by targeting areas of the brain that regulate mood-stabilizing and mood-enhancing neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin.
A study in the June 2024 issue of the European Journal of Neuroscience reported that d-limonene reduced anhedonia, which is the inability to feel pleasure (often a symptom of depression). In addition, the study showed that limonene improved memory and learning by offsetting stress-related neuroinflammation.
Promotes Brain Health And May Help With Migraines
Limonene has shown significant promise as a neuroprotective agent. It can boost blood oxygen levels and slow the deterioration of brain cells to help combat cognitive loss in degenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.
In a 2019 pilot study, 82 individuals suffering from migraine headaches were given a limonene-rich essential oil. Compared to a placebo group, the essential oil users experienced fewer, shorter, and less intense headaches, and were able to reduce the use of pain medicines.
Promotes Digestive And Metabolic Health
In addition to the potential medicinal benefits derived from limonene-rich cannabis, this versatile terpene has an impressive record in edible form. When ingested, limonene is absorbed quickly and put to work providing an impressive range of metabolic protective effects:
- Limonene can lower blood sugar levels and slow weight gain associated with obesity
- Limonene has also proven effective in overcoming insulin resistance and liver problems brought on by a high-fat diet.
- Limonene has cholesterol-lowering effects.
- Limonene formulas are used to treat heartburn and acid reflux.
- Limonene offers a non-surgical alternative that dissolves gallstones.
- Limonene protects against the formation of gastric ulcers.
Promotes Respiratory Health
Limonene’s fresh citrus scent doesn’t just let you breathe easier, it may help you breathe better. Limonene has effective anti-inflammatory activity in both preventing and controlling respiratory system injuries. A review of literature on limonene’s role in lung health stated:
It has effective anti-inflammatory activity in both preventing and controlling respiratory system injuries.
In laboratory studies, inhaled limonene minimized smoke-related lung injury and reduced oxidative stress on lung tissues. There are also indications that limonene may have a role in the treatment of the most common form of lung cancer.
Which Strains Have The Highest Limone?
A rich citrus aroma is a good indication of a limonene-rich cannabis strain. However, as mentioned earlier, strains may present different scent profiles based on the ratio of the two isomeric forms. In addition, terpene content can vary based on the time and method of harvest, and on slight variations in the cultivation of a strain. The best way to affirm limonene content is by checking for a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) from an accredited third-party lab. A COA lists the product’s certified levels of THC, CBD, and additional cannabinoids and terpenes.
View a COA Example
ACS Laboratory is a trusted source for COAs, providing full-panel analysis for cannabinoids and terpenes. The lab’s website suggests several cannabis strains that typically test higher in limonene content.
- Lemon OG: Intense, fruity flavor and average 20% THC; excellent for reducing anxiety and stress
- Wedding Cake: Popular strain with citrus limonene aroma, average 22% THC; known for its calming effects
- Cinex: Intense citrus smell, helps boost mood, THC potency between 15% and 25% depending on the cultivation methods
- Giesel: Known for limonene-derived citrus punch, approximately 15% THC; induces cerebral and physical relaxation.
- Durban Poison: A pure sativa from South Africa, known for its sweet aroma and stimulating properties, THC levels can reach 24%
- Jack Herer: A common hybrid used to increase focus, joy, and creativity; THC content of around 18-24%
What Is The Best Way To Vape Limonene-Rich Cannabis Strains?
To get the most out of limonene in cannabis, it’s recommended to vape at temperatures around 349°F. This helps to preserve the terpene’s delicate properties and maximizes its therapeutic effects. For a complete list of terpenes and their optimal vaping temperatures, refer to CannaMD‘s guide to The Best Temperatures to Vape Marijuana.
Do You Have Questions About Medical Marijuana?
If you are looking for information on limonene-based cannabis therapies, CannaMD’s state-certified network of medical marijuana doctors is here to answer questions and provide advice. Contact the CannaMD team at (855) 420-9170 today. Ready to get your card and purchase legal cannabis products? You can find out if you qualify for medical marijuana treatment with our quick online application!