Terpene Spotlight: Linalool, the Anxiety Reliever
Terpene Spotlight: Linalool, the Anxiety Reliever
There’s so much more to cannabis than just THC and CBD. Terpenoids are every bit on researcher’s radar as cannabinoids. Why? Because terpenes are shown to have promising medicinal benefits of their own!
Terpenes are found in all plants and trees, including cannabis. They’re responsible for the aromas of nature. From the smell of sharp citrus to the herbaceous aroma of basil, it’s all produced by terpenes. Terpenes offer much more than delightful smells though. They carry an array of effects that when combined with cannabinoids in cannabis, are responsible for both some of the health benefits and psychoactive or physical effects of a particular strain.
The relationship between terpenoids and cannabinoids is known as the “entourage effect,” and dictates the profile of each unique cannabis strain.
Linalool or D-linalool is one common terpenoid in cannabis. It’s commonly found in more than 200 plants, including lavender and other herbs like cinnamon as well as citrus trees. You can recognize it by its sweet, floral scent. Strains with the fragrance of flowers or roses are often high in linalool. There may notes of spiciness behind the floral in some strains.
Linalool has sedative properties and strains with high amount can be effective for relieving anxiety and stress. One study showed that mice exposed to this terpene’s vapors show reduced levels of anxiety and lower depression-like behaviors. So, it’s no surprise this terpene is found in lavender, a flower known for its anti-anxiety and anti-stress properties.
Linalool has been used as an antibiotic in herbal medicine and is also anti-inflammatory, pain reliever, a stress reducer, and sedative. It’s also been shown to repel mosquitos!
The purple strains are typically high in this relieving terpene; look for Grand Daddy Purple, Purple Rain and Grape Ape.
We have Sticky Inc’s Pluto in stock, a relaxing and sedative strain with linalool.
Looking for topical pain relief? Check out Cosmic View’s Cycle Soothe for menstrual pain, containing linalool!