For many of us, an easy way to improve our morning routine is by starting with a glass of warm lemon water. Breaking your fast with a glass of refreshing, citrusy water helps wake up your internal organs with a healthy dose of hydration. On top of that, lemon juice is excellent for stimulating detox and providing key minerals for your body. But there’s another reason why freshly squeezed lemon juice is so pleasing: the terpene responsible for its fresh scent is limonene, and this terpene is found abundantly in cannabis strains–including some of your favorite Old Pal flower.
Although cannabis is limonene-rich, you will also find limonene in plenty of conventional items you probably have in your home right now. Read on to find out why we love limonene and how you can have that fresh, citrusy scent on hand anytime you like.
Terpenes: The Language of Plants
Did you know that plants love music? Sounds crazy, right? But it’s true. Studies show that certain far-out frequencies can encourage growth. When it comes to cannabis, that means stronger stalks to support big, chunky buds. Not all music will do the same thing. And just like us, cannabis plants prefer some music over others.
We’re actually much more attuned to cannabis than we realize. You know how you might hear a certain song that really tugs on your heartstrings? It might have you tearing up, reminiscing about past memories, or taking a big sigh as you let the emotional waves rock over you. Cannabis has a similar function. It can actually take a deeper breath when listening to certain sounds, and this extra oxygen intake can help them grow even faster.
Okay, but how does this relate to limonene? Or terpenes in general? When plants grow to their full potential, they can amass a large amount of cannabinoids and terpenes. Essentially, strong, healthy plants will be filled with cannabinoids like THC, CBD, THCv, CBN, and more, alongside a symphony of terpenes like myrcene, terpinolene, pinene, and limonene.
Together, these compounds create a sweet symphony all their own to bring us the groovy feels and sensational highs we know and love from high-quality cannabis. In other words, you could say that cannabis is one of nature’s greatest composers.
Limonene Terpene Overview
Limonene is the second most dominant terpene in cannabis, second to myrcene. It’s pronounced [lim-uh-neen], and even the name itself feels good. Perhaps one of the most recognizable terpenes in the whole bunch for its pungent, bright, citrusy smell. It’s literally the scent behind a freshly squeezed lemon. Doesn’t it just make you feel happy thinking about it? There’s a reason for that! Limonene is an excellent agent for lifting the blues.
What Does Limonene Smell Like?
To put it simply, limonene smells like a freshly squeezed lemon. The essential oils in the rind of fruits like lemon, lime, and orange contain high amounts of this radiant terpene. This bright beauty also smells a little sweet underneath all that citrusy punch. It’s no wonder limonene is used in many household cleaning products and body care items to freshen up everything it touches.
What Does Limonene Taste Like?
You probably won’t be surprised to hear that limonene has a sour, tangy flavor, much like the citrus fruits it’s found in. When you suck on a slice of lemon, you might pucker up. When you smoke weed containing limonene, you just smile, smile, and smile some more. It’s like a fresh, earthy, citrusy lemonade for the senses.
Limonene Effects
Limonene has been extensively studied and shows multiple positive benefits. We know that it boosts your mood with increased feelings of lightheartedness, which reduces stress and anxiety. Who doesn’t love that? But, it also shows sincere promise for several other medicinal and therapeutic purposes.
Limonene is lovely for the digestive system and can do everything from help relieve heartburn and reflux to decreasing inflammation in the intestines. It may also break down and dissolve gallstones, potentially preventing unnecessary surgery.
All the while, limonene acts as an antioxidant in the body’s soft tissues to fight free radicals that may lead to cancers. It also boasts antitumor properties in patients with lung cancer and reduces the production of cyclin D1 (a protein related to cancer) in women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer.
Studies on limonene are still ongoing, and there’s no telling what kind of amazing things we’ll continue to discover about this terpene (and weed) in the years to come. If this is any indication, the future is positive and bright for all us humans who love the wonders of shareable flower.
Cannabis Strains With Limonene
Limonene is found in greater abundance in sativas. That’s not exclusive, but it does make sense that sativas tend to be more vibrant, uplifting, and energizing than indicas. Limonene is a well-known mood booster.
- Banana OG
- White Fire OG
- Lemon Pound Cake
- Clementine
- Mimosa
- Berry White
- Gelato
- Purple Punch
- Black Cherry Soda
- Grapefruit Kush
- Cinex
- Do-Si-Dos
- MAC
- Purple Hindu Kush
- Quantum Kush
- Strawberry Banana
- Super Sour Diesel
- Tahoe OG
- OG Kush
- SFV OG
- Wedding Cake
Grab some Old Pal sativa shareable cannabis the next time you want to get a burst of limonene in your life.
Have a Little Limonene Any Time You Like
Limonene is a tasty and uplifting terpene, and the best way to enjoy it is by smoking a little weed. And, of course, drinking to good health with a glass of lemon water–whatever time of day you please. We love this terpene so much that we wanted to bring this ultra-fresh scent into our daily lives in a new way. So we created our very own limonene Terpene Air Fresheners, which you can grab for $4.20 at Old Pal Provisions. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can throw in pinene and myrcene air fresheners for a terpene trio that’s just $9.
What better way to enjoy terpenes anytime you’d like? Whether it’s in your car, your home, or wherever you want to enjoy the bliss that is limonene.
