Limonene is a citrusy cannabis terpene produced by resin glands in flower. It’s believed that this is one of the most common terpenes in cannabis, so many different strains have a zesty citrus smell. People have started to get excited about the potential effects of terpenes in recent years, and limonene has undoubtedly generated a lot of buzz. In addition to the way it adds flavor and aroma to cannabis, many people also believe that strains with high limonene quantities are associated with unique experiences.
Limonene
What Is Limonene?
Limonene is a terpene, which is a natural organic compound found in various plants, including cannabis. In the case of this specific terpene, it also occurs naturally in rosemary, mint, juniper, and pine. It’s considered useful even when it’s outside of cannabis. Practitioners of traditional medicine have used it to address heartburn, bronchitis, and even gallstones. It’s used in massage oils, muscle balms, organic herbicides, and more.
Where Else Is Limonene Found?
Limonene is getting popular because it’s one of the terpenes found in cannabis, but you likely encountered this one long before your first visit to a Colorado dispensary. It’s a popular ingredient in citrus-scented household cleaners, and it’s believed some people have been using natural limonene for hundreds of years already. In nature, you’re most likely to find limonene in the peels of citrus fruits. You might even notice that the name of this terpene is a nod to a particular fruit.
Why Do People Use Limonene?
We’re not doctors, so we can’t say for sure what the benefits of limonene are. That said, there’s a growing body of anecdotal evidence from people who claim this terpene has helped them in a wide variety of ways:
-
- Anti-Anxiety – When people choose essential oils for anxiety or insomnia, they often get something with limonene.
- Anti-Inflammatory – Scientists have published results stating that limonene reduces inflammation, which may be why some people seek it out when they have pain.
- Antioxidant – Scientific research has found this terpene to reduce organ damage and disease.
High-Limonene Cannabis Strains
The reasons above are just part of the reason so many people love limonene. If you’re interested in learning more about this terpene, talk to one of our budtenders. We’ll help you find a high-limonene strain at either of our dispensaries in Wheat Ridge or Cortez.
Featured Image: Shutterstock/Danijela Maksimovic