Terpenes 101: Limonene

If you like packing up a bowl of that skunky, funky smelly green stuff then there is a good chance terpenes are one of your favorite things that you may have been oblivious about. Open your grinder, give it a deep smell. What did you find? A pungent, sour smell but ohh, that sweet herbal aroma that creeps out and lingers in the air. Terpenes are the aromatic compounds which are responsible for the scent of lots of plants in nature, specifically though they’re responsible for that yummy goodness in that grinder you’ve got. Let’s give it another deep whiff. Isn’t it marvelous? Say “thank you” for those beautiful terps!

Like essential oils, there are a huge list of different terpenes, all with different scents and flavors. Terpenes are also responsible for producing differing effects and physical feelings. Some elicit a more or less energetic high for example. Believe it or not the reason that your favorite strain is your favorite strain, is the specific blend of terpenes in it. Most of the time strains have roughly 3 main terps which contribute to the aroma, flavor, and effects. Various strains, both sativa and indica, will express a citrusy terpene. Meaning almost all strains to reap the benefits of limonene. What makes a strain a sativa vs indica is not from a single terpene, but rather the holistic effect of all the terpenes it expresses.

Ever wondered what gives certain strains their sweet citrusy aroma? That’s limonene, a terpene known to boost mood, relieve stress, and enhance even the most everyday products. In nature, you’ll find it in pine, mint, the peels of citrus fruits and essential oils like lemon or orange oil. In food, it’s used as a flavoring. At home, you’ll find it in everything from anti-acne skin treatments to cleaning products. And in medicine you’ll find limonene in pharmaceutical and herbal treatments alike.

The Feel

• Heady, peppy, cerebral effects

• Perfect for arousal, creativity, energy, euphoria and intense happiness

The Benefits

• Tapped for centuries as a component of remedies for bronchitis, heartburn, and gallstones

• Reported to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

• Said to be anti-anxiety, antidepressant, and could potentially reduce stress

• Reported to have inhibited the growth of cancer cells

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The Palate

• Found in the rinds of oranges, lemons, tangerines, and other citrus fruits

• Has a sweet, citrusy aroma and many potential health benefits

The Connections

• Occurs naturally in mint, juniper, rosemary, pine, and fennel

• Thanks to its pleasant fragrance it’s also added to soaps, perfumes, shampoos, and other cosmetic items, as well as cleaning products.

• While in the food and beverage industry, limonene is used as a flavoring in sodas, candy, fruit juice, gum, ice cream, and other items

• Has diverse industrial uses as an organic herbicide, a solvent to remove oil from machinery, and a paint stripper

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The Strains

• LA Kush Cake: This strain provides a surprisingly smooth smoke with an earthy and herbal finish. Limonene, Beta-Caryophyllene, and Linalool are the predominant terps found in this indica dominant hybrid strain

• Banana Sundae: This fruity strain contains loads of Limonene, Caryophyllene and Myrcene which combine to deliver an aroma of overripe bananas with a hashy sugary flavor that occurs on the tongue upon exhale and lingers long after.

• Wedding Cake: This strain got its name for having notes of vanilla frosting and is a staple no matter where you go with a slightly sweet terp profile containing undertones of Limonene, Humulene, Caryophyllene, Herolidol.

Tips & Tricks

• As you explore limonene, remember that this terp’s effects do not occur in a vacuum. They are amplified or modified by other terpenes in a process referred to as the “entourage effect”, a theory that researchers are learning more about each day.

#limonene #terpenes