Limonene - Effects & Benefits

What's the difference between cannabis that helps you tackle your to-do list and cannabis that has you reaching for snacks and the TV remote? 

Often, it comes down to terpenes.

Today, we're focusing on limonene - the same compound that gives lemons their zest is also working behind the scenes in cannabis, influencing everything from your mood to your energy levels.

What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are compounds in plants that create their distinct smells and flavors. They're crucial for plants, helping attract pollinators like bees and repel pests. In cannabis, terpenes contribute to the unique scent and can enhance the plant's effects. Beyond cannabis, you'll find terpenes in fruits, herbs, and spices, giving them their characteristic aromas and tastes.

Ever noticed how some plants smell similar? That's often due to shared terpenes!

What is limonene?

Limonene — specifically D-Limonene — is a naturally occurring terpene found in the lemon rind and other citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, lemons and limes.

It is also found in the cannabis plant and is one of the dominant terpenes in many cannabis strains.

Limonene, along with its refreshing aroma, is full of antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Due to these reasons it has become a household ingredient in many everyday products we use like cosmetics, perfumes and food products.

But that's not all, limonene is being researched for a lot of health benefits.

What Are The Effects & Benefits Of Limonene?

Recent research has found that Limonene has antifungal and antibacterial properties, it may also enhance the stress and anxiety relieving effects of other terpenes and cannabinoids.

Here are the primary benefits of this terpene:

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Beyond its refreshing scent, limonene has been found to possess potent anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce inflammation and protect against oxidative stress. A study published in the journal Biomolecules found that limonene reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, COX-2) in mice with LPS-induced jejunal injury¹.

Effects on Fatigue

Limonene may help combat fatigue. By reducing oxidative stress, limonene supports improved energy levels and a sense of vitality². Incorporating limonene-rich products into your routine could be a refreshing way to enhance your overall well-being and fight off fatigue.

Effects on Brain

Limonene also shows promise in supporting brain health. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities may protect brain health and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

Eases Stress and Anxiety

Limonene is known for its anti-depressant and anti-anxiety properties. It has been used in aromatherapy for reducing stress and anxiety and improving mood.

But that's not all, studies suggest that limonene can help increase your overall dopamine and restore serotonin levels to their natural levels. Serotonin levels can be disrupted and lowered by constant stress and other factors.

This terpene may also play a role in countering mood disorders by improving serotonergic signaling.

Onion Research On Limonene and Cancer

Studies suggest that limonene may have protective effects against symptoms of various types of cancers like skin, lung and breast cancer³. One of the primary mechanisms through which limonene exerts its anticancer effects is by inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells⁴.

Limonene can also induce autophagy⁵, a natural process of cellular renewal in which cells break down and recycle their own unnecessary components and even invading pathogens.

Autophagy is linked to various health benefits including:

• Anti-aging effects  
• Improved brain health  
• Cancer prevention  
• Enhanced immune function

How Does Limonene Affect Your High?

Limonene dominant strains tend to be uplifting and energetic, making them perfect for a morning pick-me-up or daytime use. While limonene is known for its citrus aromas, don’t be fooled – other terpenes like pinene and terpinolene can have similar scents.

The effects typically include elevated mood, reduced stress, and enhanced creativity without the heavy sedation found in myrcene-rich strains. Many people report feeling more social and outgoing, with a clear-headed energy without any jitters.

Limonene dominant strains are great to choose when you have a lot to do and want to feel motivated and focused. It’s also a great choice for social events or when working on creative projects.

If you’re particularly anxious or feeling low, limonene dominant strains might be just what you need to help lift your mood. You’ll also appreciate their effects if you need to be productive and focused while still relaxing. Many people use limonene strains to get things done around the house, write, or work on puzzles. These limonene rich strains are balanced – they’ll give you energy without overwhelming you, and relax you without sedating you.

How Limonene Interacts With Other Cannabis Compounds

Limonene interacts with cannabinoids through a phenomenon called the entourage effect. It can increase the overall beneficial effects of THC and CBD by improving their absorption and modulating their activities.

Generally, limonene can alter the way THC interacts with CB1 receptors in your endocannabinoid system, responsible for increasing effects of cannabis.

Here's how limonene interacts with cannabinoids like THC and CBD:

• Increased Absorption: It helps your body to absorb cannabinoids more efficiently.
• Mood Enhancement: it has its own mood enhancing properties. When combined with THC or CBD it creates more uplifting and euphoric experiences.
• Modulation of cannabinoid activities: it has the ability to affect how cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system in your body. 

Cannabis Terpenes and Limonene

When comparing limonene with other terpenes commonly found in cannabis like myrcene, pinene, and linalool, some distinct characteristics emerge.

Limonene vs Myrcene

Myrcene is a terpene found in cannabis with a pleasant earthy and musky aroma. It is mainly found in certain cultivated varieties (known as cultivars) that have been selectively bred for specific traits. 

It is also found in lemongrass, thymes, hops, and mangoes.

Myrcene is known for its sedative effects and muscle relaxation. It also helps in reducing anxiety.

Limonene vs Pinene

Pinene has a pine-like aroma. It is present in rosemary, basil, parsley and pine needles.

It helps to reduce inflammation in your body. It can also help to improve your respiratory system, increase your alertness and has the ability to fight with bacteria and fungi.

Limonene vs Linalool

Linalool has a floral and lavender scent. Due to its soothing and calming effects it can help you to improve your sleep quality. It can also help you to manage pain.

It can be found in lavender, basil, coriander, rosewood and cinnamon.

Limonene Rich Cannabis Strains

Limonene is believed to influence serotonin level, a key neurotransmitter in regulating mood. Limonene-rich cannabis strains are known for their uplifting effects and citrus aroma.

Some of the limonene dominant strains are:

• Berry White: It has a taste of sweet blueberry with a hint of pine and spice. it has THC content between 16% to 22% helps to reduce anxiety and stress.
• Jack Herer: A cross between shiva skunk and northern lights. It has a subtle piney and earthy aroma with strong lemony notes. it has the concentration of THC between 18% to 23% helps to make you feel energized.
• Super Lemon Haze: It has more uplifting and energizing effects due to dominance of sativa genetics.
• Wedding Cake: Wedding Cake is known for its sweet, earthy flavor with hints of vanilla and spice. It offers a potent, euphoric high paired with deep relaxation.

Conclusion

The effects of limonene - from mood elevation to stress relief - highlight why terpenes matter in cannabis. Instead of focusing solely on THC content, understanding terpenes like limonene helps you choose the best strain for you. Start noticing how different marijuana strains affect you, and you'll naturally develop a better sense of what delivers your desired experience.

References

1. Kathem, S. H., Nasrawi, Y. S., Mutlag, S. H., & Nauli, S. M. (2024). Limonene Exerts Anti-Inflammatory Effect on LPS-Induced Jejunal Injury in Mice by Inhibiting NF-κB/AP-1 Pathway. Biomolecules, 14(3), 334. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom14030334↩︎
2. de Souza MC, Vieira AJ, Beserra FP, et al. Gastroprotective effect of limonene in rats: Influence on oxidative stress, inflammation and gene expression. Phytomedicine : International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology. 2019 Feb;53:37-42. DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2018.09.027. PMID: 30668410↩︎
3. Chebet, J.J., Ehiri, J.E., McClelland, D.J. et al. Effect of d-limonene and its derivatives on breast cancer in human trials: a scoping review and narrative synthesis. BMC Cancer 21, 902 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-021-08639-1/
4. Salim, E.I., Alabasy, M.M., Nashar, E.M.E. et al. Molecular interactions between metformin and D-limonene inhibit proliferation and promote apoptosis in breast and liver cancer cells. BMC Complement Med Ther 24, 185 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-024-04453-x↩︎
5. Russo, R., Cassiano, M. G., Ciociaro, A., Adornetto, A., Varano, G. P., Chiappini, C., Berliocchi, L., Tassorelli, C., Bagetta, G., & Corasaniti, M. T. (2014). Role of D-Limonene in autophagy induced by bergamot essential oil in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. PloS one, 9(11), e113682. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0113682↩︎