CannaScience - Limonene

Terpenes found in the cannabis plant play a key role in the differentiating effects in cultivars. Some terpenes can have a relaxing effect on a person and can be used to relieve stress, while others have the potential to promote wanted focus and acuity. The “Cannabis Fingerprint” as I call it, is the combination of the molecular synergy of both the terpenes and cannabinoids as well as the body systems that the combinations can be used for. As these articles progress in this column, we will be speaking on this topic in much more in detail. Until then, you can visit my youtube page to find informational videos on terpenes and cannabinoids.

Limonene is the second most abundant terpene in all cannabis cultivars but is not found in all. As its name says, Limonene gives a cultivar or strain its citrusy smell that resembles lemons & limes, which is no surprise as all citrus fruits contain large amounts of this compound. Limonene in its natural form is an oil extracted from the peels of citrus fruits and is purported to have a variety of benefits. Limonene can also be found in fruit rinds, rosemary, juniper and peppermint.

Limonene is also a flavoring agent and can be found in common food items such as fruit juices, soft drinks, baked goods, ice cream and pudding. It is also known to be used in cosmetics and also in cleaning products.

Limonene is one of these terpenes that can assist in uplifting a person's mood. It is known to improve mood and reduce stress. Inhalation of limonene increases serotonin and dopamine levels in critical regions of the brain that are associated with anxiety, depression and possibly OCD. A few of the other health benefits of Limonene are listed below.

Potential Limonene Effects and Benefits:

Anti-Cancer and Tumor Reducing benefits

May Boost the Immune System

Anti-Fungal Properties

Anti-Bacterial Properties

Reduce Stress, Anxiety and Depression

Cultivars that have “lemon” or “sour” in their name are usually rich in limonene. These are some of the cultivars that are found to have high levels of limonene:

Sour Diesel

OG Kush

Super Lemon Haze

Durban Poison

Jack Herer

Jack the Ripper

Mac

Do-Si-Do

Tahoe OG

Wedding Cake

All information in this article is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources. Please check with your Cannabis Educated Primary Health Care Physician or Educated & Trained Cannabis Therapy Consultant before beginning any new diet or lifestyle change.

Written by Dr. Pepper Hernandez ND, Ph.D., CTC, CNHP in ECS & Naturopathic Medicine, Cannabis Therapy Consultant, The Founder and Education Director of the Cannabis Holistic Institute. To find out more about her Telemedicine Consultations, Educational Programs, YouTube videos, and other creative content, you can find her on the massive inter-webs on all platforms or at drpepperhernandez.com.

Go forth, Go Cannabis...