What is Linalool?
If you've ever come across cannabis that has a lavender scent to it, chances are, you've had a brief experience with linalool. It is a terpene that is found in many different plants, including jasmine, lavender, rosewood, basil or thyme. It also can be found in a certain strain of cannabis. Some say it adds an extra sedative to the user.
Linalool is so rare to find that the average person eats only 2 grams of it per year. Moreover, it is extremely unusual to come by it in cannabis and it moves very quickly through the human body. Linalool is extremely safe, as it is organic and non-toxic. There are arguments about what affects linalool has when it is found in cannabis, but here's what we've come across.
Ultimately, there are two different types of linalool. Namely, licaerol and coriandrol. The two are almost identical in their composition but they are completely different in their scent and aroma.
Licaerol, as the name suggests, is found in lavender and has a sweet floral scent. It is also known as the R-linalool compound.
Coriandrol is found in coriander and it has an agreeable smell with a hint of citrus in it. The coriandrol strain is also known as the S-linalool.
The difference between the two is minute, as they are basically reflections of each other. One of the best ways to analyse the two is found on your own human anatomy. Think about your left and right hand. They're both hands and have the same number of fingers and length, but they're not identical. They basically mirror each other, much like R and S linalool strain. You can find both strains in cannabis under the name linalool, even though they provide different aromas.
Linalool Production
Plants produce linalool as part of their defence mechanism against invading pests. Those pests include the likes of fleas, cockroaches and flies. Thanks to linalool, which is produced in hundreds of plants, the living organism can defend itself against predators.
Linalool is produced by the plant as an internal insecticide for protection. Most pest professionals actually use linalool as well, as it is extremely effective against insects and does not damage the environment either.
Linalool Uses
In addition to being a protective internal insecticide which plants produce to fend off predator insects, linalool has been adapted for human use as well. Many of the most popular soaps, washing up liquids, and perfumes a lavender scent contain linalool. There are also many aromatherapy treatments that make use of the compound as well, thanks to its pleasant and calming smell. In fact, recently, a scientific research team proved that linalool, in its most basic form, can massively reduce stress and anxiety in mice.
Lavender has been considered a desirable scent for centuries so it is no surprise that cannabis strains with a hint of lavender in their bouquet are popular. Famous examples include the strains Master Kush and OG Shark. As they contain of linalool, both strains can reduce levels of anxiety and give the user a relaxing high.
Linalool in Cannabis
Cannabis is made up of many different molecules and it is difficult to figure out how each molecule affects the strain. Using the entourage effect, a theory which identifies the collective effect each compound has in a strain, linalool is believed to have a positive impact on cannabis.
On the one hand, linalool is believed to give a more relaxed experience to the user when smoking a strain with it. The flip side of the story is that there is no scientific evidence to prove that a strain with linalool in it produces any psychotropic effects. Ultimately, cannabis strains containing the linalool compound are thought to reduce anxiety and stress more effectively than strains that do not contain it.
Fighting Cancer
There is research that suggests linalool may be an effective therapeutic aid in the battle against cancer. By consuming cannabis strains containing linalool, cancer patients may find that there is a reduction in the rate at which cancer cells divide and spread. This gives the body's immune system more time to combat the disease.
Combating Alzheimer's Disease
Another benefit of linalool is the aid it may provide in combating Alzheimer's Disease. According to a 2016 study, linalool was found to prevent Alzheimer's disease by reversing histopathological characteristics of the disease. The user would also receive certain cognitive and emotional benefits from using linalool.
The study was carried out on mice that were induced with a Triple-transgenic form of Alzheimer's. Over the course of three months, the test-subject mice were given linalool orally. The study found that the mice treated with linalool were more efficient at solving puzzles and mazes in comparison to the group that were not treated with linalool.
Linalool the Antidepressant
For centuries it has been thought that plants containing linalool may work as antidepressants. However, recently has it been studied.
There was confusion over whether the scent is what helps aid people's anxiety or if it was the compound itself once ingested. Dr Guzmán-Guetiérrez put this to the test by studying the different impacts of ingesting a cannabis strain containing linalool. The results showed that the patient would benefit from an increase in serotonin and dopamine, acting as an antidepressant. When inhaling a strong purified lavender scent, patients suffering from depression would only benefit from being more sociable.
Cannabis Strains with High Linalool Compounds
Although it can be challenging to find linalool strains of cannabis, we do recommend trying one of the following if you are up for it.
Amnesia Haze
It is tricky to nail down whether amnesia haze is an indica or sativa strain of cannabis, as it has characteristics from both sides. Although, if one were to ask users, the majority would probably lean towards the strain being sativa.
Amnesia Haze is said to make the mind sharper than usual. Thus, when taken in a calming environment, it is suggested that the strain has an instant impact, giving the user a heightened awareness of their surroundings.
For recreational purposes, this cannabis strain has a positive impact on both the mental and physical aspects of the body. It is especially enjoyable with affairs that involve both body and mind – such as sex.
In terms of medical benefits, Amnesia Haze may help those who have difficulties with keeping their attention. For people who suffer with ADHD, Amnesia Haze has been found to help them concentrate on specific tasks.
On the flip side of this, Amnesia Haze does bring out certain negative side effects as well. It is not uncommon for users to experience paranoia or overthinking. The mind is said to rush from one thought to another at a wild pace. Thus, it is recommended for unexperienced cannabis takers to be very careful with the dosage.
Lavender
Another strain of cannabis which is high in linalool is Lavender, which has a similar flavour to a certain Afghani hash. The strain itself is quite powerful and tends to relax and calm the user, very often leaving people feeling lazy. If you are an inexperienced user, you may even fall asleep. The negative side effects from this strain include cotton mouth, dry eyes, dizziness and paranoia.
One of the most effective ways to use the Lavender strain is in the night for people who suffer from insomnia. It has also been used for reducing stress, anxiety and depression. Lavender has even been prescribed to people suffering with PTSD, ADHD or any other obsessive-compulsive behaviour.
Another positive use of the Lavender cannabis strain is that it works well against anorexia. Patients who suffer with eating disorders may revert to the strain as it is high in CBD, which also works well against seizures.
How to Select a Cannabis Strain
818 OG Cannabis Strain Profile
