Mood is one of the more researched angles in terpene science, largely because the studies overlap with anxiety and stress work. Here is a fair look at what has been explored in the compounds, and the important caveats. Nothing below is a claim that a MONDAYS chew will change your mood.

The terpenes most associated with mood research

Limonene, the bright citrus terpene, has the most interesting evidence, including one of the few human studies. A 1995 study by Komori and colleagues in Neuroimmunomodulation followed hospitalized patients with depression and reported that exposure to a citrus fragrance was associated with improved depression-rating scores, and allowed some patients to reduce their antidepressant dose. Mouse studies by Komiya (2006) and Song (2021) reported anti-anxiety and anti-stress activity linked to serotonin and other signaling.

Caryophyllene is the other. The 2014 Bahi study in Physiology & Behavior reported both anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects in mice, mediated through the CB2 receptor.

The honest limits

The limonene human study is genuinely notable, but it is small, old, and used fragrance inhalation in a clinical setting, not a candy. The caryophyllene work is in mice. This is a promising and interesting research direction about the compounds. It is not evidence that eating a terpene chew lifts your mood, and we are not going to suggest that it is.

The MONDAYS vibe

In our vibe system, the bright, citrus-forward strains richest in limonene fall into the Bright and Daytime tags. If an upbeat character appeals to you, explore Lemon Cherry Gelato and Pineapple Express. We are describing character and aroma, not promising an effect.

Frequently asked questions

Do terpenes affect mood?

Limonene and caryophyllene have been studied in connection with mood, including one small human fragrance study on limonene. The evidence is early and limited, and we make no claim that our chews affect mood.

Which MONDAYS vibe is the most upbeat?

Our Bright, Daytime strains, like Main Squeeze and The Daily Commute, are built on the bright citrus terpenes.

Are MONDAYS chews an antidepressant?

No. Absolutely not. They are candy with zero THC and zero CBD, and they are not intended to diagnose, treat, or affect any condition. The research here is about compounds studied in labs.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

References

1. Komori T, et al. Effects of citrus fragrance on immune function and depressive states. Neuroimmunomodulation. 1995;2(3):174-180.
2. Komiya M, Takeuchi T, Harada E. Lemon oil vapor causes an anti-stress effect. Behavioural Brain Research. 2006;172(2):240-249.
3. Bahi A, et al. Beta-caryophyllene, a CB2 receptor agonist produces multiple behavioral changes relevant to anxiety and depression in mice. Physiology & Behavior. 2014;135:119-124.