by Nebula Haze
“Lemon” Scented Cannabis Strains May Be More Relaxing
Current research shows that a lemon-smelling terpene known as d-Limonene may reduce THC-induced anxiety effects for some people. D-Limonene is one of the most common terpenes in nature. But you find the highest amounts of d-Limonene in citrus fruits, especially in rind oil from lemons, oranges, and limes. D-Limonene is only found in a smaller subset of cannabis strains. For growers looking to maximize relaxation and reduce paranoia, we compiled a list of strains that test extra high in d-limonene, including one superstar strain.
Surprising Result: Interestingly, although d-Limonene is considered to smell like lemons, upon lab testing, a lot of the highest levels we found were in “Mandarin”, “Sour”, “Diesel”, “Cookies”, and “Gorilla Glue” cannabis strains. When we examined all our lab results from over the years, we were surprised to learn that many “Lemon” strains did not necessarily have the highest levels of this terpene compared to others, though of course there are exceptions. Keep reading for specific strain “Lemon” scented suggestions.
Strain names that tend to have higher amounts of d-Limonene often include these words (of course, not always):
- Mandarin
- Sour
- Diesel
- Cookies
- Gorilla Glue
The Power of Lemon in Terpenes Like d-Limonene
Have you ever noticed that you may feel different effects from different strains of weed? When it comes to cannabis, it’s not just THC that affects the “high” or how you feel. Cannabis contains other compounds, including terpenes like d-Limonene, that alter the overall experience from smoking or vaporizing.
Did You Know? The “entourage effect” is how different compounds work together to change how you feel from different strains. Just like a celebrity with an entourage of bodyguards and assistants, THC has an entourage of chemical compounds in weed. The most studied are CBD and terpenes like d-Limonene.
Why is cannabis-based d-Limonene special?
D-limonene is a terpene that affects the experience of weed. Terpenes are smelly compounds found in plants, which often give them their distinct odor. For example pine trees get their smell from pinene. And Linalool is responsible for the unique floral scent of lavender, also contributing to the smells of coriander and mint.
Cannabis buds contain an array of different terpenes that create a bouquet of smells for each strain. However, only some strains contain d-Limonene.
Each cannabis strain has different levels of terpenes and cannabinoids.
How does d-Limonene reduce anxiety and enhance relaxation?
In this study, it was found that higher amounts of limonene while vaporizing weed reduced the likelihood of cannabis enthusiasts or patients experiencing the “paranoia” effect.
Anecdotally, citrus-scented strains are often noted for their relaxing effects. Here is one last anecdote from when we went through our data for this article. After we determined which strains contained the highest levels of d-Limonene, we noted that many of these strains had been described subjectively as being specifically relaxing and anti-anxiety.
Those two anecdotes plus a small study doesn’t prove anything, but if you’re looking for relaxing weed it seems worth giving d-Limonene strains a try to see if it works for you.
My 7 Favorite “Lemon” Scented Strains with High d-Limonene
In celebration of d-Limonene, I wanted to share 7 strains that contain relatively higher amounts of this terpene. These strains often tend to have hints of citrus smell in the buds, but sometimes you don’t actually smell the citrus smell, especially if it has strong other smells. For example, many “Cookies” strains (like Platinum Cookies), or “Sour” strains (like Sour Diesel) have significant amounts of d-Limonene, but the “lemon” smell doesn’t come through except perhaps as a note of citrus.
How did we make this list? Some of these strains were lab tested by others, but many were lab tested ourselves, as stated in each description.
We lab-test our homegrown buds to help track what does and doesn’t work. We’ve experimented with growing techniques, grow light direct comparisons, soil vs coco, and more. Check out our side-by-side grow experiments to see some of the tests we’ve conducted. We’ve tested just under a hundred different homegrown buds. It was exciting to realize we could use that data to run a little “mini-study” on d-Limonene based on results in the field over several years. Let us know if you’d like to see any particular experiments with lab tests.
Here are our best picks for d-Limonene.
#1 Strain for d-Limonene: Mandarin Cookies by Ethos Genetics
This strain beat all others on the list. When we got our Mandarin Cookies buds tested at the lab, all the samples were at least around 1% d-Limonene. One sample was even 1.4% d-Limonene. That means 1.4% of all the dried mass of the buds was the terpene d-Limonene. On top of that it measured 26.9% THC under an HID grow light, and 28.3% THC when grown under an HLG LED grow light. That means almost 1/3 of the buds of this strain (by dry weight) were either THC or d-Limonene. That easily puts Mandarin Cookies at that top of the list!
Our Mandarin Cookies not only had great effects, but buds are super photogenic.
Our lab results:
- Mandarin Cookies Lab Result #1 (PDF) – Grown with 315W ceramic metal halide light)
- Mandarin Cookies Lab Result #2 (PDF) – Grown with 350W HLG LED grow light. As a side note, this grow light produces the highest THC and terpenes of any grow lights we’ve tried so far.
At that time, there wasn’t any scientific studies on d-Limenine, but I can anecdotally attest that everyone found the Mandarin Cookies buds to be particularly relaxing and gave everyone good vibes. This seems to go along with the idea that this terpene may increase relaxing effects.
Get Mandarin Cookies seeds by Ethos.
One of the Mandarin Cookies plants we grew. Buds were incredibly sparkly.
Of the two plants, the Mandarin Cookies grown under the HLG 350W LED grow light (here’s the full setup) produced the highest amounts of THC and d-Limonene.
Mandarin Cookies just before harvest.
Those Mandarin Cookies buds after harvest.
7 More Awesome Strains with Abundant Limonene
Surprising Result: Interestingly, although d-Limonene is considered to smell like lemons, upon lab testing, a lot of the highest levels were found in “Mandarin”, “Sour”, “Orange”, “Diesel”, “Cookies”, and “Gorilla Glue” strains. When we examined all our lab results from over the years, we were surprised to learn that many “Lemon” strains did not necessarily have the highest levels of this terpene compared to others, though of course there are exceptions.
Here are examples of other strains we’ve tested (or have been tested by other growers or breeders) and found to have above-average levels of d-Limonene.
1.) Zoap by MSNL (Rainbow Sherbet x Pink Guava)
I thought this was kind of a strange name for such a fruity strain, but as they say “a rose by any other name would smell as sweet”. In addition to high amounts of d-Limonene, Zoap buds have a sweet berry citrus smell that’s pleasant and fruity. Buds produce over 25% THC, so the potency is very high. Another reason home growers love this strain is it tends to produce big yields, yet is forgiving and beginner-friendly.
2.) Strawberry Sorbet by DNA Genetics
This strain has indica-leaning genetics and it naturally grows in a Christmas tree shape with just one main bud. But unusually for an indica strain, it grows a bit tall and stretchy, making these plants great candidates for plant training. You can make it grow bushy with many buds by topping it (cutting of the top) when the young plant has 5-6 full sets of leaves. Then gently spread out the branches (down and away from the center of the plant) as it grows so plants grow wide and flat. This results in excellent yields with lots of big main buds all over the plant.
Get Strawberry Sorbet by DNA Genetics.
Try to spread this plant out wide as it grows, or it will get tall.
Strawberry Sorbet effects have been described as giving you fresh energy.
3.) GG Lemon by Seed Supreme
We found in our tests that many Gorilla Glue (“GG”) strains have surprisingly high amounts of d-Limonene. This Gorilla Glue strain in particular has honed in on the lemon scent.
Get GG Lemon seeds by Seed Supreme.
Strains with Gorilla Glue (“GG”) ancestry like GG Lemon often produce more d-Limonene.
4.) Candy Games #38 by Happy Valley Genetics
Candy Games #38 is a fruity strain by a relatively new breeder known as Happy Valley Genetics. I’ve been really impressed by this breeder so far and their Candy strains are prized for giving energetic effects without being overwhelming. This particular strain makes purple-tinted buds that are tight and sparkly. Check out their homepage for more information.
Get Candy Games #38 by Happy Valley Genetics.
“Candy Games” is right!
5.) Platinum Cookies by Seed Supreme
This is just an all around easy-to-grow strain with amazing bud results. The Platinum Cookies plants were by far the favorite strain from that grow, and coincidentally have higher amounts of d-Limonene.
The one thing about this strain is it does tend to get a bit tall, and has a slightly longer flowering stage than average (about 10-12 weeks), due to its Sativa-leaning genetics. That being said, the yields and bud quality are outstanding and I highly recommend it for any grower. Check out my full strain review of Platinum Cookies.
Get Platinum Cookies by Seed Supreme.
One of the Platinum Cookies we grew.
6.) Nitro Lemon Haze by MSNL
Another strain by MSNL that is relatively heavy in d-Limonene. This is a great option for those who don’t like a a “heavy” or debilitating stone. This is perfect if you instead seek a “Sativa” high that is more psychedelic and energetic.
Unlike other similar Haze strains, this strain has a normal flowering time that only needs about 10 weeks before buds are ready to harvest. That also means it can be a good choice for growing outdoors in a climate that has a shorter summer.
This was our Lemon Haze plant from MSNL. Big ol’ buds!
7.) Tropicana Cookies Purple by Seed Supreme
This is one of those strains that is just a pleasure to grow, buds look gorgeous, and the bud effects are outstanding.
5 Special Mentions
Besides the Sour Diesel, these haven’t been specifically tested for d-Limonene by me, but are delicious strains with relaxing effects:
- San Fernando Lemon Kush by Sweet Seeds
- Super Lemon Haze by Seed Supreme
- Sour Diesel by Royal Queen Seeds (this one tested high in d-Limonene, though it didn’t smell much like lemons)
- Amnesia Fast by Seedsman (very quick to harvest compared to most strains)
- Northern Tropic by Elev8 Seeds
Auto-flowering Strains with High d-Limonene
Auto-flowering strains are your ticket to a speedy harvest. Most strains are ready to harvest 2-3 months from germination. Learn about auto-flowering strains compared to typical photoperiod strains..
- CheMACal Romance Auto by DNA Genetics – Primary terpene is limonene in tests, beautiful buds, fast to harvest.
- Cream Mandarine Autoflower by Seed Supreme – Citrusy with an underlying “sweet cream” flavor make this one special! Reminiscent of a creamsicle.
- Gorilla Glue Auto by Fast Buds – This isn’t listed as having a lemon scent (though it does say it has a fruity sour smell). However, when we got these tested at the lab the buds were almost 0.5% d-Limonene.
These Gorilla Glue Auto buds tested at 0.5% d-Limonene at the lab.
Gorilla Glue Auto by Fast Buds bud up close. Sparkly!
5 Grow Tips to Maximize d-Limonene
Besides growing a high d-Limonene strain, here are grow tactics to maximize terpenes like d-Limonene in your buds after harvest.
- Not Hot – Avoid letting grow space get over 80°F / 27°F if possible. Learn how to keep the grow space cool and breezy.
- Not Humid – Avoid letting humidity get over 60% if possible. High humidity is a bud killer. It results in airy buds, slower growth, smaller yields, lower potency, and less smell overall. Plus high humidity can cause bud rot if buds get too fat. Learn all about humidity when growing cannabis.
- Harvest at the Right Time – Cannabis buds have peak potency and terpenes when buds are mature. Harvesting buds too early gives you buds with lower potency and smell. Give buds enough time to create all the good stuff! See pictures of ready-to-harvest cannabis buds.
- Dry Buds Properly – Slow drying buds over several day helps keep all your terpenes including d-Limonene. Most important, avoid air-drying buds in a place that gets hot or humid. Learn how to dry your cannabis buds like a pro.
- “Cure” Your Buds – Cure buds in jars for at least 2 weeks before smoking – Both the smell and potency/effects of cannabis buds improve and intensify during the curing process. Learn how to cure your buds perfectly every time.
Bonus Tip: I have not tried this, but some growers swear by Sweet Citrus by Botanicare.
The Botanicare Sweet line is a unique set of organic cannabis grow supplements that claim to “provides aroma and flavor” via “bioactive esters” that enhance bud fragrance and produces a specific smell in cannabis plants. Besides Citrus they also have an unflavored Raw Sugar Sweet supplement that seems to be the most popular from this line.
The Sweet Citrus supplement claims to enhance citrus smell in cannabis buds.
Follow the above grow tips to maximize terpenes and d-Limonene.
Conclusion: Embrace Lemon Strains!
Here is a summary of today’s article.
New research shows that a lemon-smelling terpene known as d-Limonene may reduce THC-induced anxiety effects for some people. D-Limonene is only found in a smaller subset of cannabis strains.
For growers looking to maximize relaxation and reduce paranoia, we compiled a list of strains that test extra high in d-limonene.
In our lab tests, we found that these strain names often have higher amounts of d-Limonene compared to others, though of course this is not foolproof:
Look out for these words in strain names.
- Mandarin
- Sour
- Diesel
- Cookies
- Gorilla Glue
Did you enjoy this article? If so, contact us and let us know! Also don’t hesitate to share your favorite strains or pictures.
About the Author: Nebula Haze
Nebula Haze is a dedicated cannabis enthusiast and co-creator of GrowWeedEasy.com, the go-to resource for every aspect of cannabis cultivation. With years of hands-on experience growing cannabis at home, Nebula has used her passion for simplifying the grow process to help countless growers transform their grows and achieve amazing yields and bud quality at home. She uses her in-depth knowledge to create simple, easy-to-follow tutorials that make learning to grow weed easy and fun.
In this article, Nebula dives into the fascinating world of terpenes, especially d-Limonene, and its potential to enhance relaxation and reduce anxiety via the entourage effect. Through her detailed guides, practical tips, and personal insights, Nebula’s approach to empower growers of all levels to cultivate the best cannabis possible. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve your results, Nebula’s expertise and enthusiasm are here at GrowWeedEasy.com to guide you every step of the way.
Nebula Haze wishing you abundant harvests!
Don’t miss out on the latest tips, tricks, and expert advice from Nebula Haze! Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get the best cannabis cultivation tactics delivered straight to you every Sunday morning at 4:20 am.
