Terpene Limonene

Limonene is a monocyclic monoterpene commonly found across cannabis cultivars, citrus plants, and various aromatic herbs. In cannabis breeding programs, limonene frequently appears as a secondary or primary volatile compound, often associated with bright, citrus-forward aroma profiles. Lineage records and lab analysis consistently detect limonene in strains descended from certain Sativa and hybrid stock, though environmental factors and harvest timing influence its expression. Breeders working with limonene-rich genetics often observe variability in concentration across phenotypes within the same seed lot. The compound's presence in terpene profiles is documented through gas chromatography and similar analytical methods used to characterize cannabis cultivars.

Breeders select for or against limonene-dominant phenotypes based on target aroma profiles and market preferences. Limonene expression patterns help distinguish phenotypic variation within F1 and stabilized hybrid lines.