Let’s talk terps, shall we? Limonene is one of the most recognizable and easily identified terpenes in cannabis because of its intense citrus smell. Most folks will associate the unique smell of limonene with strong sativa-dominant cannabis strains, but that isn’t always the case. Limonene can be found in several hybrids that are indica dominant, which is why scientists, along with the cannabis community, have started categorizing cannabis based on terpenes and their therapeutic and psychotropic effects rather than the cannabis categories of indica and sativa. As the stigma behind cannabis slowly fades into nothing, limonene-heavy cultivars have the potential to change a lot of lives in the future.
What Is Limonene?
Limonene is a terpene found predominantly in the rind of citrus fruits. However, there are several strains of cannabis that radiate with this citrusy terpene. It’s true, limonene is found in many cannabis strains that have been known as members of the sativa family historically. With just a few exceptions, limonene can rightfully be considered a terpene that you associate with an elevated heart rate, energy boost, euphoria, and sometimes paranoia. But those psychotropic effects aren’t all that limonene brings to the table.
There are two types of limonene: D-limonene and L-limonene. D-limonene is commonly found in cannabis and citrus. L-limonene can be found in abundance in pine needles and pinecones alongside the terpene pinene. Although limonene can be found in pine needles along with pinene, it offers a different set of therapeutic and psychotropic effects.
Medical Uses For Limonene
In 2022, medical doctor Dr. Mahammad Juber peer-reviewed a study on consuming limonene. The study concluded that consuming limonene could help reduce triglycerides and lower blood sugar levels. This can be a game-changing discovery for people who suffer from diabetes. The study also found that limonene acts as an antioxidant in the body by absorbing and removing damaging free radicals before they can injure cells. The potential for limonene to be used as a diabetes treatment as well as a daily antioxidant is an exciting discovery to say the least.
The list of proven therapeutic effects of this terpene is vast. According to the NIH’s Library of Medicine, there was a study done in 2018 called Limonene: Aroma of Innovation in Health and Disease. This study shows that “consumption of terpenes is a successful alternative in the treatment of several diseases” as they triggered beneficial biological effects in both clinical and preclinical studies. The proven therapeutic effects include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, antidiabetic, anti-hyperalgesia, antiviral and gastroprotective effects. It’s mind blowing how many ailments or maladies this terpene has been proven to successfully treat.
Not only does limonene have vast potential to treat several commonly known diseases, it also has the potential to treat cancers. Some studies have seen positive results in breast cancer based on limonene’s anticarcinogenic properties. Although these studies and trials have shown promise for a percentage of women who suffer from breast cancer, more placebo-controlled trials are desperately needed to really push this discovery to a whole new level. The NIH posted a peer-reviewed study called Human Breast Tissue Disposition and Bioactivity of Limonene in Women with Early-Stage Breast Cancer. This study showed chemo preventative and chemo therapeutic activities in preclinical trials. How amazing would it be if we could scientifically prove that a terpene commonly found in cannabis could change the lives of so many people?
Strains Featuring Limonene
It’s important to note that limonene is not the lone superhero in limonene-rich cannabis cultivars. It interacts synergistically with other compounds found in the plant, including cannabinoids like THC and CBD. We’ve covered this phenomenon, known as the entourage effect, in past issues. It suggests that the combination of multiple cannabis compounds may produce enhanced therapeutic effects compared to individual compounds on their own. Thus, limonene contributes to the overall experience of cannabis consumption, amplifying its potential benefits by working synergistically with other compounds.
If you’re curious about what specific strains are rich with limonene, here are just a few examples: Banana OG, Berry White, Black Cherry Soda, Cinex, Do-Si-Dos, Mac, Purple Hindu Kush, Tahoe OG, Wedding Cake and White Fire OG.
There is still much to learn about the terpenes we all know and love. As the science surrounding cannabis continues to evolve, we’ll begin to truly unlock the potential of our favorite strains and further our understanding of what cultivars work best for us as individuals.