Casey Jones

Limonene is a wonderful aromatic found in the peels of citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes (Hence its name). It provides a fruity-citrus taste and often lends itself to a delightfully sweet smell. Unfortunately there is not a large body of research into the specific biological effects or methods of action; However, some small studies exist and when combined data gathered from the experiences of those who smoke strains high in limonene, we can form a more clear picture of what effects it offers.

Limonene is most often associated with elevated mood and stress relief so there is limited clinical evidence that limonene heavy strains have more powerful anxiolytic (anxiety reducing) properties.

Of Limonene’s most interesting medical benefits is its potential cancer fighting capabilities. Limonene has been found to slow the growth of skin, breast, and mammary, tumors[2] [13] [5] in both humans and mouse models. Another study [8] found that taking limonene supplements for 4-6 weeks helped stopped the production of a protein called IGFBP-3, which in turn lead to a reduction in breast tumor growth. Other labs have found benefits to limonene in Brain and Lung cancer models [14] [12]. It has also been found that limonene may help relieve the discomfort of heartburn and gastric reflux.

Limonene also seems to improve the absorption of other terpenes in delivery methods like topical lotions and balms as well as oral or sublingual administration routes. For this reason it is ideal when making edibles or THC/CBD lotions.

For many years Linalool was overlooked in research labs and rarely got to steal the spotlight, but in recent years Linalool has been building a following as more and more therapeutic benefits emerge in the research. In nature Linalool can be found in over 200 different types of plants but its smell is most often likened to that of lavender. Linalool appears to offer powerful anti-microbial effects, which helps keep cannabis and other plants that produce high amounts of it safe. Linalool has also been found in the lab to reduce anxiety [1] and lower the display of depression associated behaviors [4]. Also Mice exposed to linalool Vapour seemed to have better resilience against the bodily harms of stress [10]

As it name so obviously suggests, Pinene smells like a pine tree. Pine isn’t just found in pine trees, its actually the most abundant terpene in nature and can also be found conifer trees, orange peels, turpentine, rosemary, dill, basil, and parsley. In cannabis Pinene can provide powerful anti-inflammatory effects [6], soothing anti-anxiety effects, mild pain relief, and α-Pinene may even help prevent the short term memory impairment commonly associated with a cannabis high [11]

Humulene produces earthy woody notes that consumers may relate to that of beer for a very good reason; cannabis and beer hops share Humulene as a common terpene.

The body of medical and biological research surrounding α- Humulene is augmented by the fact that it has been found to be an important ingredient to the medical effects of ginseng. Like Limonene, α-Humulene has been found to have some cancer fighting properties. Humulene can produce Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) [7] which plays an important role in the fight against tumors.

Another study from 2016 [3] confirmed that α-Humulene has both anticancer and analgesic (pain-reducing) qualities.