Ever wonder what may be calming you and helping you relax when you use cannabis? Some believe they are obtaining this effect solely from Indica type cannabis, but it could be the terpene linalool!
Terpene aromas are the natural compounds which are found in cannabis that gives the bouquet of smells, playing the major role in the plants essential oils. Linalool can be referred to as beta linalool, linalyl oxide, linalyl alcohol and p-linalool. Found abundantly in nature and used for a variety of purposes, such as perfumes, cosmetics, soap and essential oil therapy. You can find linalool in a common herb we all know, lavender. It is also found in birch trees, laurel, cinnamon, coriander, jasmine, thyme, and mint. Several flavored beverage brands even use linalool as an all-natural flavour. In cannabis it can smell like floral, sweet, woody and citrus.
Did you know?
Linalool is the main terpene for relaxation, stress relief and mood boosting effects? Studies have shown lower levels of anxiety and depression when linalool is present in cannabis. It was also shown to interrupt cancer propagation, beneficial to the treatment of Alzheimer’s, and the reduction of opioid abuse in postoperative patients.
How does linalool affect the body?
Linalool reduces the signaling strength of acetylcholine, a brain chemical that’s required for muscle contraction and movement. It can have anesthetic-like effects by reducing the excitability of cells in the spinal cord that transmit pain signals to the brain.
Linalool has many beneficial effects:
Anti-microbial
Anti-depressant
Anti-anxiety
Immune system support
Sedative
Anti-inflammatory
Muscle relaxant
Anti-Convulsant
Analgesic
What else can Linalool do?
Linalool helps to improve the scent and taste of cosmetic and skincare formulations. It may also have added benefits, acting as an anti-stress and soothing ingredient. The not so good: It can cause sensitivity and irritation, particularly in sensitive skin types.
In traditional aromatherapy, linalool provides an exceptional therapeutic capacity to alleviate skin burns without scarring.
What cannabinoids and terpenes does Linalool react with?
CBD+ limonene + linalool = Can fight acne and treat other skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis.
THC + cannabinol (CBN) + linalool = Can enhance sedative effects.
Linalool + limonene + cannabigerol (CBG) = Helps treat MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus), the most treatment-resistant form of staph infection in some places.
Strains containing Linalool
Afghan Kush
Scooby Snacks
Cold Creek Kush
OG Shark
Amnesia Haze and many more.
Vaporization Boiling Point 388F.
Fun Fact: it’s so common that even those who don’t use cannabis end up consuming over two grams of linalool each year through their food.
Written By: Audrey Bouchard, CTE.
CHC Edmundston.