Mar 19th 2024

Linalool Can Do THAT? 6 Powerful Benefits of Linalool

What is the Terpene Linalool?

There’s a good chance if you like lavender and have experienced the calming effects of lavender’s essential oils, that you have experienced the linalool terpene.

Linalool is a minor terpene and monoterpene alcohol in cannabis, most known for its relaxing and calming effects. Most commonly detected in lavender, and found in citrus, birch, coriander, rosewood, and laurels, linalool exists in over 200 plants and has been long documented as one of the most popular alternative medicine sleep aids in the world. Linalool is also used as a fragrance agent for common personal hygiene products on the market, including soaps, detergents, shampoos, lotions, and shower gels.

The scent and flavor of linalool are a bit difficult to describe, however, many describe linalool’s diverse aroma and flavor as spicy yet sweet, floral yet woodsy, with the slightest hint of citrusy.

What are the Benefits of Linalool?

There is a lot of research on the terpene linalool as it exists within the plant kingdom, however, much of the research on linalool isn’t specific to cannabis. However, since terpenes have been researched in plants other than cannabis, much of what has been learned about them in these other contexts can be applied to the effects of cannabis.

So, what are some of the linalool terpene effects? Here are just a few we have uncovered:

Linalool for Sedative Effects and Sleep

Just as lavender essential oils are, linalool is known mostly for its sedative effects. Animal studies have shown that when administered to mice, linalool produces sedation without a loss of motor function.

Linalool for Anxiety & Mood

Linalool may also help with mood, especially around feelings of anxiety. Another study administered linalool to mice, leading to decreased anxiety, increased social interaction, and a decrease of aggressive behavior. This study led researchers to believe that this terpene, when inhaled, like through cannabis, it can produce feelings of relaxation and counteract anxiety.

Linalool may have a role to play in helping with some of the mood and cognitive issues experienced by those living with Alzheimer’s Disease, as when used in conjunction with THC, CBD, and the terpenes pinene, and limonene, linalool’s effects provides positive mood-altering properties, while helping to relieve memory and cognitive deficits.

Linalool for Reducing Opioid Use & Dependence

More research is emerging on the power of cannabis to reduce opioid dependence, both helping with pain management and helping to reduce the withdrawal symptoms when someone is using opioids for pain.

One study looked at the effects of linalool on patients following an operation, suggesting that lavender therapies could reduce dependence on opioids post-operation. This makes a strong case for cannabis use for post-operative pain and pain management.

Linalool as an Anti-Inflammatory

Much of why people use cannabis is for the anti-inflammatory properties of THC and certain terpenes. Recent research has shown that when someone has quit smoking cigarettes, linalool may be helpful for restoring lung health, showing that it inhibits smoke-related lung inflammation.

An animal study showed that linalool could produce anti-inflammatory effects areas where there is inflammatory pain.

Other Potential Benefits of Linalool

While there is still much to be discovered about linalool, some other studies show that it may have anticonvulsant properties. Linalool may also have anti-bacterial properties, as when combined with limonene and pinene, linalool may be effective against MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus).

What Are Some Cannabis Strains with Linalool?

While the best way to find out what products have linalool is by asking at a dispensary near you or by looking at a Certificate of Analysis, some common strains known to contain linalool include:

• Lavender
• Lavender Kush
• Do Si Dos
• Amnesia Haze
• Fruity Pebbles
• LA Confidential
• Granddaddy Purple

If you’re interested to explore strains and products that contain linalool, be sure to ask at your local medical cannabis dispensary, which will have chosen products based on their medicinal effects.