What is limonene?
Limonene is a terpene, one of the aromatic substances that give plants their smell and taste. It smells of citrus: lemon, orange or grapefruit peel. It's behind the citrus notes of many cannabis strains.
Its name already gives you a clue: it comes from lemon. It's the main terpene in the oil found in citrus peel. When you peel an orange and notice that strong smell that stays on your fingers, a good part of it is limonene.
In cannabis, like the other terpenes, it's produced in the trichomes, the tiny glands that cover the buds. Each strain has its own blend of terpenes, and in some, limonene really stands out.
What does it smell like?
Its aroma is fresh, bright and tangy. In cannabis it usually appears mixed with other terpenes, so it can bring notes of lemon, sweet orange, tangerine or grapefruit, depending on what it's combined with.
Where else can you find it?
- Citrus fruits: the peel of lemons, oranges, tangerines and grapefruits is its best-known source.
- Spices and herbs: it's found in dill, caraway and juniper berries, along with other aromas.
- Everyday products: it's widely used in perfumes, air fresheners and cleaning products to give them a lemon scent.
What it means on a product page
If you see "Terpenes: limonene" on a product page, the seed bank is telling you that the strain leans towards citrus aromas and flavors. Many varieties with names like "Lemon" or "Orange" have limonene among their main terpenes, although the name alone doesn't guarantee it.
There's a popular idea that limonene gives a more uplifting, cheerful effect. So far there are no studies that prove it, but none that disprove it either. What limonene does tell you for sure is how the strain will smell and taste.
Keep in mind that the actual amount of terpenes depends on how the plant is grown, when it's harvested and how it's dried. Careful curing helps preserve that citrus touch.
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