Limonene is one of the most abundant terpenes in cannabis, blessing countless strains with its bright and zesty aroma. But there’s much more to this terpene than its signature smell and flavor. What is limonene and why should you care about this terpene? Let’s dive in!
What Is the Limonene Terpene?
Even if you’ve never used cannabis, you’ve almost certainly caught a whiff of limonene already. If you’re a fan of citrus fruits or use citrus scented soaps or cleaners, you probably come into contact with it on a regular basis.
As you can probably tell by its name, limonene is a citrusy terpene with a zesty lemony scent. Apart from cannabis, limonene can also be found in things like rosemary, juniper, mint, fennel, and in the peels of citrus fruits like orange, grapefruit, and lime. Limonene also has numerous industrial and practical uses and can be found in things like cosmetic and cleaning products, beverages, food, and pharmaceuticals.
Exploring Limonene: Terpene Effects
Like with many other terpenes found in cannabis, research indicates that the limonene terpene may have some therapeutic value. Here are a few potential limonene terpene effects and benefits that researchers are investigating.
Stress and Mood: A recent animal study found that limonene may have positive effects on anxiety. Mice that were injected with limonene before behavioral analysis displayed inhibited anxiety-related behavior and elevated levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is linked to feelings of motivation and satisfaction.
Antimicrobial: Many terpenes have shown promise in fighting off certain kinds of bacteria, and limonene is among them. A 2021 study found that limonene “effectively inhibited bacterial growth” of the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria (staph) by damaging the bacteria’s cell membranes. Another study from the same year also found that Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria treated with limonene were damaged.
Antifungal: A 2009 study found that limonene exerted a “potent antifungal effect” against the T. rubrum fungus. Another study found that limonene similarly inhibited the C. Albicans fungus growth “by cell wall/membrane damage induced oxidative stress that leads to DNA damage”.
Despite all of these promising findings, it should be noted that the dosage (amount) of limonene required to produce these limonene terpene effects varies and that research into these effects and benefits is ongoing.
Strains High in Limonene
There are several strains that are high in the limonene terpene. If you’d like to get a taste of this zesty terpene, here are a few popular strains known for their limonene content:
- Do-Si-Dos
- OG Kush
- Kosher Kush
- Berry White
- Wedding Cake
Be sure to check out our live online menu to see which of these strains we currently have in stock, or come by Takoma Wellness today to browse a wide selection of cannabis strains and products including many that are high in the limonene terpene. Our patient care team will be happy to help you find a zippy limonene-rich strain. We look forward to seeing you!