Limonene is not only a monoterpene found in cannabis. It is also an essential oil found in many citrus fruits. It has a wide variety of uses outside of cannabis, including use as a cleaning solvent, an antibacterial or antifungal agent in topical ointments, or as a mood enhancer in aromatherapy. Generally, limonene is found in two forms in cannabis: dextro-limonene (d-limonene) or laevo-limonene (l-limonene). It’s known for its strong citrus scent and long list of potential effects.
Limonene is highly absorbable through inhalation. It has a rapid onset of effects and the duration is short-lived. Since this terpene has been shown to accumulate in fatty tissues, it has been studied for the prevention of tumors and cancers found in fatty regions such as breast cancer, liver cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Consuming strains high in limonene can promote an elevated mood, free of stress and worries, and is the possible reason for the “giggles” when consuming. This is due to its anxiolytic and antidepressant properties.
Besides its lauded mood boosting effects, it has also been shown to help with other disorders that are classically associated with stress, like gastric disorders, including heartburn and gastric acid reflux. Limonene also has been shown to have the ability to suppress the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (proteins), making it a powerful anti-inflammatory. It’s ability to remove free radicals from the body show it to have strong antioxidant and antifungal properties as well.
This long list of potential limonene benefits is extended to cannabis strains high in limonene, qualifying it as a potential effective treatment for a whole host of medical conditions. Ask your Buddy about strains high in limonene!
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Resources: Leafly, Weedmaps, DocMJ.com, and the National Library of Medicine
