Linalool, What Is It and What Makes It Special?

Cannabis is one of many plants that produce linalool. Linalool, a terpene, is located in cannabis in the resin glands called trichomes. It’s trichomes contain cannabinoids (THC, CBD, and others) and terpenes (Linalool, Myrcene, and others). More than 200 terpenes can be found in these resins. Cannabis’s strong flavor, aroma, and medical benefits are attributed to these terpenes.

Where Can I Find Linalool?

Linalool produces floral, spicy, or woody flavors. It has a flowery scent. Over 200 species of plants contain linalool besides cannabis. Here is a list of some.

• Citrus
• Mint
• Rosewood
• Bay leaves
• Basil
• Coriander
• Cilantro
• Cinnamon
• Lavender
• Chamomile
• Birch Trees
• Lemon balm, 
• Bergamot
• Rosemary

Why Is It So Special?

It has a multitude of uses. Linalool is used in a lot of food and personal care products. It can balance the endocannabinoid system. The beneficial effects of THC, CBD, and terpenes such as linalool are all amplified mutually. Together, they create an entourage effect. This means there is a synergy between the terpenes and cannabinoids working together to produce excellent effects. Linalool is not psychoactive, so it won’t make you high on its own. But it’s suggested that strains that contain high amounts of linalool have more relaxing effects. 

Here Are Just A Few Benefits

• CBD works with linalool and limonene (another terpene) to fight acne, treat psoriasis and eczema.
• It helps physiological conditions. Linalool can help with anxiety, stress, depression and things of that nature.
• Aide with neurological conditions. These are conditions that pertain to nerves, brain or spine. For example, linalool in studies was shown to help with hypothermic effects and even as an anticonvulsant.
• Linalool has analgesic effects if consumed with cannabis. So, it’s comparable with a pain killer.
• Antimicrobial Properties, this means it’s beneficial in destroying microorganisms. This helps it work as a cleaning agent in soap an even an antibiotic. Other studies show it’s been able to relieve sore throats and suggest it would make a good additive to mouthwash.
• Anti-Cancer Activity. This means in studies that tested high amounts of linalool and cancer cells, the linalool inhibited tumor cells.

More About Linalool

Linalool is sought by many cannabis enthusiasts due to its floral, lavender-like scent and anxiety-busting, stress-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and relaxing effects. Linalool is classified as one of 10 minor terpenes produced from cannabis plants. This means it is in smaller amounts than the more abundant terpenes, like limonene, myrcene, and pinene. While linalool is not usually plentiful in any given strain, a little goes a long way. Many popular strains in North America contain enough linalool to showcase its peppery aroma and sedating effects.

What Strains of Cannabis Have Higher Amounts of Linalool?

• Amnesia Haze
• Do-Si-Dos
• Mazar I Sharif
• Chem Dawg
• Blackberry OG
• Zkittlez
• Lavender
• Scooby Snacks
• OG Shark
• Dark Matter

Existing studies of linalool indicate a promising array of potential health benefits, especially when linalool is included within cannabis’ entourage effects. Next time you’re trying to find a strain that’s a little more on the chill side, check out a product that has a higher percentage of linalool!

Cited Sources

• https://mjbrandinsights.com/lulled-by-linalool-what-you-need-to-know-about-this-subtle-yet-powerful-terpene/ 
• https://www.leafly.com/news/science-tech/linalool-cannabis-terpene-benefits 
• https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/blog-cannabis-terpenes-linalool-n674 
• https://wayofleaf.com/cannabis/101/linalool-the-terpene-you-need-to-know-about 
• https://dutch-passion.com/en/blog/what-is-linalool-and-what-are-the-effects-of-this-terpene-n907 
• https://cannigma.com/plant/terpenes/linalool/ 
• https://acslabcannabis.com/blog/terpenes/terpene-tuesday-everything-you-need-to-know-about-linalool-flavor-fragrance-and-benefits/ 
• https://www.trulieve.com/discover/blog/terpene-linalool-what-you-need-to-know 
• https://www.siranaturals.org/blog/cannabis-terpenes-linalool 
• https://www.wikileaf.com/thestash/what-is-linalool/ 
• https://leafwell.com/blog/linalool/ 
• https://strainprint.ca/understanding-terpenes-linalool/ 
• https://www.crescolabs.com/terpenes/linalool/ 
• https://www.cometobask.com/blog/terpene-of-the-month-linalool/ 
• 10 Cannabis Strains High in Linalool | ISPIRE (getispire.com)