The terpene, called limonene, is commonly found in citrus fruits and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. In a study published in the journal “Psychopharmacology,” researchers found that adding limonene to THC reduced anxiety and paranoia in study participants.
The study’s lead author, Dr. Jacob Vigil, an associate professor at the University of New Mexico, said that the findings could have significant implications for the medical use of cannabis. “This could be a game-changer,” he said in a press release. “Given the growing popularity of cannabis extracts with high THC content, it’s critical that we find ways to mitigate some of the negative effects associated with THC.”
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the psychoactive compound in marijuana that gives users the “high” associated with the drug. While THC has some therapeutic benefits, it can also cause anxiety, paranoia, and other negative side effects in some users.
The researchers say that adding limonene to THC could help make cannabis extracts with high THC content safer and more effective. They also say that the findings could have implications for the regulation of cannabis products, which are increasingly being used for medical purposes.
“By showing that terpenes like limonene can modulate the effects of THC, we hope to inspire further research into the therapeutic potential of cannabis and its chemical constituents,” said Vigil. “Ultimately, this could lead to new treatments for a wide range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, and chronic pain.”
