Terpene spotlight: Linalool

by Lilli Keinaenen | Apr 5, 2020 | Journal | 0 comments

We love linalool. It is the scent of lavender, a deep, floral, flowerbomb. Linalool is a scent molecule and active ingredient found in cannabis. And we adore it.

What are terpenes? They are the “essential oils” of the cannabis plant, created in the same glands that produce cannabinoids like the active ingredients THC and CBD. Terpenes are what make cannabis smell like it smells like – they are the aromatic oils that scent cannabis varieties with distinctive flavors like citrus, berry, mint, and pine (and skunk too!)⁠.

Terpenes seem to work together to alter, or temper the effects of other terpenes as well as cannabinoids such as CBD and THC. This is known as the entourage effect. More research is needed to understand each terpene’s effect when used in harmony with the other components, but it is clear that it’s not just about making cannabis smell good. Terpenes like linalool are active participants in the entourage!⁠

From Leafly.com: “Not unlike other strong-smelling plants and flowers, the development of terpenes in cannabis began for adaptive purposes: to repel predators and lure pollinators. There are many factors that influence a plant’s development of terpenes, including climate, weather, age and maturation, fertilizers, soil type, and even the time of day.

Over 100 different terpenes have been identified in the cannabis plant, and every strain tends toward a unique terpene type and composition. In other words, a strain like Cheese and its descendants will likely have a discernible cheese-like smell, and Blueberry offspring often inherit the smell of berries.

Terpenes may also play a key role in differentiating the effects of various cannabis strains, but more studies are needed to understand how and to what extent.”

And in our terpene round up, today, we’re celebrating the magic of terpinolene.⁠

Linalool is a terpene found in cannabis as well as lavender plants. Linalool has a floral scent – like a spring meadow with spicy overtones. It has sedative properties and can be an effective anxiety and stress reliever. ⁠

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Terpenes are volatile organic compounds that are produced by the cannabis plant. Produced by the same glands that make cannabinoids like THC and CBD, terpenes are aromatic oils that color cannabis varieties with distinctive flavors like citrus, berry, mint, and pine (and skunk too!)⁠

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