Limonene Terpene and its Medicinal Benefits

Limonene terpene is a fragrant, zesty compound found in citrus fruits and some cannabis strains. Its presence in cannabis impacts the strain's flavor, aroma, and potential effects.

Many MMJ patients choose limonene-rich cannabis strains for their delightful citrusy flavor and aroma. However, these strains also offer potential therapeutic benefits for several Arizona qualifying conditions.

What Is Limonene?

Limonene is a naturally occurring terpene found in various plants—most notably citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and grapefruit. It is present in high concentrations in these fruits’ essential oils and is responsible for their distinct citrus aroma and flavor. 

In the cannabis plant, limonene contributes to the aromatic experience the plant offers as well as its therapeutic effects. Limonene-rich strains are noted for their zingy, zesty, and fruity notes.  

Limonene's Potential Health Benefits

Limonene in the cannabis plant may offer the following health benefits:

Antiviral Effects

Research has shown that limonene has antiviral properties. A 2021 review noted that limonene at the right dosage inactivated the Herpes simplex type 1 virus in its early stages. The same review explained that limonene's antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects could help to limit the severity and succession of COVID-19.

Antifungal Effects

Research suggests that limonene inhibits fungal activity. This has practical applications for food preservation as well as fungal health conditions.

Other Potential Effects

A 2018 review listed the following potential benefits of limonene: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antinociceptive (pain-blocking), anticancer, antidiabetic, antihyperalgesic, antiviral, and gastroprotective effects. 

Strains high in limonene could therefore be effective in treating a host of complaints caused by Arizona’s qualifying conditions or the side effects of treatments for these conditions. Remember that you can purchase limonene-rich MMJ strains from licensed dispensaries without paying Arizona’s 16% excise tax with a valid AZ medical marijuana card.

Limonene's Effect on Mood

Various studies have found that limonene terpenes affect mood. For example, a 2024 study found limonene to reduce depression-like behavior in rats. Limonene in cannabis strains may contribute to the uplifting and energizing effects of strains like Guava and Super Sour Diesel.

Going through health setbacks is understandably a highly stressful time. Many MMJ patients choose uplifting strains to help them feel better in both body and mind. 

The Link Between Limonene, the Entourage Effect, and Mood

Limoneone’s role in the entourage theory is particularly interesting. The entourage effect theory proposes that all the cannabis compounds in the marijuana plants like cannabinoids, cannabis terpenes, and flavonoids work together to produce a synergistic effect. According to this theory, choosing full- or broad-spectrum products containing limonene could be more effective than cannabis isolates.

Limonene’s role in cannabis is particularly interesting. One study reported that the right amount of limonene attenuates THC-induced anxiety without diminishing the health benefits of THC. This is significant as high-THC weed strains for pain are thought to be particularly effective in combating certain types of pain like chronic neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia. 

Choosing a limonene-rich cannabis strain means you can enjoy the potential joint benefits of limonene and THC without suffering from the anxiety that sometimes comes with high-THC strains.

Arizona Qualifying Conditions Limonene Could Help With

Patients suffering from the following qualifying conditions may find limonene-rich strains especially useful:

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain caused by inflammatory conditions like arthritis could be relieved with limonene-rich strains. A 2023 study concluded that limonene exerted anti-inflammatory effects.

Cancer

Research has shown that limonene has potential anticancer properties.

• A 2021 systematic review of studies on limonene’s effect on cancer reported that limonene can shrink the size of cancerous tumors.

• The same review noted that two studies concluded that treatment with limonene can decrease tumor growth rate.

• An older study published in 2013 noted limonene’s potential to inhibit breast cancer tumor growth.

Nausea

Limonene is known to be helpful for nausea and is present in several of the best cannabis strains for nausea symptoms. 

A 2023 study measured the effects of inhaling lemon after surgery. It was found that the frequency and severity of nausea were significantly lower in patients who inhaled lemon after their operation. Lemon inhalation also reduced the frequency of the use of antiemetic drugs in the recovery room.

Lemon aromatherapy is also effective in reducing the severity of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. Please note that consuming cannabis is not recommended during pregnancy (but inhaling lemon by itself is fine!).

How to Consume Limonene Terpenes Therapeutically

MMJ patients can enjoy the medicinal benefits of limonene and cannabinoids by smoking or vaping limonene-rich cannabis strains, or using them to make tinctures or edibles. Budtenders in your local medical marijuana dispensary can point out the available limonene-rich cannabis strains and other products that contain high concentrations of limonene.

Another option that was suggested in a 2022 study is to make a custom mix of cannabis extracts and essential oils. This allows you to handpick the ratio of cannabinoids, potency, and terpene profile that suits your condition and lifestyle. Your MMJ doctor can recommend cannabinoids, strains, and terpenes to include in your custom blend. You can then refine this blend based on how your body responds.

FAQs

How Does Limonene Terpene Compare to Other Common Terpenes?

Each terpene offers its own flavor, aroma, and therapeutic effects. For example, limonene occurs in citrus fruits, has a distinctive citrus aroma, and is effective for boosting mood and quelling nausea. This is different from linalool terpene, which has a floral fragrance, occurs in lavender, and has calming and sedative effects.

Does Limonene Terpene Interact with Other Cannabis Terpenes?

Studies on interactions between the compounds in the cannabis plant have mainly focused on different combinations of cannabinoids and combinations of cannabinoids and terpenes. Research on terpene-terpene interactions is scant.

However, it is evident that different combinations of terpenes naturally occur in various plants and strains, contributing to the unique aroma and properties of each. The same logic behind the entourage effect theory would suggest that terpenes could influence or moderate the effects of other terpenes present in the plant—although more research is needed to confirm or disprove this idea.

Choose Limonene-Rich Strains for Uplifting Effects

Limonene is a wonderfully aromatic terpene that adds a special touch to your favorite cannabis strains. Its therapeutic benefits and uplifting effects also make limonene-rich strains a go-to for many MMJ patients.

Going through health troubles can be a highly stressful and emotional time. Limonene-rich cannabis products could be just what you need to destress, calm your symptoms, and feel happy again.