Cannabis Basics
Limonene Terpene: Effects, Flavours and Cannabis Strains
Limonene, or D-limonene, is the second most common terpene in nature and is found in many cannabis strains.
Last updated March 13, 2025 | Published on December 21, 2020
Our terpene spotlight is an in-depth exploration of the 5 most common terpenes found in cannabis: myrcene, pinene, linalool and beta-caryophyllene.
Quick refresher: Terpenes are fragrant oils found in plants (not just cannabis) that have unique smells, tastes and properties. Limonene is a well-named terpene that you will probably recognize from, you guessed it, lemons, limes and other citrus fruits. Here, we take a deep dive into this common terpene, covering its natural sources, commercial uses and the reported effects of limonene.
What does limonene smell like?
The smell of limonene is bright and sharp with an invigorating zestiness. Think of the invigorating aroma that fills the room when you first tear into an orange peel or zest a lemon. True to its name, limonene contributes to the unmistakable smell of lemons and limes, found mainly in the peels.
In the world of cannabis, citrusy scent can be a telltale of a strain high in limonene. However, every strain contains a bouquet of multiple terpenes that are expressed in different levels, even from one grow to the next. In other words, limonene can show up differently from strain to strain.
What does limonene taste like?
A harmonious blend of sweet and bitter, tangy and sour, limonene’s aroma is best described by its namesake fruit, lemon. Limonene contributes to the familiar flavour profile of citrus fruits and makes an appearance in some more subtle herbs, trees and shrubs, such as:
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lemons and limes
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oranges and mandarins
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grapefruit
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juniper
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sumac
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mint
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dill
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cedar
Smoking cannabis will heat it above the boiling point of limonene, which might degrade some of the lemony goodness.
To get the most flavourful experience from your limonene-rich strain, consider using a vaporizer and be sure to set the temperature between 330°F and 350°F (165°C to 177°C). Since limonene has a boiling point of about 350.6°F (177°C), keeping your vaporizer just below this temperature can help you extract its bright, citrusy flavor without degrading it.
If you’re new to vaporizing flower, remember it can feel less harsh than smoking, making it easier to overdo it. As with any method, start low and go slow.
Where is limonene found?
Plants use limonene to repel insects and protect themselves from threats — and so do we! Citronella candles and some bug sprays use limonene to keep pests at bay. Limonene also has solvent properties that break up grime and grease, making it a popular addition to many lemony-fresh household cleaning products.
Commercially, limonene is added to food, beverages and medicine to boost the citrus flavour and aroma. In fact, limonene’s potent taste is often used to balance food flavours or mask unpleasant tastes in medicine.
What are the reported effects of limonene?
The short answer is that we don’t know for certain. There’s limited evidence to link high-limonene cannabis strains to specific effects. Cannabis strains contain multiple terpenes and cannabinoids, making it hard to claim limonene alone is responsible for any reported effects. However, limonene in isolation has been studied in rodents (for example, reduced inflammation was seen in mice) and humans (such as improved mood in a small trial with lemon essential oil).
You may have heard about emerging research around limonene’s effect on THC-induced anxiety and paranoia. A small 2024 human study had participants inhale vaporized THC, some with limonene and some without. Those who inhaled vaporized THC with limonene reported significantly fewer anxious or paranoid feelings compared to THC alone. However, this study used pure THC and isolated limonene —not cannabis strains — and tested high doses (30 mg THC plus 15 mg limonene). While these findings are interesting to learn about, it’s important to keep the following in mind.
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There’s no evidence that high limonene strains will cause less anxiety. Individual experiences with the many other compounds in cannabis will vary.
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Consuming more high limonene cannabis will not improve your experience if you are already feeling intoxicated. If you’re already feeling anxious or paranoid from THC, adding more cannabis (even with limonene) is not a safe solution.
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Limonene will not impact the rate of onset or duration of intoxication from THC. The study didn’t show limonene affects how THC is processed or how long it lasts. Always start low and go slow.
These effects in no way prove that higher limonene strains will reduce anxiety, nor that consuming more cannabis containing limonene when you’re uncomfortably intoxicated is a good idea. The study also didn’t demonstrate limonene had any effect on the absorption or duration of the effects of THC. In other words, do not overconsume high limonene strains.
Research on cannabis and its related effects is ongoing, and over time, more information on terpenes such as limonene will become widely available. It’s important to balance any perceived positive effects associated with limonene with the reported negative effects of cannabis consumption.
The bottom line: There isn’t enough evidence to support any claims linking limonene content in a particular strain to any specific effect. However, you can use a strain’s terpene profile to choose your favourite aroma or taste.
