Limonene

Limonene is a monocyclic monoterpene commonly found in cannabis alongside citrus fruits, pine, and herbs. In cannabis breeding, limonene frequently appears as a secondary or primary terpene profile, often associated with strains carrying Lemon Skunk, Sour Diesel, or Citral-dominant lineages. Breeders track limonene expression through phenotype selection and controlled crosses, as terpene ratios influence overall volatile profiles. The compound is documented across multiple cannabis chemotypes and grows more volatile when plants are dried and cured under standard conditions. Limonene stability and expression vary significantly based on genetics, cultivation environment, and post-harvest handling, making it a reliable but variable breeding marker.

Cannabis breeders working with citrus-forward aroma profiles often select for limonene-dominant plants to establish consistent chemotype families. Limonene expression is heritable but environmentally responsive, requiring controlled phenotype testing across multiple generations to stabilize desired profiles in seed populations.