Linalool is a terpene found in cannabis and lavender. It has a floral scent with a hint of spice. Outside of cannabis and lavender, linalool can be found in over 200 species of plants. It is most abundant in plants in the species Lamiaceae (mint and other herbs), Lauraceae (laurels, cinnamon, rosewood), and Rutaceae (citrus fruits). It can also be found in birch trees and even can be found in some fungi! Along with being a natural component of many floral flavored cannabis strains, linalool is very commonly used as an additive in food, beverages, and personal care products.
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What is Linalool?
Linalool (D-Linalool) has psychotropic anxiolytic activity that has been studied in detail [1]. It is very commonly used in aromatherapy, and like other terpenes it has FDA 'GRAS' status making it legal and safe to use in consumable products.
Benefits of Linalool
Lavender essential oil is a major source of linalool and is suspected of being remarkably good for alleviating skin burns and preventing subsequent scarring [1]. This benefit is largely attributed to linalool, which has many beneficial properties.
- Sedating when inhaled (mouse study)
- Local anesthetic effects, dulls pain sensation, especially for burns
- Anti-anxiety effects
- May also help reduce seizures as a component in Ocimum basilicum essential oil
- Being studied for aiding Alzheimer treatment
- Thought to modulate the neurotransmitters glutamate and GABA (cell communication)
Entourage Effect: Linalool and Cannabinoid Synergy
Cannabis scientist Ethan Russo makes not of research that has demonstrated linalool working in synergy with cannabinoids. This synergistic or complementary action is termed the 'entourage effect.' The effects resulting from these synergies are not the same as what a cannabinoid or terpene will do alone. They are combined effects that are observed in full-spectrum (whole-plant extracts) formulations or from using cannabis flower.
- Anti-anxiety properties observed in synergy with CBD and possibly also CBG
- Sedative on inhalation in mice in synergy with THC
- Linalool can act as a local anesthetic in synergy with THC
- Analgesic via adenosine A2A in synergy with CBD
- Anticonvulsant/anti-glutamate in synergy with CBD, THCV, and CBDV
Concluding Thoughts
Cannabis strains that contain linalool are largely hybrids. The main 'indica' strains that contain the terpene are Kush varieties. The effects of linalool can be relaxing, neutral, or uplifting. It tends to be thought of as a sedating terpene, but depending on the overall composition of the strain this effect may not be felt.
While Kush strains are known for their potential to sedate, newer Kush hybrids like Lavender or Bubba Kush are not prone to giving people 'couch-lock.' You'll see that linalool is found in energizing, balanced, and calming strains. Its content in the cannabis flower is significantly smaller than in lavender essential oil or pure linalool concentrate. Mainly, it imparts a floral flavor that many enjoy.
Linalool Cannabis Strains (Hemp and Marijuana)
- Amnesia Haze
- Lavender (Lavender Kush)
- LA Confidential
- Granddaddy Purple (or GDP)
- Fire OG
- Sour Kush
- Jack Herer
- Sour Space Candy
- Bubba Kush
- Stress Killer
- Pineberry
- Elektra
- Lifter
- Mongo
- Siskiyou Gold
- Special Sauce
- Suver Haze
- Hawaiian Haze
- Rogue
References
- Russo E. B. (2011). Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. British journal of pharmacology, 163(7), 1344–1364. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01238.x
