Terpenes are the fragrant, flavorful oils that give different strains of cannabis their distinctive aromas. And limonene—sunny, bright, and cheerful—has got to be one of our all-time favorites! Especially when the hot days of summer roll in, we love limonene strains like Lemon OG, Black Cherry Soda, and their flavorful cousins.
We’ll share a little about what makes limonene such a special terpene, as well as share a few of our favorite strains packed with this motivating and mood-elevating essential oil.
Limonene Strains: Powerful Mood-Lifting Motivation
Believe it or not, limonene is actually found mostly in orange rinds! It does appear in other citrus fruits, though, as well as pine trees and one of our favorite scents: The sacred wood called palo santo. For years now, all-natural limonene has found its way into many medicines, foods, and even cleaning products.
There’s a reason for that: Limonene has a unique mood-brightening effect. It’s even found use as an all-natural antidepressant. Part of this may be due to the fact that it helps facilitate the absorption of other terpenes through our skin, mucous membranes, and gut. And as you may have heard, the gut functions something like a “second brain,” playing a huge role in how we regulate our emotions. Better gut health, in other words, can lead to a better outlook.
There’s more: The University of Arizona published a pair of studies showing that limonene not only helps boost our immune systems but may even play a role in controlling the spread of certain cancers. But it’s in fighting anxiety that limonene really comes into its own.
Several studies back up what our bodies can already sense: That the delightful citrus aroma has a unique ability to chase stress away. And studies have shown it helps increase our own supply of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, both of which are crucial supports for our mental health.
Limonene Strains: Powerful Mood-Lifting Motivation
So, given all the ways limonene helps our bodies, what about actually finding some in cannabis? Turns out it’s not hard to do. Anytime you see a strain with “lemon” in the name, it’s a safe bet it’s high in limonene. Here are just a few of our favorites to get you started:
Do-Si-Dos
A winner of the 2018 DOPE Cup, this indica-dominant hybrid is loved for its “doughy, kushy, fruity” flavors. Delivering a powerful hit of THC (sometimes approaching 30%), its effects are cerebral as well as body-heavy, and especially long-lasting. Great for sparking creativity, but also tends to lead to bring on sleepiness later.
Lemon OG
Known for its fast-acting effects, this pleasingly lemon-scented kush relative imparts a heavy, head-centered high. Sometimes described as “happy,” “creative” and “lucid,” it’s a powerful medicine for those suffering from anxiety, stress, and poor appetite.
Purple Punch
Potent and sleepy, some call this a great “dessert” for its delicious, citrus-tinged flavors and aromas. It’s well-loved for fighting stress, aches, and insomnia.
White Fire OG
Social butterflies love this limonene strain as a creative prompt! Popular for its anxiety- and depression-fighting qualities, it’s popular in the medical marijuana community for patients looking for relief from symptoms deriving from cancer treatments.
You can find these limonene strains and more at your favorite Venice Beach dispensary. Just check out our online menu to see what’s in stock!
