The Complete Guide to the Limonene Terpene in Cannabis

What gives cannabis strains their distinctive smell? Why do they taste different? For the answer to both questions, you can thank terpenes like limonene. Terpenes are naturally occurring compounds found in all plants, which play a role in each plant's signature smell and taste. But it doesn’t stop there. Scientists and savvy consumers are now looking to terpenes for a more complete picture of a strain’s potential benefits and effects.

The cannabis plant can produce many different terpenes depending on its genetics, and limonene, or more scientifically, D-limonene, is the one usually responsible for sweet, citrus, and fruity aromas. The limonene terpene isn’t limited to the cannabis plant, either. Limonene is abundant in the rinds of all citrus fruits, especially lemons. In fact, the limonene terpene is one of the most commonly occurring in nature. And while the way it works in the body isn’t well understood, early-stage studies have shown promising potential for health applications.

How Does Limonene Work?

Despite a long history in traditional medicine, there isn’t much human research out there. Most modern studies on the effects of the limonene terpene have been conducted either on cells and chemicals or in animals, and the science still isn’t clear on exactly how D-limonene interacts with nerve cells and other organs within the human body.

Scientists do know, however, that when someone breathes in limonene, it releases chemicals associated with pleasure and positive emotions in parts of the brain linked to anxiety and depression.¹ So, while further research is needed before definitive claims can be made, there is promising evidence.

Potential Benefits of Limonene

Limonene has many potential benefits that are the subject of further study. Even those potential benefits with substantial research behind them cannot yet be applied to limonene as it’s found in cannabis. In some cases, this is due to the size of the study or the lack of human trials. In all cases, we found that the quantities of the terpene far exceeded what consumers would see in commercially available strains. 

• In addition to its use in traditional Chinese medicine, several studies have been conducted that appear to corroborate claims of limonene’s anti-inflammatory benefits.²
• Other studies have demonstrated that limonene may have neuroprotective effects for neurodegenerative diseases.²
• There are some promising preclinical studies into limonene’s potential cancer-fighting benefits. One study showed that limonene has the potential to decrease breast cancer cell expression in recently diagnosed women. Other animal studies have demonstrated that limonene may have a role to play in fighting different forms of cancer, including skin cancer, but further research is needed.²
• Limonene might have benefits to heart health as well. One study found that limonene reduced several forms of cholesterol as well as blood sugar in mice.³

As of this writing, limonene is not an approved treatment for any of the conditions listed above. So, while the results of these studies indicate the potential benefits of the terpene under the right circumstances, a great deal more research needs to be done.

Cannabis Strains High in Limonene

Limonene is found in many products outside of the cannabis world. It's extremely common in cleaning products, perfumes, cosmetics, and lotions. Plenty of food manufacturers also use limonene as an additive for flavor and aroma.

Limonene is one of the most common terpenes in commercial cannabis strains. However, the concentrations aren’t as predictable. Genetics, growth conditions, and the way the cannabis was harvested and cured all may play a role in the amount of limonene in a strain. There are, however, a few cannabis strains known for their higher limonene content. You can find them listed below.

• Golden Goat
• Headband
• Tropicana Cookies
• London Pound Cake
• Lemon Haze
• Ghost Train Haze
• FPOG
• Banana Kush
• Super Lemon Haze

Limonenes fruity citrus aroma is refreshing, and early-stage studies suggest it may have a variety of potential benefits under the right circumstances and in the right quantities. If you’re looking to try limonene’s effects for yourself, check out cannabis strains with a lemon-citrus smell, or better still, find a strain that’s lab-certified to have a high limonene concentration.

Resources

1. Eddin LB, Jha NK, Meeran MFN, Kesari KK, Beiram R, Ojha S. Neuroprotective Potential of Limonene and Limonene Containing Natural Products. Molecules. 2021;26(15):4535. Published 2021 Jul 27. doi:10.3390/molecules26154535 ↩︎
2. Chen X, Ding Y, Guan H, et al. The Pharmacological Effects and Potential Applications of Limonene From Citrus Plants: A Review. Natural Product Communications. 2024;19(5). doi:10.1177/1934578X241254229 ↩︎
3. Jing L, Zhang Y, Fan S, et al. Preventive and ameliorating effects of citrus d-limonene on dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia in mice with high-fat diet-induced obesity. European Journal of Pharmacology. 2013;715(1-3):46-55. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejphar.2013.06.022 ↩︎

The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.