If you’re looking for an uplifting, stress relieving experience, then cannabis products with the citrus-scented terpene limonene may be just the ticket. This limonene guide breaks down everything you need to know about this terpene and introduces you to some popular limonene-dominant strains you can find at Iconic Wellness in Michigan.
What is limonene?
Limonene is a monoterpene found in many cannabis cultivars, as well as the peels of citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges. In cannabis, limonene is a common fixture in many terpene profiles. It lends a citrus scent and flavor to cannabis products and is often associated with an uplifting high. Outside the provisioning center, it’s often used in foods and beverages as a flavoring agent, and you’ll see it in lemon-scented cleaning products, too. But it’s not just the scent it provides cleaning products: Limonene’s antibacterial, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties mean it helps keep your home fresh.
Which cannabis strains are high in limonene?
Limonene is fairly common across a wide range of cultivars (AKA strains), including indicas, sativas, and hybrids. While it’s less frequently the dominant terpene than myrcene or beta caryophyllene, the strains listed below are often limonene dominant.
Keep in mind as you read that terpenes and cannabinoid content can vary from harvest to harvest. The info we’re providing here is a baseline guide. Take a look at the official test results to get confirmation as to the amount in the product you’re bringing home from the provisioning center.
1. Banana OG
Banana OG is an indica-dominant hybrid produced by crossing OG Kush and Banana. With an average THC content of 21% and CBG content of 1%, this limonene-dominant cultivar also contains significant levels of myrcene and beta caryophyllene. It’s known for its relaxing experience that comes on gradually but sets in deeply, which is why consumers say they love Banana OG for pain relief and sleep promotion.
2. Do-Si-Dos
Do-Si-Dos is an indica-dominant hybrid cultivar resulting from a cross between OGKB and Face Off OG. It contains an average of 20% THC and 1% CBG. Often dominant in limonene, Do-Si-Dos also contains high amounts of beta caryophyllene and linalool. Consumers who’ve tried this cultivar before say you should expect an initial head high that quickly spreads throughout your body, prompting deep relaxation, stimulating appetite, and promoting restful sleep.
Struggling to find this cultivar? You may find it sold under a different name. Look out for cultivars called Dosi, Peanut Butter, or Cookie Face, among other monikers; these may be referring to the same cultivar. You can also ask your budtender for more details.
3. MAC
MAC, also known as Miracle Cookies, is a hybrid cultivar developed by cross-breeding Alien Cookies, Starfighter, and Columbian. Typically limonene-dominant, MAC showcases the terpene’s uplifting and energizing characteristics, as well as a sweet citrus flavor. Alongside limonene, MAC features considerable amounts of pinene, beta caryophyllene, and terpinolene. Michiganders who’ve tried this cultivar say to expect stress alleviation and mood-boosting effects when trying MAC cannabis flower.
4. Purple Hindu Kush
Purple Hindu Kush is an indica cultivar made by crossing Hindu Kush and Purple Afghani. This relatively potent strain features an average THC content of 20%, along with 1% CBG content. Commonly limonene-dominant, Purple Hindu Kush blends sweet grape and citrus flavors for a fruity experience. Other prominent terpenes in this strain include beta caryophyllene and pinene. Expect deep relaxation, sleep promotion, and appetite stimulation with Purple Hindu Kush.
5. Strawberry Banana
Strawberry Banana, sometimes called Strawnana, is an indica cultivar produced by crossing Banana Kush with the Bubble Gum pheno known as Strawberry. Containing an average of 21% THC and 1% CBG content, Strawnana features a high level of limonene, as well as myrcene and beta caryophyllene. The result, according to fans of this cultivar, is a relaxing, happy high that’s loved for sleep.
What are the effects of limonene?
Limonene offers a range of therapeutic benefits that have been explored by researchers. Among its effects, researchers have noted anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral properties in limonene. Additionally, medical marihuana patients report that limonene has helped them reduce feelings of pain and experienced gastroprotective benefits. Anticancer and antidiabetic properties have been researched as well.
What other terpenes appear alongside limonene?
Since limonene is such a common terpene in cannabis, it often appears alongside a wide range of other terpenes. However, there are some particular terpenes that stand out in terpene profiles with limonene, including the following four.
Beta Caryophyllene
Beta caryophyllene is commonly found in many cultivars and is often the dominant terpene as well. It’s also found in cloves and cinnamon, and is notable for its spicy, peppery scents and flavors. Beta caryophyllene offers the unique effect of binding to the CB2 receptor of the endocannabinoid system, acting much like a cannabinoid as well as a terpene. It’s believed by researchers to have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects.
Myrcene
The most common terpene found in cannabis and also the most frequently dominant in many cultivars, myrcene is recognizable for its sweet, herbal, spicy flavors and pungent, fruity aroma. Myrcene can be found in other plants like mangoes, basil, and hops and is reported by consumers to produce a relaxing, sedative effect. Consumers say that myrcene-heavy cultivars may also reduce pain, so these cultivars are sought after by medical marihuana patients who experience issues with pain and sleep.
Pinene
Pinene is often found in terpene profiles with limonene, though usually in small amounts. Known for the pine scent from which it gets its name, this terpene is commonly found in eucalyptus, mint, and the pine needles of coniferous trees. Pinene strains are reported to elicit an uplifting effect much like limonene, along with a burst of energy.
Linalool
Linalool is common in cannabis but almost always in very low amounts. Best known for appearing in lavender, the floral aroma and sweet, spicy flavor of this terpene is unmistakable. Linalool is commonly cited by consumers for its relaxing and sedating properties. Researchers also believe linalool offers anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
Know your terpenes for a tailored experience
Understanding the terpene profile of the cannabis products you choose can help you fine tune your experience to meet your needs. If you want to learn more about terpenes and how they may contribute to your high, check out our full cannabis terpenes list or talk to one of the expert budtenders working at your local Iconic Wellness dispensary. Stop by our provisioning centers in Lowell, Gaylord, and Sturgis today and peek at the dispensary menu to see which cultivars high in limonene are available.
