Cannabis Terpenes: Linalool
Linalool is one of a family of compounds called terpenes. These volatile oils combine to give cannabis its unique flavour and aroma. They modify the cannabinoids to encourage different recreational effects and medical properties. So, what is linalool and what is it good for?
Linalool. It might be a tongue twister, but this essential oil has one of the most recognisable aromas of all the terpenes. Appreciators of fine herbs and the everyday punter may not even realise that they know the smell. It is responsible for the olfactory signature of a number of well-known fragrances and cosmetic ranges. It is the principle compound that gives lavender its unmistakable aroma.
Linalool often plays a part in creating the distinctive odour of cannabis. It is one of those delightful smells that draws you back for more, time and time again. It engages those primaeval parts of the brain left over from when we used to sniff the air for danger.
Linalool is one of over 200 terpenes known to be present in the resin of cannabis plant species. Terpenes are produced in specialised glandular membranes in the modified leaf and flower structures of mature cannabis. Some of these structures, called trichomes, appear as a crystal stalk topped by a swollen gland of resin. These volatile compounds are what give cannabis and other flowers and herbs their particular smells.
Terpenes are partly responsible for the different effects of varying strains of marijuana; they modify the central cannabinoid-driven theme. Several cannabis species with similar THC percentages can sustain vastly differing effects. Whether it's kush crash and couch-lock or hazy creativity overload, such nuances depend on the terpenes.
THE PROPERTIES OF LINALOOL
Linalool acts in a number of beneficial ways on the human body. It has been used as a natural soporific, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, and topical skin application for millennia. Insomniacs of the Renaissance kept parcels of lavender under their pillows, and it is still used for scar treatment today.
Contemporary studies have shown that linalool is a powerful[1] anti-inflammatory and analgesic[2]. This is good news for patients seeking natural forms of medicine. Inflammation is a major component in the pain profile of cancers, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, and arthritis.
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LINALOOL AND CANNABIS
The beneficial effects of THC, CBD, and terpenes like linalool are mutually enhanced by each other. This is known as the entourage effect. The cannabinoids themselves are anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, sedative, and analgesic. The subtle interactions between these compounds are enjoyed by the recreational smoker as different highs. The medical consumer will recognise these molecular interactions as why one species seems to treat their condition better than others. Some cannabis strains with a known high linalool content are Amnesia Haze and Special Kush.
The effectiveness of cannabis as a medicine is due to the interaction of hundreds of plant constituents, often including linalool. As research progresses, cannabis is proving to be a therapeutic powerhouse full of health-promoting compounds. Breeders and researchers are working hard to tailor-make strains to target specific ailments. Infinite customisation of cannabis designed for specific purposes is on the near horizon.
Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources.
