As you probably know marijuana has plenty of chemicals called terpenes. Terpenes are primarily responsible for the smell of plants. Their primary purpose is to keep insects and other predators at bay. However, linalool and other terpenes may have some pleasant effects on humans. Here’s what you need to know about linalool terpene’s effects and benefits.
Photo: Unsplash
What does Linalool Smell Like?
As you know this terpene is an aromatic compound so it definitely has a smell. Cresco Labs describes the scent of linalool as a “floral, spicy or woody aroma.”
A 2021 review also mentioned, “plants abundant in (R)-linalool, such as lavender, sweet basil, purple basil, bergamot and eucalyptus, produce a floral, fresh and woody scent, while (S)-linalool yields less robust fragrance similar to pettigrain, i.e., more subtle sweet, floral and woody tones.”
According to the Structure-odor relationships of linalool, linalyl acetate and their corresponding oxygenated derivatives, “Its odor is described in literature as floral, citric, fresh and sweet.”
As a matter of fact, the article also confirmed that linalool is very widely used in the cosmetics and perfume industry. The authors said, “In perfumery, linalool is a commonly used fragrant ingredient being a component of many perfumes top notes and being found in 60–90% of cosmetic products.”
What are the Effects of Linalool?
Just like limonene, linalool is thought to have beneficial effects. According to Pub Chem, linalool has been in traditional medicine to get specific effects. They said, “…..linalool-containing natural products (aromatic herbs and spices or their essential oils respectively extracts) [were used] in traditional medicinal systems, specifically for their sleep-inducing and anticonvulsant purposes.”
If this sounds surprising to you, remember that lavender, which has linalool often puts people to sleep or calm them down.
It seems to have those same effects when it’s in marijuana.
Healthline says, “Linalool is said to help improve relaxation and boost mood with its floral notes.”
According to Cresco Labs, in medical marijuana this terpene can have the following effects:
- Anticonvulsant
- Antidepressant
- Muscle relaxant
- Anti-anxiety
- Stress relief
Is there any scientific proof of any of these effects? Well, a 2015 study concluded, “Our results indicate that linalool and β-pinene produce an antidepressant-like effect through interaction with the monoaminergic system.” The 2021 review previously mentioned, stated that due to some animal studies, linalool seems to help with anxiety and depression.
But are stoners feeling these effects?
Well, according to a Reddit thread, many stoners described seadtive effects after using weed high in this terpene. One Reddit user said, “It seems like ANYTHING with even a little bit of linalool completely knocks me out.” Others responded to the thread with, “Linalol just makes me laugh.”
In another Reddit thread, one user said, “linalool tends to make me fairly sleep or lethargic when it is in the top 3 terpenes of the profile.”
Of course, weed has a mixture of many types of terpenes and so the effects you feel can be due to one or a few terpenes. In addition, everybody is different and so you may experience a completely different effect from someone else.
Linalool Terpene Benefits
This terpene can have several benefits. Benefits include stress and anti-anxiety relief. However, scientists are looking at this terpene for many other medical benefits.
According to the 2021 review, linalool (and pinene) should be investigated for the treatment of the following medical conditions:
- Stroke
- Ischemia
- Inflammatory and neuropathic pain (including migraine)
- Cognitive impairment (relevant to Alzheimer’s disease and ageing)
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Depression
One of the reasons that the researchers believe that this terpene should be studied more is due to its effect on the brain. They noted that it has a low molecular weight and is lipophilic which means it may pass the blood-brain barrier and have effects. The researchers also said, “Evidence suggests that linalool exerts neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects in the brain.”
High Linalool Strains
If you want a strain high in this terpene for your bong or blunt for a relaxing effect you have many options. You can opt for Purple Kush or one of these strains from Seattle Hashtag:
- Granddaddy Purple
- Do Si Dos
- Lavender
- Kosher Kush
Remember, if there is a specific effect you’re looking for, there are various strains out there for you. While they may not necessarily work for everyone, it’s worth a try.
For example, if you’re looking for generally sedating strains, you can opt for Indica strains. According to Royal Queen Seeds, popular Indica strains include:
- Ice
- Blue Gelato
- Bubble Kush
- Blue Cheese
- Purple Queen
On the other hand, if you’re looking for help with depression and anxiety, Healthline says Sativas may be right up your alley. According to Healthline, “With their reported energizing, mood-uplifting, and creativity-inducing effects, sativas may help combat feelings of lethargy and apathy.”
If that’s important to you, Healthline recommends these strains for uplifting your mood:
- Strawberry Cough
- Harlequin GDP
- Super Lemon Haze
Takeaway
Linalool seems to have sedating effects and could possibly help with sleep, anxiety, depression, and stress relief. There are a number of strains out there that are high in that terpene. Since linalool is a terpene in cannabis, it’s assumed that strains high in it can at least help with sleep and the other issues mentioned. In addition to that, scientists think it’s worth investigating this awesome terpene for help with a whole lot of different medical conditions. We’re excited to see the upcoming research about it.
