Linalool is one of the many terpenes found in cannabis, among others. It’s part of the alcohol group and its use is mainly scent-based.
Terpenes are organic compounds in charge of giving plants their specific flavors and scents.
Linalool is very peculiar in comparison to other more common terpenes as it’s a fragrance that can cause allergies to people, therefore it has been included in the INCI list, where a total of 26 allergy prone fragrances are listed.
Linalool is only toxic when it oxidizes, however, if you add it to essential oils, this terpene synergies with other elements, which prevents its oxidation and stops it from becoming toxic and dangerous. Because of this, linalool is never used on its own.
Structure of Linalool
Linalool is a monoterpene. If you have been reading our other posts, you of course, should know that this type of terpenes is the result of two isoprenes joining and they have 10 carbon atoms.
Linalool is an oily substance that evaporates at 198°. In cannabis plants, this terpene is located in its glandular trichomes, along with the rest of trichomes.
It’s main function, along with the rest of terpenes, is to protect the plant against external agents like insects or bacteria. Plants and floral scents that people find pleasant, are actually a deterrent for some living creatures.
Linalool Flavor and Scent
As you probably already know, terpenes are in charge of giving plants their flavors and scents. These qualities are organoleptic properties.
You could surely describe lianool’s aroma as flowery with some mint accents. Some people relate it to lavender scent with a spicy touch. Here are some plants that produce linalool:
- Bay leaves
- Mint
- Cinnamon
- Certain citrus fruits
- Birch tree
- Some fungi
- Cannabis Sativa L.
It’s very hard to identify and distinguish linalool flavor in cannabis as it blends together with other terpenes. This is actually not a negative aspect, to the contrary, one great thing cannabis plants offer is the capacity to interact with different substances and create a huge range of flavors and scents. In other words, the entourage effect.
Effects and Benefits of Linalool
Linalool is commonly used in cosmetics to add perfume to products. It gives a lovely fragrance to soaps, shower gels, creams and balsams. Lavender essential oil is rich in linalool. Apart from adding a nice fragrance, it’s also helpful against flaccid skin.
It is often used in detergents, cleaning products and in the perfume industry because of its nice smell..The food industry uses it sometimes as a natural flavouring agent.
As mentioned above, it has great qualities as a natural insect-repellent, therefore, some insecticide companies add linalool to their products.
Regarding its effects, some researchers suggest that it might have a sedative impact in some people. An investigation performed on mice showed that this terpene does contact the central nervous system in mammals and can have anti-seizure, hypothermic and hypnotic effects.
Linalool Medicinal Properties
Linalool is sometimes used in aromatherapy to treat anxiety.
Some studies suggest that this terpene can have relaxing effects in mammals. A trial concluded that mice’s aggressivity and stress decreased with linalool.
In addition, the scientific community is trying to figure out if linalool could be effective treating certain conditions like Alzheimer.
A study performed in 2016 in mice showed that they indeed had more emotional and cognitive response after its use. It has certainly opened doors to investigating neurological benefits of linalool and other terpenes.
As well as the therapeutic uses that have already been mentioned, linalool boosts the immune system, is antimicrobial, has anti-inflammatory agents and can work as a painkiller.
Cannabis Strains that are Rich in Linalool
Although it’s quite hard to find strains with more than 2% of linalool content, we have decided to make a list of some strains that have the organoleptic properties that this terpene offers:
Amnesia Haze
This powerful strain is very rich in aromas and scents. It combines flavors and scents of cardamom, tangerine, lime and marjoram in a sweet, soft and delicious way. Its high THC content (up to 22%) means that this strain surely offers highly psychoactive and cheerful effects. As a result, this strain is perfect to ease pains and alleviate depression or anxiety.
Cheese
This strain was first discovered in the 70’s. It has a sweet and aromatic long lasting flavor with some earthy and cheese touches that will as, a matter of fact, not leave you indifferent. In addition, it has relaxing effects.
Girl Scout Cookies
This strain is highly acclaimed in the cannabis panorama because of its very high THC levels (22%). It has sativa dominance and tastes and smells similarly to recently baked cookies, with some chocolate, spicy and fruity touches added by linalool.
This plant has relaxing and sedative effects. As a result, you’ll feel a complete feeling of well-being. Its effects are pleasant but not overpowering. In a medicinal and therapeutic level, it can be effective to treat depression, anxiety, nausea and eating disorders.
Special Kush 1
This strain has indica dominance. It tastes and smells like hash, pine and mint with some pepper and spices touches. Linalool combines very well with myrcene. Together they have an indica effect that will leave completely relaxed. This plant has its origins in Hindu Kush.
Pluto 100% Feminized
This indica dominant strain has unknown origins. It has citrus, earthy and kush flavors and scents that you can perceive in a very soft way.
It has high THC levels (21%), and powerful relaxing and sedative effects, surely very characteristic in linalool.
Its medicinal properties make it a perfect choice to treat insomnia, depression and muscle aches.
Don’t miss out on other posts from our blog, so you can continue learning about other terpenes.
