By Luke Sumpter


Have you ever wondered why, despite containing high concentrations of THC, each cannabis strain offers a slightly different psychoactive experience? Although major cannabinoids like THC play the largest role in the unique effects of each cultivar, other phytochemicals found in marijuana flowers also have a substantial influence, particularly terpenes. These aromatic hydrocarbons are responsible for the flavors and aromas of each weed strain, but they also help to steer the perceived effects in a certain direction.

However, terpenes are by no means exclusive to cannabis. Over 50,000 terpenes occur in nature across a wide range of plant species. Categorised as secondary metabolites, they’re manufactured to protect plants against threats and stressors, including pests, diseases, and UV rays. Fascinatingly, these chemicals also function as communication signals[1], mediating plant-to-plant, plant-to-insect, and plant-to-fungi interactions.

Cannabis plants themselves produce hundreds of terpenes. Several of these compounds have garnered more interest than others, owing to their abundance in weed flowers, their distinct aromas and flavors, and their contribution towards the effects of each strain. Among this line-up stands limonene. Known for its citrusy taste and stimulating effects, many cannabis users have a preference for strains high in this compound.

Limonene terpene

The Chemistry of Limonene

Terpenes are aromatic compounds made up of building blocks called isoprene units—small five-carbon molecules that feature the simple chemical formula C5H8. Biochemical pathways in plants combine isoprene units into larger and increasingly complex molecules that fulfill different functions.

By fusing two isoprene units, plants create molecules that belong to a group called monoterpenes. These small and volatile compounds feature a total of 10 carbon atoms. Similarly, sesquiterpenes are built using three isoprene units and feature 15 carbon atoms. Terpenes belonging to both of these groups evaporate at low temperatures and contribute to the attractive aromas of many plants.

Next up, we have diterpenes. Consisting of four isoprene units and a total of 20 carbon atoms, these terpenes are used by plants to create resins and glues[2]. Tetraterpenes, made up of eight isoprene units, contribute to yellow and orange pigments commonly found in plants, including carotenoids. But terpenes get much, much larger than this. Some of the most complex polyterpenes, such as natural rubber, contain up to 5,000 isoprene units.

As a cyclic monoterpene, limonene features a six-membered carbon ring, two carbon–carbon double bonds, and an isopropyl group attached to the carbon ring. Together, these features give rise to a chemical formula of C10H16.

Limonene also exists as two distinct isomers—molecules that consist of the same substances in a different arrangement. R-limonene occurs in higher quantities in cannabis and possesses a citrus-like scent, whereas S-limonene is less common and emits odours of pine. Limonene can also undergo several chemical reactions, transforming it into other terpenes. For example, oxidation can degrade the terpene into carveol, carvone, and limonene oxide. Similarly, when isomerised with mineral acid, limonene converts to α-pinene.

Much like other terpenes, limonene doesn’t occur solely in the flowers of the cannabis plant. Interestingly, limonene makes up around 97% of the essential oil found in orange peels. It also shows up in other citrus fruits, including grapefruits, lemons, and limes. Outside of this food group, limonene also occurs in dill, fennel, celery, conifer trees, aspen trees, and larches.

A-Pinene

Anti-inflamatory
Bronchodilator
Aids Memory
Anti-bacterial

Also found in pine needles


A-Pinene

Linalool

Anesthetic
Anti-convulsant
Analgesic
Anti-anxiety

Also found in lavander

Linalool

Beta-Caryophillene

Anti-inflamatory
Analgesic
Protects Cells Lining the Digestive Tract

Also found in black pepper

Beta-Caryophyllene

Myrcene

Contributes to Sedative Effect of Strong Indicas
Sleep Aid
Muscle Relaxant

Also found in hops

Myrcene

Limonene

Treats Acid Reflux
Anti-anxiety
Antidepressant

Also found in citrus

Limonene
 

Aroma and Flavor of Limonene

So, what exactly can you expect when smoking a bowl or hitting a vaporizer filled with cannabis buds high in the limonene terpene? Above all else, flavors and aromas of citrus, oranges, and lemons will dominate the experience. However, terpenes don’t work in isolation in cannabis buds—other terpenes will provide complementary flavors of wood, spice, sugar, fruit, or skunk, depending on the cultivar in question, making for a more complex flavor experience that still undeniably features the citric tang of limonene.

The Effects Associated With Limonene in Cannabis

Strains high in limonene often produce effects associated with “sativa” varieties. While this outdated classification system doesn’t accurately reflect the effects of each strain, limonene certainly elicits a cerebral, energising, and stimulating effect. Buds high in this terpene are generally motivating and kindle creativity, making them ideal for daytime use. Ultimately, strains high in limonene will leave you feeling refreshed, alert, and inspired.

Moreover, some terpenes are known to act in synergy with cannabinoids such as THC and CBD by way of the entourage effect. Recent evidence[3] suggests that, when administered together, limonene changes the way that THC activates CB1 receptors of the endocannabinoid system—the main mechanism that underpins the cannabis high. Future studies will hopefully further uncover exactly how this terpene works side by side with cannabinoids to influence their effects on the human body and brain.

Limonene Characteristics

Limonene: A Look at the Research

Scientists have long had an interest in terpenes. Their diversity and wide-ranging effects on human physiology make them candidates for fighting certain diseases and addressing chronic health conditions. However, much of the research surrounding limonene remains in the early stages, making it impossible to draw conclusions about its therapeutic potential. With that said, both cell and animal studies offer clues as to what future controlled human trials could find. So, let’s dive into the available research!

Anxiety

A 2023 study[4] published in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research set out to evaluate how several cannabinoids and terpenes affect anxiety in rats, including limonene. The authors stated, “..D-limonene, ⍺-pinene, and β-caryophyllene decreased percent time spent in the out zone in the novelty-induced hypophagia test, suggestive of an anxiolytic effect”.

Another study[5], published in the journal Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behaviour, specifically sought to determine the anti-anxiety effect of limonene. The research team administered various concentrations of the terpene to mice and concluded, “The data indicate that (+)-limonene could be used in aromatherapy as an anti-anxiety agent”.

Antitumour

Cancer remains one of the most deadly diseases, with the number of cancer-related deaths projected to reach over 15 million[6] per year worldwide by the year 2040. Scientists are working hard to find new ways to battle the illness, and some are turning their attention to natural compounds such as limonene. A 2024 study[7] administered a combination of metformin (a diabetes drug) and limonene to breast cancer and liver cancer cells. The researchers concluded, “Our data show that metformin, D-limonene, and their combinations exerted significant anti-tumour effects on the cancer cell lines by inducing apoptosis and modulating the expression of apoptotic genes”.

As a form of controlled cell death, apoptosis helps to remove damaged and diseased cells from the body. However, cancer cells manage to persist by becoming immune to this natural mechanism. Compounds such as limonene may help to restore this crucial physiological process.

Neuroprotective

A review[8] published in the journal Molecules looked at the ability of both pure limonene and limonene-containing products to protect the brain. The authors showcase data that suggest the terpene could impact epilepsy by decreasing the onset and duration of seizures by blocking glutamate receptors. The citrusy terpene is also being examined for its potential to help protect against stroke and cerebrovascular diseases by decreasing blood–brain barrier permeability and reducing levels of inflammatory markers such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) and increasing levels of potent antioxidants including glutathione.

The authors of the review concluded that “it is possible that the consumption of a limonene-rich diet as a nutritional agent may contribute in limiting neurodegeneration and aid in preserving cognitive function and maintain neuronal integrity.”

Metabolic Syndrome & Diabetes

Metabolic syndrome currently affects around 3% of children and 5% of adolescents. Right now, around 25% of the adult population in the UK is thought to have this cluster of conditions. These health problems include increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, and increased body fat—all of which predispose individuals to heart and blood vessel diseases. A study[9] published in the European Journal of Pharmacology looked at the effects of limonene on two conditions that are found in the metabolic syndrome cluster: dyslipidemia (abnormal lipid levels in the blood) and hyperglycemia (elevated fasting glucose levels).

The research found that, when applying the terpene to a mouse model of these conditions, it managed to reduce lipid and glucose levels in the blood. The team concluded, “Our data suggest that the intake of D-limonene may benefit patients with dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia and is a potential dietary supplement for preventing and ameliorating metabolic disorders”.

Limonene’s effects have also been studied in the context of complications associated with diabetes. A study[10] conducted at Hacettepe University, Turkey, applied the terpene to diabetic rats. The researchers stated, “D-limonene might be protective against diabetes-induced effects in blood, liver and kidneys of rats. But the possible protective role and clinical availability of D-limonene for diabetes mellitus therapy should be investigated by further studies”.

Heart Health

Emerging evidence shows that limonene could help to protect heart health. A 2022 study[11] published in the European Journal of Pharmacology looked at the ability of S-limonene to protect against heart attack in Wistar rats. The study administered either limonene or N-acetylcysteine, an anti-inflammatory medication, before inducing a heart attack in the rodents. After measuring the relevant biomarkers after the event, the researchers found that the limonene pre-treatment appeared to reduce infarct size, lower oxidative damage, and decrease life-threatening arrhythmias.

Another study[12], published in the Journal of Natural Products, also examined limonene’s potential to protect against heart attack injury through antioxidant activity. Here, the researchers concluded that “the present study demonstrated that DL [D-limonene] produces cardioprotective effects from isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in Swiss mice through suppression of apoptosis”.

Antiviral & Antifungal

Limonene also shows promise against several dangerous microbes, including common viruses and fungi. A 2023 study[13] used computational analysis to assess limonene as a potential therapeutic against SARS-CoV-2, the viral pathogen that causes COVID-19. The researchers found that “D-limonene was suggested as a promising compound for anti-SARS-CoV-2 research, since the molecule does not provide mutagenic and cytotoxic fragments, and does not have irritating potential when diluted”.

Limonene also demonstrated promise against the common fungal pathogen Candida by increasing the effectiveness of the drug fluconazole against resistant strains. Researchers have reported[14] that “multidrug-resistant Candida species represent a significant challenge for human medicine and highlight the need for new therapeutic approaches, and in this study a great potential of limonene was revealed in relation to the perspective of increasing the efficiency of commercial drugs”.

Depression

Finally, ongoing studies are exploring if the limonene terpene could help to combat depression while enhancing learning and memory. A 2024 study[15] administered the phytochemical to rodents exhibiting depression-like behaviour and found that the molecule helped to quell the neuroinflammation that underpinned their condition.

In conclusion, the researchers remarked: “...D-limonene has been found to have antidepressant-like properties, reducing anhedonic and defensive behaviours and the impairing effects of stress on learning and memory tests. It was observed that D-limonene showed these effects by alleviating neuroinflammation induced by chronic restraint stress in rats”.

Cannabis Strains High in Limonene

If you fancy experiencing this fascinating compound in high concentrations, blaze up some of the high-limonene marijuana strains below.

Lemon Shining Silver Haze

This sativa-dominant variety descends from parent strains Lemon Skunk and Shining Silver Haze. Sow Lemon Shining Silver Haze seeds directly into 20 l pots indoors during early spring. Expect plants to grow up to 20–30 cm by the third week of the growing cycle. Top and train during this time to keep plants compact and stealthy. If you intend to grow outdoors, relocate them to a sunny spot during this time. By the end of veg, your plants will have reached 60 cm if trained, or 100–130 cm if untrained.

Expect trained indoor plants to stretch to 80 cm during bloom, with their trained counterparts peaking at 140 cm. Outdoors, trained plants will grow to 130 cm, whereas untrained plants will surge to 170 cm. Prepare to harvest up to 650 g/m² from indoor plants after a flowering time of just 9–10 weeks, and up to 700 g/plant during the middle of October outdoors. After drying and curing these buds, you’ll experience delicious fruity and citrusy tastes alongside a clear-headed and relaxing high.

Lemon Shining Silver Haze
23_genetic background_1 Lemon Skunk x Shining Silver Haze
33_Yield indoors_1 21 to 23 oz/m²
31_plant height outdoor_1 3 to 5 feet
25_flowering time_1 9 - 10 weeks
29_THC_1 THC: 21%
28_Type Blend_1 Sativa 75% Indica 25%
34_yield outdoor_1 23 to 25 oz/plant
32_plant height outdoors_1 4 to 6 feet
27_harvest period_1 Middle of October
22_Effect_1 Balanced, Clear, Stoned

Buy Lemon Shining Silver Haze

Lemon Skunk

Packed with limonene, this offspring of Skunk #1 and Citral features a balanced genetic profile and a THC content of 19%. Germinate seeds using the paper towel method and place them into cell trays once their taproots reach a length of 1–2 cm. Transplant them into their final pots once their true leaves exceed the circumference of the cells. Defoliate well during veg to keep canopies aerated, and apply LST if you desire smaller plants.

During veg, your Lemon Skunk plants will stretch up to 120 cm indoors and 150 cm outdoors. Feed them generously with potassium and phosphorus to spur bud development. Prepare to harvest up to 650 g/m² from indoor plants after a blooming period of 8–9 weeks. Outdoor plants will yield 625–675 g/plant during late September. Enjoy delicious flavors of citrus and skunk alongside a creative and long-lasting high.

Lemon Skunk
23_genetic background_1 Skunk 1 x Citral
33_Yield indoors_1 21 to 23 oz/m²
31_plant height outdoor_1 3 to 4 feet
25_flowering time_1 8 - 9 weeks
29_THC_1 THC: 19%
28_Type Blend_1 Sativa 50% Indica 50%
34_yield outdoor_1 22 to 24 oz/plant
32_plant height outdoors_1 4 to 5 feet
27_harvest period_1 Late September
22_Effect_1 Calming, Creative, Long Lasting , Physically Relaxing

Buy Lemon Skunk

Pink Runtz

As the offspring of legendary parent strains Gelato, The Original Z, and Pink Panties, Pink Runtz contains sky-high levels of THC alongside plenty of limonene. Sprouts will emerge 2–3 days after placing these seeds in the soil. Expose your seedlings to a consistent temperature of 25°C and a humidity of 70–80% for optimal growth. Your plants will churn out plenty of luscious fan leaves during veg; stay on top of defoliation to keep the canopy neat and aerated. Apply regular doses of compost tea to maintain healthy plants and reduce the risk of disease.

During their 8–9-week bloom stage, indoor plants will peak at 150 cm, while their outdoor counterparts top out at 180 cm. As the buds mature and swell, you’ll detect notes of citrus and pineapple every time you pay a visit to your growing space. Make sure you have enough stash jars to handle up to 475 g/m² from indoor plants and 500 g/plant from those grown outdoors. After drying and curing your buds, you’ll experience an uplifting and cognitive high fueled by a THC content of 26% and boatloads of limonene.

Pink Runtz
23_genetic background_1 Gelato x The Original Z x Pink Panties
33_Yield indoors_1 15 to 17 oz/m²
31_plant height outdoor_1 3 to 5 feet
25_flowering time_1 8 - 9 weeks
29_THC_1 THC: 26%
28_Type Blend_1 Sativa 50% Indica 50%
34_yield outdoor_1 16 to 18 oz/plant
32_plant height outdoors_1 5 to 6 feet
27_harvest period_1 Middle of October
22_Effect_1 Laughter, Long Lasting , Uplifting

Buy Pink Runtz

Do-Si-Dos Auto

Do-Si-Dos Auto provides rapid growing times and all of the citrusy goodness that comes with high levels of limonene. Sow seeds directly into 11 l fabric pots to simplify growth and avoid unnecessary transplant stress later down the line. Apply LST during the third week of growth to keep your plants stealthy and compact. Expect your plants to start churning out pre-flowers during the fourth week of veg.

Trained Do-Si-Dos Auto plants will peak at just 80–100 cm after stretching during bloom. Over the next few weeks, you’ll watch those small pre-flowers start to bulge into dense and tall colas with gorgeous purple hues and plenty of trichomes. After an entire growing cycle of just 9–10 weeks, you’ll pull in 350–400 g/m² from indoor plants and up to 150 g/plant from those cultivated outside. When it comes to blazing up, prepare to experience moreish notes of candy and citrus and a relaxing and soothing high perfect for the evening hours.

Do-Si-Dos Auto
23_genetic background_1 Do-Si-Dos x Cookies Auto
33_Yield indoors_1 12 to 14 oz/m²
31_plant height outdoor_1 3 to 4 feet
25_flowering time_1 7 - 8 weeks
29_THC_1 THC: 20%
28_Type Blend_1 Sativa 35% Indica 60% Ruderalis 5%
34_yield outdoor_1 3 to 5 oz/plant
32_plant height outdoors_1 3 to 5 feet
27_harvest period_1 9 - 10 weeks after sprouting
22_Effect_1 Calming

Buy Do-Si-Dos Auto

Sundae Driver

Purple. Potent. Productive. Sundae Driver rarely fails to impress. When sowing seeds, add some mycorrhizal fungi and rhizobacteria to the mix to boost root system growth and help to stave off diseases. You’ll have yourself a 10 cm-tall seedling just two weeks after popping these seeds. Feed generously with an organic liquid feed high in nitrogen, and your plants will grow to 100–130 cm by the end of the vegetative phase.

Sundae Driver puts on a stellar show during the flowering stage. Plants stretch all the way to 140–170 cm depending on training and pot size. Then, during late bloom, the buds take on a gorgeous deep purple appearance as anthocyanin levels increase. Flush during the final two weeks to improve the flavor of your harvest. Prepare to harvest, trim, and dry up to 450 g/m² from indoor plants and 450–500 g/plant from those grown out in the elements. As the progeny of Fruity Pebbles OG and Grape Pie, Sundae Driver pairs high levels of THC and limonene to produce a euphoric and motivating experience with zingy hints of citrus and fruit.

Sundae Driver
23_genetic background_1 Fruity Pebbles OG x Grape Pie
33_Yield indoors_1 14 to 16 oz/m²
31_plant height outdoor_1 3 to 4 feet
25_flowering time_1 9 - 11 weeks
29_THC_1 THC: 23%
28_Type Blend_1 Sativa 50% Indica 50%
34_yield outdoor_1 16 to 18 oz/plant
32_plant height outdoors_1 4 to 6 feet
27_harvest period_1 Early October
22_Effect_1 Balanced, Euphoric, Motivating

Buy Sundae Driver

OG Kush

OG Kush has gained legendary status within the world of weed—and for good reason. This descendent of Chemdawg, Lemon Thai, and Pakistani Kush offers an uplifting and clear-headed high made possible by high concentrations of limonene, medium levels of CBD, and a THC content of 19%. This strain exhibits fast and robust growth throughout the vegetative phase. Her thick stem, hardy genetics, and good resistance to pests and disease make her suitable for harsher climates. Apply LST during the third week of growth to keep this otherwise unruly plant tamed and compact.

During flowering, trained plants grown indoors will grow no bigger than 90 cm, with outdoor specimens peaking at 180 cm. Continuously defoliate the canopy and ensure all buds are exposed to direct light. Flush your plants during the final 1–2 weeks before harvest by withholding all nutrients and applying only water. Indoors, expect to harvest 425–475 g/m² after a flowering phase of 7–9 weeks. Outdoors, you’ll pull in a return of 500–550 g/plant during October. Enjoy notes of citrus, fruit, and pine with every hit.

OG Kush
23_genetic background_1 Chemdawg x Lemon Thai x Pakistani Kush
33_Yield indoors_1 15 to 17 oz/m²
31_plant height outdoor_1 3 to 5 feet
25_flowering time_1 7 - 9 weeks
29_THC_1 THC: 19%
28_Type Blend_1 Sativa 25% Indica 75%
34_yield outdoor_1 18 to 19 oz/plant
32_plant height outdoors_1 6 to 7 feet
27_harvest period_1 October
22_Effect_1 Calming, Uplifting

Buy OG Kush

Sour Diesel

Sour Diesel inherited high concentrations of limonene and skunky aromas from ancestors Original Diesel, Northern Light, Shiva, and Hawaiian. She emerged from this mix with 70% sativa genetics and 30% indica. This strain benefits from high levels of organic matter within the growing medium, alongside frequent applications of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to boost nutrient absorption. Top and train your plants during veg to keep them compact while boosting their productivity.

Your Sour Diesel plants will peak at 90 cm indoors and 150 cm outdoors when trained. Keep humidity low indoors and canopies adequately defoliated outdoors to reduce the risk of mold. After a two-week flush, you’ll reap up to 525 g/m² from indoor plants and up to 600 g/plant from outdoor specimens. Brace yourself for complex flavors of citrus, pepper, and sourness alongside a physically relaxing and clear-headed high.

Sour Diesel
23_genetic background_1 Original Diesel x (Northern light x Shiva x Hawaiian)
33_Yield indoors_1 17 to 18 oz/m²
31_plant height outdoor_1 3 to 5 feet
25_flowering time_1 10 - 11 weeks
29_THC_1 THC: 19%
28_Type Blend_1 Sativa 70% Indica 30%
34_yield outdoor_1 19 to 21 oz/plant
32_plant height outdoors_1 5 to 7 feet
27_harvest period_1 Late October
22_Effect_1 Clear, Physically Relaxing

Buy Sour Diesel

Limonene: A Citrusy Terpene With a Bright Future

Limonene doesn’t just contribute flavors and aromas of citrus to many cannabis strains; this fascinating monoterpene also changes the way THC interacts with the body, steering the high in an energising and invigorating direction. On top of that, the phytochemical also shows real promise in early cell and animal research. Keep your eyes peeled for future clinical trials that’ll tell us exactly how limonene may benefit human physiology. Until then, enjoy the strains above for high doses of this cannabis terpene!

External Resources:
  1. World's most spoken language is 'Terpene' https://www.sciencedaily.com
  2. Terpenes | SpringerLink https://link.springer.com
  3. Selected cannabis terpenes synergize with THC to produce increased CB1 receptor activation https://www.sciencedirect.com
  4. Evaluating Potential Anxiolytic Effects of Minor Cannabinoids and Terpenes After Acute and Chronic Oral Administration in Rats - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. Anxiolytic-like activity and GC-MS analysis of (R)-(+)-limonene fragrance, a natural compound found in foods and plants - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. Cancer Statistics - NCI https://www.cancer.gov
  7. Molecular interactions between metformin and D-limonene inhibit proliferation and promote apoptosis in breast and liver cancer cells - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  8. Molecules | Free Full-Text | Neuroprotective Potential of Limonene and Limonene Containing Natural Products https://www.mdpi.com
  9. Preventive and ameliorating effects of citrus D-limonene on dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia in mice with high-fat diet-induced obesity - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  10. d-limonene ameliorates diabetes and its complications in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats https://www.sciencedirect.com
  11. S-limonene protects the heart in an experimental model of myocardial infarction induced by isoproterenol https://www.sciencedirect.com
  12. d-Limonene Ameliorates Myocardial Infarction Injury by Reducing Reactive Oxygen Species and Cell Apoptosis in a Murine Model https://pubs.acs.org
  13. Lime and orange essential oils and d-limonene as a potential COVID-19 inhibitor: Computational, in chemico, and cytotoxicity analysis https://www.sciencedirect.com
  14. Pharmacological potential of limonene against opportunistic fungi: Impact on Candida virulence - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  15. D-Limonene reduces depression-like behaviour and enhances learning and memory through an anti-neuroinflammatory mechanism in male rats subjected to chronic restraint stress - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources.

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COMPANY NAME: SNORKEL SPAIN, SL (hereinafter ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS)

C/ Vilar d'Abdelà, 5 (nave 1) CP: 08170 de Montornès del Vallès

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support@royalqueenseeds.com


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In the event that you give us your consent to inform you about our products or services, we will keep your data until you express your wish not to receive any further communications from us. However, we regularly (every month) carry out a relevance check. Registered customers (and their personal information) will be deleted whenever customers do not reply to our request. In addition, our newsletter mailing has an opt-out feature. Consumers can withdraw their consent by using this opt-out feature.

SECTION 5 – COOKIES

Cookies are small information files that notify your computer of previous interactions with our website. These cookies are stored on your hard drive, not on our website. Essentially, when you use our website, your computer displays its cookies to us, informing our site that you have visited before. This allows our website to function more quickly and remember aspects related to your previous visits (such as your username), making your experience more convenient. At Royal Queen Seeds, we use two types of cookies: functional and analytical.

5.1 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies are used to enhance your online experience. Among other things, these cookies track what is added to your shopping cart. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

5.2 Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies are used for research and market analysis. The data collected with these analytical cookies is anonymous, making it unusable for third parties. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

SECTION 5 – THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Third-party services are required to conduct transactions and provide our services. In general, the third-party providers we use will only collect, use and disclose your information to the extent necessary to enable them to perform the services they provide to us.

However, certain third-party service providers, such as payment gateways and other payment transaction processors, have their own privacy policies regarding the information we must provide to them for your transactions.

We encourage you to read the privacy policies of these providers so that you can understand how these providers will handle your personal information.

In particular, certain suppliers may be located or have facilities located in a different jurisdiction than yours or ours. Therefore, if you choose to proceed with a transaction involving the services of a third party, your information may be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which that service provider or its facilities are located.

Once you leave our website or are redirected to a third-party website or application, you are no longer governed by this Privacy Policy or the Terms of Service of our website.

Web analytics service (anonymous data)

On this website we have integrated an element of a web analytics service (with anonymisation functionality). Web analytics can be defined as the gathering, processing and analysis of data about the behaviour of visitors to websites. An analytics service collects, among other things, data about which website a person came from (the so-called referrer), which sub-pages they visited or how often and for how long they visited a sub-page. Web analytics is mainly used for website optimisation and for a cost–benefit analysis of internet advertising.

Courier service

To complete deliveries we use a courier service. This courier service carries out the delivery between our company and the consumer's home. To complete these logistics, the company requires access to the consumer's name and address information.

Mailing service

Royal Queen Seeds uses a third-party mail service provider to send its newsletter. This provider has access to limited account information related to opt-in consent (e.g. email address).

Marketing services

Royal Queen Seeds has the support of a company that specialises in marketing and communication activities. Their access to personal information is very limited and mostly anonymous.

Payment services

At Royal Queen Seeds we use external payment services to handle our transactions (e.g. credit card payments).

SECTION 6 – SECURITY

To protect your personal information, we take reasonable precautions and follow industry standard best practices to ensure that it is not inappropriately lost, misused, accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed.

If you provide us with your credit card information, the information is encrypted using secure socket layer technology (SSL) and stored using AES-256 encryption. Although no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, we follow all PCI-DSS requirements and implement additional industry standards that are commonly accepted. Information related to the account is protected with a hashing method. This method transforms the information into a generated hash. As a result, confidential information is protected and invisible, even to us. In addition, our databases are exceptionally protected against unauthorised access. For example, access to the database is only possible and permitted via approved IP addresses (e.g. from Royal Queen Seeds headquarters). Other attempts and addresses are rejected at all times.

Furthermore, data is anonymised as much as possible, so it cannot be directly linked to a specific consumer. With this data, however, we may be able to carry out market research and analysis. In addition, the third parties concerned (e.g. mailing service) are examined prior to our collaboration, comply with the GDPR from the EU and receive a processing agreement. Within Royal Queen Seeds, employees are assigned different access permissions. Specific permission provides access only to information that is strictly required to perform a task. Digital security measures are subject to change and must meet high requirements to ensure the safety of online customers. That is why, at Royal Queen Seeds, we appoint a security officer. Regular verification and improvement of security measures (where necessary) are part of the role.

SECTION 7 – CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time, so please check back regularly. Changes and clarifications will be effective immediately upon being published on the Website. If we make substantial changes to this policy, we will notify you here that it has been updated so you will know what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances, if any, we use and/or disclose it.

SECTION 8 – YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: