*For a general introduction to terpenes as a whole, check out The Dirt on Terpenes.

Soothing Linalool

While not nearly as common in cannabis as myrcene — featured in our previous Terpene Tuesday post — linalool has a number of therapeutic properties that make it a great one to look out for in your strain selection.  

Linalool is most commonly associated with lavender, to which it lends its sweet, fruity scent and relaxing properties. It’s widely used as a fragrance in beauty and cleaning products, and aromatherapists rely heavily on lavender to encourage calmness and reduce anxiety. This terpene is the main component of lavender bringing about those effects. Mint, coriander, basil, and 200-some other species of plants and fungi also have linalool as a component.   

Linalool is a terpene alcohol (along with other terpenes like bisbalol whose names end in “-ol”). Studies have shown that terpene alcohols are common in strains

traditionally designated as indica, which underlines the terpene’s sedative, pain-killing effects (see the book Cannabis Pharmacy by Michael Backes, p. 45).  

Many Potential Medical Benefits

Leafly has taken a great in-depth look at this promising terpene. In particular, linalool in cannabis is prized for its antianxiety effects, and studies have shown the terpene to be antimicrobial, anti-fungal, anesthetic, sedative, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving. This makes it popular among people seeking relief from stress, depression and anxiety, insomnia, and arthritis.  

Multiple studies have demonstrated linalool’s anti-convulsant properties, suggesting a future treatment avenue for epilepsy and seizures. In fact, Science Direct says that “recent reports support the possibility that small concentrations found in certain cannabis chemovars may exert anticonvulsant benefits in human patients.” In other intriguing lines of inquiry, it’s also being studied as a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, and for its promising anti-cancer properties.  

Bonus points for the summertime, it’s also effective as a mosquito repellant!  

Where to Find Linalool 

While linalool is never as abundant in cannabis as terpenes like myrcene or pinene, there are many popular strains that contain linalool that you can add to your cultivar arsenal. Some of the top strains featuring linalool include Lavender, Do-Si-Dos, Kosher Kush, Granddaddy Purp, Amnesia Haze, Zkittlez, and LA Confidential.