When life gives you lemons, you should expertly finesse their scent and essence into some of the world’s most beloved cannabis strains. Which is precisely what the inventors of the following fan favorites did.
Lemon-flavored cannabis strains are popular for a number of reasons. But, generally speaking, they’re known for their delightful aroma, refreshing taste, and unique terpene profiles. Yet, beyond their shared fragrance and flavor, each lemon strain is highly unique. In addition to varying effects and appearances, even their tastes will vary, to some extent.
Below, we provide a deep dive for those who’ve taken a shine to the crisp and clear world of lemon-scented cannabis.
Source: Alejo Turola pexels
What Are Lemon Strains?
In our book, the best lemon strains are those that capture the quintessential essence of fresh lemons—but beyond this core feature, have their own distinctive features. In fact, no two lemon strains will necessarily produce the same effects, THC levels, or for that matter, even have the same terpenes.
Some members of the lemon cannabis family are heavily indica-dominant while others lean more towards the sativa side. Certain strains boast upwards of 21% THC, while a handful have more modest levels.
When it comes to terpene profiles, you may notice the following five strains share less overlap than you may think. This said, if a strain has “lemon” in its name, there’s a decent chance it contains some level of a terpene called limonene. Limonene is a compound found in actual lemons and limes—and therefore, many weed strains high in limonene have a classically lemon fragrance and flavor. Some cannabis strains high in limonene include Lemon Haze feminized seeds and Gushers auto-flowering feminized seeds. While the latter isn’t technically classified as a lemon strain, it has a pronounced, citrus taste (similar to the candy).
Lemon OG Kush Feminized Seeds
Euphoric, gleeful, and relaxing, Lemon OG Kush is a perfectly balanced hybrid with a THC content of 22%. This strain has a prompt flowering time of 55-65 days and exudes an earthy, spicy scent with hints of citrus and lemon.
Characteristics and Effects
This strain’s effects are paradoxically calming and invigorating. Potently psychoactive, Lemon OG plants tend to encourage a giggly, gleeful good time paired with an uptick in mental sharpness and drive. You can also expect a heavy body high that sets in gradually.
These cannabis plants are also a treat for the eyes: vivid green, they grow buds that form in compact clusters. So long as they are properly cared for, they will develop eye-catching flowers with a coating of resinous trichomes. Lemon OG plants may also develop subtle hues of yellow and orange.
Aroma and Flavor Profile
This strain contains zesty citrus notes delicately balanced with undertones of earth and spice. In this sense, Lemon OG Kush is ideal for those who prefer the contrast of bright, fresh lemons with more grounding, herbal flavors.
Super Lemon Haze Feminized Seeds
A sativa-dominant strain, Super Laze Haze has its fair share of hard-won panache. A cannabis culture darling, it received the High Times Cannabis Cup in both 2008 and 2009. In addition to being an award-winning strain, its dynamic lineage traces back to both Las Vegas and Holland; Its parent strains are Lemon Skunk and Super Silver Haze.
Super Lemon Haze Feminized Seeds contain a generous dose of sativa—around 80% of its total genetics. It also has a flowering time of 60-70 days and a hefty THC content of approximately 22%. Its taste and aroma profile are described as sweet, spicy, and similar to fresh lemons.
Characteristics and Effects
Categorized as a quintessential wake-and-bake, Super Lemon Haze is best suited to the daytime thanks to its cerebral effects. In addition to providing physical and mental energy, it is known to clarify thoughts and enhance attentiveness.
Many describe its effects as a mixture of euphoria topped off with a renewed sense of purpose and verve. If you’ve been struggling with languor or lackluster motivation, this strain may help you re-discover your enthusiasm for a favorite hobby, activity, or project.
Aroma and Terpene Profile
Most lemon weed strains will have some similarity in their terpene profile since they all exude lemon scents. While Super Lemon Haze does contain caryophyllene and myrcene, it differs from Lemon Diesel in that its dominant terpene is terpinolene. This particular terpene is especially multidimensional and can be found in lilac, nutmeg, and apples. It is often described as a mixture of robust herbs and fresh citrus.
Lemon Skunk Auto-flowering Feminized Seeds
Minty and sweet, Lemon Skunk Auto-flowering Feminized Seeds spark a palpable sense of joy. This upbeat strain is capable of transitioning dreary moods into a pleasant sense of mellow cheer. The sole auto-flowering strain on our list, Lemon Skunk plants contain a blend of 10% ruderalis, 30% indica, and 60% sativa.
Growers who crave efficiency will be pleased by this strain’s relatively prompt 50-60 day flowering phase. On average, cultivators can expect yields of about 350 grams per square meter indoors and 500 grams per plant outdoors.
Effects
This strain tends to support an upbeat, invigorated state of mind. You can anticipate sprightly fascination with your surroundings and a fast-acting sense of whimsy. Like any epic hybrid, its cognitive effects are expertly counterbalanced by its indica characteristics; it has an understated ability to curb any overwhelming feelings, resulting in an elegant interplay between cozy, dream-like serenity and pure get-up-and-go.
Terpene Profile
This strain’s most abundant terpene is caryophyllene. Peppery and poignant, this compound is also found in basil and oregano. In Lemon Skunk Auto, it produces a warm, spicy, and pungent scent. This plant also contains minimal levels of myrcene and limonene—which contribute to herbal and pine-like aromas.
Source: Mae Mu unsplash
Sour Lemon OG Feminized Seeds
This strain is the offspring of California Sour and Lemon OG (which also answers to the name “Lemon OG Kush”). In addition to its signature citrus flavor and scent, it contains notes of lime and apple.
Sour Lemon OG Feminized Cannabis Seeds are a near-perfect balance of sativa and indica. Specifically, they contain 40 percent indica and 60 percent sativa genetics.
With proper care, this plant develops green, robust buds covered in fiery orange pistils and snow-white trichomes. Tart and tasty, this strain is best known for its cognitively and physically invigorating effects. On average, Sour Lemon OG plants have a flowering stage of 70-80 days, a 17% THC content, and produce relaxed, uplifted sensations accompanied by notes of lemon and lime.
Characteristics and Effects
Sour Lemon OG cannabis strain has won the hearts of many marijuana enthusiasts thanks to its propensity to heighten cerebral perceptions and add an extra pep to their step.
These plants often enhance creative motivation and provide a more vivid, imaginative way of understanding your own surroundings. While this uptick in mental clarity is certainly the star of the show, this strain’s slightly subtle, indica presence plays a key supporting role. If you prefer the contradictory mixture of indulgently winding down and vividly winding up, this strain may just make it to the top of your list.
Aroma Profile
Similar to the Super Lemon Haze strain, Sour Lemon OG has a terpene profile containing myrcene and terpinolene. However, it also contains limonene. This compound is found in the peels of actual lemons and limes—therefore, there’s no surprise it is commonly associated with citrus strains.
While many of our plant varieties exude citrus notes in a more multifaceted or nuanced way, this strain gets straight to the point with its no-nonsense lemon scent.
Lemon Diesel
This strain’s 90 percent indica component makes for a deeply lulling experience. Many describe Lemon Diesel Feminized Seeds as reminiscent of lemons, but also, similar to the taste of fresh grapes. This plant has a THC level of 21% and is an ideal strain for growers with an intermediate level of growing experience. It also averages yields of 450 grams per square meter indoors, and 800 grams per plant outdoors.
Characteristics and Effects
These plants reach lanky lengths and grow broad, long leaves with hints of dusky violet. Once you’ve harvested your Lemon Diesel plants, keep in mind that they may take longer than your average cannabis strain to develop their full effects. Even if you’re opting to smoke the buds, it may take up to half an hour to feel the effects. But, as the proverb goes—good things come to those who wait. This strain begins with a subtle transition into a more vivid state of mind. Cognitively, your perceptions are sharper and more defined. These effects are often accompanied by euphoria, joy, and potentially, a tendency to become more sociable and talkative.
Source: Budding unsplash
Terpene Profile
Terpenes are chemical compounds that contribute to the fragrance and taste of cannabis. However, they’re also present in many other plants.
Lemon Diesel’s most prominent terpene is myrcene. This particular hydrocarbon is forest-like, earthy, and somewhat spicy. While it is one of the most common terpenes found in cannabis, it is also present in hops, beer, thyme, bay leaves, and lemongrass. Some studies suggest that in addition to fragrance and taste, terpenes also provide additional therapeutic benefits.
While there is no conclusive research on this theory, many first-hand accounts describe terpenes as physiologically beneficial. For example, many report that myrcene is soothing and sleep-inducing. Lemon Diesel plants also contain the terpenes caryophyllene and pinene. Pinene has an herbal scent similar to pine trees, coniferous forests, and rosemary. Caryophyllene, in contrast, is bold, peppery, and earthy.
FAQ
What makes lemon strains unique in the cannabis world?
Even if you’re just beginning to explore the world of cannabis, you’ve likely noticed the depth and breadth of strains available. While there are numerous, unique options, lemon strains stand apart from the crowd thanks to their fragrance and taste. If you adore the refreshing, tart bite of lemon-flavored strains, don’t be surprised if the aforementioned feminized seeds quickly ascend to the top of your list.
How do lemon strains differ in terms of effects and flavors?
If you’ve glanced at the list above, you may have noticed that each of the five, featured strains shares a distinctly lemon-esque flavor and aroma. This feature is the common thread between all lemon strains–but beyond their shared fragrance, any two lemon strains may not necessarily have much in common.
In this sense, there’s a lemon strain for everyone: Indica lovers may gravitate towards Lemon Diesel, while those who prefer more balanced effects may find Sour Lemon OG more suitable for their preferences.
Even though lemon strains are broadly categorized as “lemon-flavored,” there are still subtle variations within each lemon strain’s taste. Those who prefer a more classically lemon taste may want to try high limonene strains such as Sour Lemon OG. Conversely, a strain like Super Lemon Haze has subtler notes of nutmeg, apples, and lilac.
Are there any specific recommendations for growing or consuming lemon strains?
Most of your general growing rules of thumb apply to lemon strains. If you’re new to the art of DIY cannabis growing, we recommend taking a measured, mellow approach. Naturally, there’s a fair amount of energy and excitement that comes with learning any new skill set—but sometimes jumping in too quickly can lead to issues such as overwatering weed plants or being too heavy-handed with the nutrients.
In short, a little bit of research goes a long way. We recommend perusing our Cannabis Beginner: A Guide to Growing post if you’re just discovering the world of home cultivation. Alternatively, our Cannabis Grow Advice section offers insights on a variety of gardening topics for those looking to further develop their green thumb.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve finished your crash course on the wide and majestic world of lemon-flavored cannabis strains, all that’s left to do is pick your favorite. If you’re unsure how to settle on one in particular, we recommend taking a look at the full strain profiles linked in each of the descriptions above. If one catches your eye, its full profile will provide a more expansive amount of info on its growing properties, genetics, effects, flavor, aroma, and more.
Happy Growing! We wish you and your lemon-y garden good luck.
