LIM-oh-neen
Bright citrus aroma. Mood-elevating, anti-anxiety, anti-tumor. The most studied terpene after myrcene.
Limonene is the second most abundant terpene in cannabis and the most recognizable — its bright citrus aroma is unmistakable. It is mood-elevating, anxiolytic, and has demonstrated significant anti-tumor properties in preclinical research.
Limonene is a cyclic monoterpene found in the rinds of citrus fruits and in many cannabis strains. It is the second most widely distributed terpene in nature and one of the most extensively studied for its pharmacological properties.
Its most notable effects are mood elevation and anxiety reduction. Limonene activates adenosine A2A receptors and serotonin receptors, producing antidepressant and anxiolytic effects. Clinical studies have shown that simply inhaling limonene vapor reduces anxiety and improves mood — making it one of the most evidence-backed terpenes for mental health applications.
Limonene has attracted significant research attention for its anti-cancer properties. Multiple studies have demonstrated that limonene induces apoptosis in cancer cells, inhibits tumor growth, and enhances the efficacy of chemotherapy drugs. Phase I and II clinical trials have been conducted for breast cancer and colorectal cancer.
In cannabis, limonene is associated with uplifting, energizing sativa-like effects. High-limonene strains are popular for daytime use, creative work, and social situations. The terpene also has potent antifungal properties, which is why cannabis plants produce it as a natural defense mechanism.
To maximize Limonene in your vapor, set your vaporizer to just above its boiling point:
Lower temperatures preserve more terpenes; higher temperatures extract more cannabinoids.
Full-spectrum products preserve Limonene and all other terpenes alongside cannabinoids for the complete entourage effect. Our editorial team's top picks:
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