Citral Terpene

Citral is a monoterpene compound commonly found in cannabis cultivars, often associated with lemon, lime, and citrus-forward aromatic profiles. The compound exists as two isomers—geranial and neral—which together contribute to the characteristic bright, sharp notes breeders frequently observe in certain lineages. Citral-rich strains are often tagged as exhibiting pronounced citrus terpene expression, though individual cultivar profiles vary significantly based on growing conditions and genetic background. This terpene is not unique to cannabis; it occurs naturally in lemongrass, citrus peels, and other botanical sources. Breeders working with high-citral genetics typically document these traits across multiple generations to establish stability and predictability in offspring.

Breeders select for citral expression when developing cultivars marketed for specific aromatic profiles and terpene diversity. Citral-dominant lineages serve as parent stock for crossing programs aimed at producing offspring with defined sensory characteristics and terpene complexity.