Limonene is the terpene behind the bright, citrusy smell of lemons, oranges and limes. It is found in high amounts in citrus peels, and it is also common in cannabis. Strains with names hinting at lemon, orange, tangie or "sour" often feature limonene near the top of their terpene list.
In cannabis culture, limonene is often linked to an "uplifting" mood. As with other terpenes, research in people is limited, and the label does not guarantee any effect. How a product feels depends mostly on the cannabinoids, the amount you use and your tolerance. We describe limonene by aroma and flavor.
If you enjoy zesty, sweet or sour citrus notes, limonene-forward products are a good place to explore. You will notice it most in fresh flower and in terpene-rich concentrates like live resin, live rosin and sauce. In distillate products, citrus flavors are often added back with terpenes from other sources, so check the ingredients.
On a terpene panel, limonene is listed as a percentage alongside others. Comparing panels across a few products is a simple way to learn what you like. Like all terpenes, limonene evaporates with heat and time, so fresh, well-stored products keep more of it.