Terpenes are aromatic compounds responsible for giving plants their distinct scents and aromas. They’re found all throughout nature and the cannabis plant is no exception, with over 100 different terpenes having been identified in cannabis. One of these is limonene, a citrusy terpene that blesses many different cannabis strains with its bright and citrusy scent.

What’s The Deal With Limonene?

Limonene is one of the most common terpenes in cannabis, giving many strains a citrusy and lemony aroma. It can also be found in many other plants besides cannabis including juniper, rosemary, mint, and lemon/orange rinds. In addition, limonene can also be found in several different everyday items like perfumes, creams, and organic herbicides.

Most of the time, you’ll be able to recognize a high-limonene strain by the lemony aroma that it gives off, but that isn’t always the case. That’s because some strains may also possess high levels of other terpenes which mask limonene’s aroma, making it only noticeable when you actually taste the strain’s smoke or vapor.

The Potential Therapeutic Effects of Limonene

Apart from its rich aroma, research also indicates that limonene may also have therapeutic properties.

Anti-inflammatory/Anti-oxidant: For example, one 2017 study found that Limonene may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These properties were believed to be responsible for reduced organ damage and disease progression in an animal-model study of colitis.

Pain: These anti-inflammatory effects may also explain why limonene has been found to reduce pain in mice struggling with musculoskeletal pain. Another study found that limonene may work to reduce pain by inhibiting TRPA1 channels; ion channels that are present on the plasma membrane of many animal and human cells.

Mood: In addition to these potential benefits, limonene has also been suggested to improve mood and anxiety due to the ability of Citrus Aurantium, an essential oil high in limonene and myrcene, to reduce anxiolytic-type activity.

Antibacterial/Antifungal: Plants and essential oils high in limonene have a long history of use as antibacterials. One recent study suggested the use of limonene in combination with heat as a food preservation technique to combat E.coli bacteria. Another study found that limonene was able to inhibit the growth of the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria by damaging the cell membrane and increasing membrane permeability.

Curated Cannabis Strains That Are Rich In Limonene

Limonene is much more abundant in some strains than others. If you’re looking for a limonene-rich strain, make sure to check out some of these Anthologie curated cannabis strains available right now.

Secret Triangle – Indica-dominant hybrid that delivers a relaxing body buzz and uplifting cerebral effects. Limonene is the dominant terpene.

Triangle Mintz – Sativa curated cannabis strain with energizing and uplifting effects and a herbal flavor with diesel undertones. Limonene is the dominant terpene.

Mochi – Indica-dominant hybrid with a sweet and creamy vanilla flavor and relaxing, calming effects. Limonene is the second-most dominant terpene.

Banana Breath – Sativa-dominant hybrid with euphoric and sedating effects, and a flavor reminiscent of freshly sliced bananas. Limonene is the second-most dominant terpene in this curated cannabis strain.

Orange Daquiri –  Indica-dominant hybrid that delivers a deep full-body relaxation alongside a sweet and citrusy flavor.

Check out our strain list to see the rest of the curated cannabis strains that we’re offering right now, including several others containing limonene as part of their terpene profile. Limonene is the dominant terpene.