Limonene Terpene: An In-Depth Look at the Citrus Flavored Terp
If you’ve ever smelled the refreshing citrus aroma of lemon-scented cleaning products or essential oils, you’ve experienced the limonene terpene! This naturally occurring compound has been used for its antioxidant properties and soothing effects for many years. Today many holistic enthusiasts and practitioners also seek out this terpene for its potential benefits.
It can be found in many plants and fruits, however, limonene is also present in countless CBD products because terpenes add to the effectiveness of cannabidiol. This guide will teach you all you need to know about this sweet, citrus terpene.
What are Terpenes?
Terpenes (also referred to as terps) are naturally occurring compounds that exist in nearly every plant on Earth. They are responsible for each plant’s flavor and aroma profile. Over 20,000 terpenes have been discovered, 200 of which are found in the Cannabis genus of plants. With the rise of essential oils and CBD, terpenes have been recognized for their advantageous properties!
Cannabis terpenes are extracted from hemp material and used for various purposes. Each terp has its own unique flavor and benefits. Myrcene, for example, is associated with sedative effects, and pinene is responsible for that earthy smell coming off of your Christmas tree!
Humans use terpenes in soothing topicals, perfumes, cleaning products, and even our food. The health benefits of terpenes are currently being studied and many plausible uses have been identified. Terpenes have shown potential in combating nervousness, relieving discomfort, and enhancing mood.
What is Limonene?
Fresh lemony zest and ripe citrus fields, these scents are bursting with the limonene terpene! It is one of the most common terpenes in nature. As its name implies, limonene’s aroma and flavor are similar to that of citrus fruits. Once extracted as an oil, limonene can be used as a safe and beneficial ingredient in many products.
Limonene is also referred to as d-limonene, which is its chemical form. After it was discovered in the late 19th century and refined in the 1950s, limonene has been used in cosmetics, cleaning materials, and fragrances. You can also find it in insecticides, soaps, shampoos, and laundry detergents.
Where is Limonene Found?
Common natural sources of limonene are the rinds of citrus fruits, such as grapefruit or lemon. This terpene is especially abundant in oranges, making up 97% of the fruit’s essential oils. Manufacturers extract limonene from fruit peels through a process called hydrodistillation.
Hydrodistillation involves soaking fruit rinds in water and boiling them. The steam from the boiling mixture is condensed using cooler water. The condensation then separates into oil and water, so all that remains is pure limonene.
Limonene may also be extracted from hemp flower’s resin glands. In this process, liquid CO2 is run through grounded hemp (plant) material. Once the CO2 has evaporated, several compounds are leftover, including beneficial terpenes like limonene! Not all CBD flower strains contain limonene, but this is a popular terpene in hemp flowers.
What Do Limonene Terpenes Smell & Taste Like?
Limonene has an aroma profile that resembles the smell and flavor of lemon with hints of orange. The terpene’s citrus taste makes it an ideal ingredient for food flavoring. Sodas, candies, and desserts with an orange or lemon taste likely include limonene.
If you’re interested in the effects of limonene, you may not want to purchase a CBD strain based solely on its aroma. Not all strains that smell like lemons have high limonene levels. For example, Lemon Meringue is a strain that smells like citrus but has very little limonene present.
Instead, Lemon Meringue has high levels of terpinolene. Terpinolene is the perfect example of why smells can be deceiving. While limonene consistently smells like lemons, terpinolene may also carry an aroma similar to pine trees, flowers, herbs, or citrus.
What Are the Effects of Limonene?
Limonene is used in many cleaning supplies due to its antimicrobial properties. Studies aim to determine this terpene’s potential health benefits. Limonene may remedy certain discomforts, and side effects are rare unless taken in high amounts.
The effects of Limonene may be felt when using the terpene on its own or with food. However, this terpene’s benefits are most apparent in full and broad-spectrum CBD products. This is due to the entourage effect!
The entourage effect refers to the boost in overall CBD effectiveness when you consume a broad profile of terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoids at the same time. Full-spectrum products contain 0.3% or less THC, which is not enough to induce any intoxicating effects. Sativa dominant strains with limonene may elevate your mood or focus. While the limonene in Indica dominant strains tends to counteract the sedative effects.
Broad-spectrum products do not contain THC, making them a fantastic option for consumers who wish to avoid it. Both full and broad-spectrum CBD has natural and beneficial terpenes. Let’s take a look at which strains have the highest amounts of limonene.
One possible adverse effect is skin irritation, though humans generally tolerate normal levels of limonene well. If you are allergic to limonene, avoid skin products with this compound. Limonene is safe to use for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Popular Strains That Have Limonene Terpenes
Limonene, like most terpenes, is potent enough that it does not need to come in high concentrations to be felt. Still, when it comes to this tasty aroma, the more the merrier! Cheef Botanicals offers many CBD strains that have strong levels of limonene, including:
- Hawaiian Haze
- Lifter
- Sour Lifter
- Sour Diesel
- Durban Diesel
- Skywalker OG
- Northern Lights
- Cherry Wine
- Bubba Kush
Other limonene-dominant strains are Banana OG, Berry White, Black Cherry Soda, Cinex, Do-Si-Dos, MAC, Purple Hindu Kush, Quantum Kush, Strawberry Banana, Tahoe OG, Wedding Cake, and White Fire OG. Some of these strains might contain levels of THC that are higher than 0.3%. High THC levels induce a “high” that not every consumer desires.
If you don’t want to experience any intoxicating feelings, Cheef has got you covered. None of our products contain more than 0.3% THC. Instead, our focus is on high-grade, well-regulated CBD that promotes alertness, clarity, and peace of mind.
Final Thoughts – Limonene
Limonene is an invigorating essential oil and a handy ingredient in cleaning products due to its refreshing aroma and antimicrobial properties. Its possible health benefits are still under examination and they seem to be showing promise. To experience the benefits of this terpene for yourself, check out some of Cheef Botanicals’ strains that are high in limonene!
