Limonene
Limonene is one of around 20,000 terpenes found in nature, and one of the 400 or so terpenes that cannabis plants can produce. It's known for its distinct citrus aroma and is commonly used as a flavouring agent in food and beverages, as well as in perfumes and other cosmetics.
Limonene is one of the 'major' cannabis terpenes, often present in high concentrations alongside other terpenes such as myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, and pinene. Terpenes are aromatic compounds that give plants their unique scents and flavours, but research is also showing they also offer a wide range of potential beneficial/therapeutic advantages.
What does limonene smell like?
Limonene offers a lemon/lime/citrusy aroma, hence its name.
What possible health and wellness effects does limonene offer medical cannabis patients?
There is a growing body of research that shows limonene is an effective anti-bacterial, anti-inflamatory, and anti-depressant. Additionally, limonene has been found to have anti-tumor and anti-cancer properties, but it is not a cure for cancer.
When combined with cannabinoids like THC and CBD, it can activate the entourage effect.
What is the 'entourage effect'?
The entourage effect is a widely accepted theory that suggests when cannabis compounds, such as cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, are combined, they work together synergistically to enhance the overall therapeutic effects. This means that the benefits of whole plant (such as medical cannabis flower) and full-spectrum options are greater than the sum of its individual parts, leading to more effective relief of symptoms compared to using isolated compounds like THC or CBD alone.