Guide to Cannabis Derived Terpene Linalool

The terpene Linalool is a naturally occurring compound that is found in over 200 different flowers and plants and has diverse commercial applications.

Linalool is found in most varieties of cannabis and is responsible for the floral scent in several popular strains such as Lavender Kush, Amnesia Haze, and LA Confidential.

Linalool can be found in lavender, geranium, chamomile, lemon, mandarin, and neroli among others.

Terpenes in cannabis play an important role in enhancing therapeutic value and facilitating the process of pollination. There are over 200 different terpenes in cannabis but just over 20 have been isolated, identified and studied for therapeutic significance.

Some of the common terpenes that you are likely to come across include myrcene, caryophyllene, delta carene, humulene, limonene, camphene, and pinene. These terpenes have become a focus of interest because of the therapeutic value that they add to cannabis strains.

Some studies have shown that when terpenes and cannabinoids are consumed together there is a multiplication effect (not addition) in the therapeutic benefit.

It is a bit more complex than this, but generally this can be summarized in one phrase: the whole is greater than the sum of parts. This is referred to as cannabis synergy.

What is the Terpene Linalool?

Linalool is a non-cyclic monoterpene that is found in cannabis. Linalool occurs in two forms: Licarceol and Coriandrol. Licarceol is sweetly scented while Coriandrol has citrusy or spicy notes.

Linalool Aroma

Linalool has a floral aroma with spicy notes that linger on the palate long after ingesting a product containing linalool.

Natural Sources of Linalool

• Rosewood
• Lavender
• Geranium
• Mandarin
• Laurel
• Neroli
• Sweet basil
• Clary Sage
• Bergamot

Benefits of Linalool Terpene

1. Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Effects

Linalool has potent anti-inflammatory effects. A study that was published in the Journal of Phytomedicine demonstrated this effect.

A different study that was conducted using a mouse model investigated the role of linalool in relieving inflammation related to acute lung injury. The results showed a positive link. This shows that linalool can be used to relieve inflammatory pain.

2. Sedative Effects

Several essential oils have sedative benefits. One lab study found that linalool induces sedation in animals without affecting movement.

Linalool is also used in aromatherapy to promote stress relief and relaxation. This is essential in promoting sound sleep.

3. Anti-anxiety Effects

Many people use cannabis to relieve anxiety. CBD which is a major component of cannabis has strong anti-anxiety effects. Linalool potentiates this anti-anxiety effect through cannabis synergy.

One study that was carried out in 2018 found that the aroma produced by linalool has anti-anxiety benefits. The researchers concluded that linalool can be used to relieve stress and anxiety in patients undergoing surgery.

4. Insecticide Effects

Several cannabis derived terpenes have insecticide properties and can be used in commercial products to control fleas and cockroaches. Unlike most insecticides, a linalool based insecticides is safe because it is natural and non-toxic.

5. Relaxation Effects

Linalool is used in aromatherapy due to its relaxing effects. When used in this way it provides relaxation and stress relief. One study that was carried out in 2019 showed that when linalool is used in aromatherapy it relieves anxiety, aggression, and improves social interaction.

6. Anticonvulsant Effects

Cannabis is widely used to treat convulsive syndromes such as epilepsy. In 2018, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved a cannabis-based drug Epidiolex for the treatment of severe forms of epilepsy in children.

Linalool has also shown anticonvulsive properties in some studies. One study showed that linalool blocks the activity of glutamate which is involved in seizure activity. When combined with other cannabinoids and terpenes the anticonvulsant effect produced is powerful.

7.  Antifungal and Antimicrobial Effects

A study that was carried out in 2018 investigated the antifungal activity of linalool on patients with oral candidiasis. The research found that linalool has significant antifungal activity against candida species. Linalool has also been shown to have antimicrobial activity.

How Does Linalool Work?

Evidence on how terpenes interact with the human body is scanty. There is definitely a need for research in this area.

However, one study has shown that linalool blocks the glutamate receptor in the brain and in this way it is able to produce anti-epileptic effects.

Another study has shown that linalool inhibits the effects of acetylcholine and in this way it exerts analgesic properties.

How is Linalool Consumed?

Linalool in cannabis is consumed in a full-spectrum extract containing linalool. Such products may include full-spectrum CBD oil, gummies, capsules, or sprays. Full-spectrum cannabis products containing linalool can also be applied directly to the skin.

You can also smoke the buds of a marijuana strain that has high amounts of linalool.

Cannabis Strains with Linalool

Linalool is found in many cannabis strains in varying amounts. Indicas are believed to have high amounts of this terpene because of the relaxing properties that they have.

However there is no scientific evidence to support this and some sativa leaning strains have high amounts of linalool.

The following strains have significant amounts of linalool and will have a strong floral aroma.

• Amnesia Haze
• Lavender Kush
• La Confidential
• Granddaddy Purps
• Grape Ape
• Cherry OG
• Berry White
• Wedding Cake
• Dos-si-dos

Potential Side Effects of Linalool

Linalool is commonly used to manufacture cosmetics and skincare products. However some people with sensitive skin are allergic to it. People with eczema may need to have a skin-patch (allergy) test before using a skin product that contains linalool.

In one study it was shown that 7% of people who participated in the skin-patch test exhibited a skin reaction to linalool. It is likely that we will see this terpene being incorporated as an active ingredient in cannabinoid-based therapies in the near future, given the therapeutic potential.

However, linalool can be used safely to make skin care products; soaps, detergents, shampoos, and lotions. It is also widely used for industrial purposes.

It is recommended that linalool should be diluted before it is used on the skin. This applies to most essential oils which are likely to cause a skin reaction.

This wraps up our review of the cannabis derived terpene linalool, we do hope that it was enlightening.