Universal Cannabis 101

Terpenes: Limonene

by Jasmine Harvey(Frost)

In Herbage Magazine March edition

Puff Intentions Terpy World Artwork Collection by Universe With Jaz

After diving into the nature of how cannabis works with our bodies as well as affecting them, we also dove into the vastness of the Entourage Effect. The Entourage Effect showed us how everything synergistically works with our bodies. WIth that we have the smell and flavors of the hour, Terpenes!

Terpenes are the aromatic compounds found in many plants. These are the compounds that give you the smells that make you salivate or turn your nose from it. In the Cannabis industry there is a saying that goes “The Nose Knows Best!”. With this saying it is attributed to the aromas of the terpenes. Terpenes are how we primarily pick our Cultivars, they are responsible for heightening the cannabinoids so you may get the full benefits from your cannabis experience.

We are going to journey into the world of terpenes!

First up is one of my all time favorite terpenes, Limonene!

This terpene has shown to be great for my anxiety and depression by uplifting spirits with no heart racing feeling. Limonene has a ton of other benefits as well!

It is the second most abundant terpene in nature according to current research. As with many beneficial substances, limonene is produced in the trichomes or flowers of the cannabis plant. It is found in a variety of cultivars as well as citrus fruits, pine, juniper, rosemary, celery, fennel, caraway, and mint. There are two varieties of limonene: d-limonene has a distinct citrusy odor, while l-limonene smells rather like turpentine. Limonene is used in commercial food flavorings, cosmetics, fragrances, and cleaning products, along with being popular for its use in aromatherapy.

As part of the entourage effect, limonene interacts with several cannabinoids including CBD-A, CBC-A, THC-A, CBG, and CBC; it also functions alongside other terpenes such as beta-caryophyllene and linalool to positively impact the effect of cannabis cultivars containing these terpenes as well as limonene. It has been found to increase the permeability of cell membranes, or how easily substances pass into and out of the cell wall, which could contribute to this effect. One of limonene’s significant properties is reducing the anxiety that can be produced by THC as well as producing a feeling of well-being.

Highlights:

Anti-Fungal

Stress Reliever

Relieves Anxiety

Relieves Heartburn

Increases Blood Flow

Antibacterial

Improves absorption of other terpenes

Cultivars(Strains) that tend to be high in Limonene:

Tropicana Cookies

Durban Poison

Hindu Kush

Cookies and Cream

GG4

Liberty Haze

Lemon G

Sour Diesel 2

Due to the nature of how each grower breeds, the cultivar's genetics could possibly switch the potency of any terpene normally found in the strains. When looking for your Terpene profile best suited for you, I would suggest asking your budtenders for the COA which breaks down each compound found in each cultivar. Not every terpene works the same for everyone. You have to listen to your body and take note of how you react to them for a better understanding on how they affect your body.

We have many more Terpenes (Terps) to explore, the vast universe of Cannabis awaits!

-Universe With Jaz