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Writer's pictureNicole Flanigan

Terpene Isolates 101: Limonene

Updated: Feb 21, 2020

If you’re just getting started with terpenes, odds are you’re wondering how each isolate can be used. Terpene isolates can be used in hemp, CBD, and cannabis products as well as concentrates, vapes, and even in foods, beverages, and aromatherapy infusions. This week, we’re diving deeper into the mood-enhancing and citrus-scented terpene isolate, Limonene.

Limonene Terpene Isolate found in Oranges and Citrus

Limonene Isolate Terpenes

Limonene is a cannabis terpene that is produced in the flower’s resin glands (trichomes). It’s also found in citrus fruit rinds, but it can also be found synthetically in things like cosmetics, cleaning supplies, fruit gum, ice cream, and soda. Some say it smells similar to turpentine or lemon pine-sol, though the majority say it tastes like lemon, tangerine, or grapefruit.


Limonene is most commonly used as a potent stress reliever and mood-enhancer as it provides energizing mental effects. Some studies claim Limonene is useful as an anti-inflammatory and possible aid in weight-loss due to its impact on our metabolisms. Other studies claim it’s effectiveness as an antibacterial and antifungal agent, hence its appearance in many household cleaning products. It can be found naturally in most citrus fruits, and it is found in trace amounts (around 2%) in fruity cannabis strains like Tahoe OG and Wedding Cake.


Benefits of Limonene Isolate Terpenes

Limonene shows a variety of different effects and health benefits, including mood improvement, stress relief, antibacterial and antifungal properties, and relief from gastric reflux or heartburn. Studies have shown Limonene can also improve how effectively our bodies absorb terpenes, cannabinoids, nutrients, and vitamins through the skin, digestive tract, and mucous membranes.


For one thing, Limonene can increase the levels of dopamine and serotonin our brains secrete in parts of the brain responsible for depression, anxiety, and OCD. For this reason, Limonene can be used as a mood enhancer, antidepressant, and antianxiety in high doses. However, most cannabis strains produce less than 2% Limonene, so to enjoy the effects, you’ll need to introduce more to your body than what is available through smoking cannabis alone.


The same can be said for Limonene’s cancer-killing properties. Some evidence suggests Limonene can inhibit cancer cell growth and tumors. In a clinical trial, Limonene was found to be effective at reducing breast cancer tumor growth for a year. When taken daily as a supplement, Limonene was found to silence and inhibit the protein that promotes cancer growth from being produced, suggesting that daily consumption inhibits the growth and spread of cancerous mammary tumors. In the same vein, other reports have shown Limonene’s effectiveness in treating lung cancer and brain cancer by causing the cancerous cells to die.


However, Limonene’s most significant benefit is its antibacterial and antifungal properties. Since Limonene is easily absorbed through the skin, it makes a great addition to skincare products and cosmetics. Not only does Limonene improve the smell of these products, but it’s also shown to lower the number of harmful bacteria on the skin. When applied to the face consistently, anecdotal evidence suggests fewer breakouts and inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. Limonene is also prevalent in many household cleaners. A study showed Limonene’s ability to kill dangerous but common strains of household bacteria, including staph and salmonella.


Natural Sources of Limonene Isolate

Natural Sources of Limonene Terpene Isolates

TLDR; Limonene Terpene Benefits

  • Anti-inflammatory

  • Anti-anxiety

  • Anti-depressant

  • Anti-Tumor

  • Anti-oxidant

  • Anti-fungal

  • Anti-bacterial

  • Anti-viral

  • Immunity-boosting

  • Blood-sugar modulating

  • Decreases blood pressure

  • Muscle relaxant

  • Relieves stress

  • Soothes heartburn

  • Soothes gastric reflux

  • Mood-boosting

  • Repels insects

  • Can make THC/CBD more effective within the body

Peak Supply Co Limonene Terpene Isolate

Common uses for Limonene Isolate

Limonene terpenes can be safely added to all sorts of products to encourage a happier mood, more energy, and cleanliness. It can safely be eaten, drank, infused, and inhaled with a little bit of mixing. It can also be used to improve cannabis products like vapes and concentrates that may have lost flavors, cannabinoid potency, or terpene content during extraction.


Limonene can be added to cleaning supplies to give your products an extra boost of antifungal and antibacterial properties. It can also be added to cosmetics and skincare products to help kill harmful bacteria that live on our skin, reducing breakouts and acne.

Add Limonene terpenes to foods and beverages to enjoy the antibacterial effects as well as improve your mood, soothe heartburn, and improve vitamin absorption within the whole body. A few drops in your morning juice can help you tackle your day with an uplifted and positive attitude and also encourage your body to operate at peak performance.


Add Limonene terpenes to essential oil diffusers and aromatherapy infusions to encourage a positive attitude and energy during meditative practices like yoga or vigorous exercise.

Add Limonene terpenes to concentrates made from strains with high Limonene content, such as Strawberry Banana, Do-Si-Dos, Cinex, White Fire OG, or Banana OG to improve quality, potency, flavor, and effects.

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