Ghost Guide: Limonene
There are over 150 different types of terpenes that are produced by the cannabis plant. Limonene is one of the most interesting and prevalent, being the second most abundant terpene across all strains. This article will outline what Limonene is, what the benefits of Limonene are, how Limonene tastes and smells and which strains Limonene is commonly found in.
What is Limonene?
Limonene is defined as a “colorless liquid aliphatic hydrocarbon classified as a cyclic monoterpene”, which essentially means that it is an aromatic chemical compound, similar to essential oils. Along with being found in a myriad of cannabis strains, limonene is the major component in the oil of citrus fruits. This oil is also found in rosemary, juniper and peppermint. Limonene is a popular additive in foods, cosmetics, cleaning products, and natural insect repellants. For example, it’s used in foods like sodas, desserts, and candies to provide a lemony flavor.
Limonene in Cannabis
Second to Myrcene, Limonene is one of the most common and abundant terpenes in all of cannabis. Limonene is produced within the resin glands of the cannabis plant along with other terpenes and cannabinoids. Limonene is typically associated with cannabis strains that smell strongly of lemons, however, that is not always the case so purchasing legal, lab-tested, COA-verified limonene-dominant products is the best way to ensure you’re receiving the product you are looking for.
What Are The Benefits of Limonene?
According to WebMD, “Limonene acts as an antioxidant in the body, absorbing and removing damaging free radicals before they can injure cells. Dietary limonene may help lower your risk of certain cancers and signs of aging by reducing the amount of oxidative stress on your body.”
Healthline.com claims that Limonene may be able to reduce inflammation, have anti-cancer effects, boost heart health, reduce appetite, decrease stress and anxiety and support healthy digestion. “It is these anti-inflammatory characteristics that give limonene special value for hundreds of diseases and conditions related to inflammation, including cancer, arthritis, and asthma.”, claims Strainprint.
What Temperature Does Limonene Vaporize At?
Each terpene vaporizes at its own unique temperature. Limonene vaporizes at 176 degrees Celsius. If you use a vaporizer to consume your cannabis, set it to 176 degrees Celsius to optimally reap the benefits and taste the flavour of limonene within the limonene-dominant cultivar that you are consuming.
What Strains Is Limonene Most Commonly Found In?
There are hundreds of different unique cultivars that contain Limonene in their terpene profiles. Some of the most common and popular Limonene-dominant strains include:
• Durban Poison: a pure 100% landrace Sativa strain named after the South African port city that it originated in.
• Jack Herer: a sativa-dominant cultivar that has gained as much popularity as its namesake, the author and cannabis activist.
• Sour Diesel: an extremely popular sativa-dominant strain that produces an energizing high.
• OG Kush: Arguably the most popular Indica-dominant hybrid strain in the world, bred in the San Fernando Valley of California.
• Super Lemon Haze is an award-winning sativa strain bred by legendary breeder Green House Seeds.
