What is Linalool?

Linalool is a terpene commonly associated with a floral scent that contains hints of spice. Recognizable scents include lavender, mint and birch trees. Cannabis is just one of the many plants that can contain significant levels of linalool. Even if you don’t consume cannabis, it is likely you ingest food every year with varying levels of linalool. As we see with many terpenes, linalool has been shown to reduce pain and promote anti-inflammation.

Medicinal Benefits of Linalool

Today, there is not enough research or human trials to claim that linalool is a proven treatment for any medical condition by itself. With that said, there are still a number of promising studies that should continue to be investigated. On top of the pain killing and anti-inflammatory properties seen with many terpenes, linalool has been shown to be an anticonvulsant that significantly increased the latency of seizures in mice. Linalool is able to accomplish this by blocking glutamate from reaching the receptors in the brain. Additionally, linalool has been shown to reduce the negative effects associated with stress and the shift in white blood cell production.

There have also been studies that show linalool could slow or even reverse the behavioral and cognitive impacts of Alzheimer’s disease. Studies in mice showed that linalool was able to reduce the number of brain plaques and cellular tangles that contribute to the degeneration of the brain. Linalool is also believed to enhance the effect of certain sedatives.

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Common Cannabis Strains with Linalool

Linalool is present in several cannabis plants but rarely at such a level that would be effective at fighting a disease. Anyone researching linalool as a method of treatment should consult with their physician to discuss appropriate dosing and methods of consumption. Below you’ll see a list of common cannabis strains with significant levels of linalool.