Since 2018, medical cannabis has been legally available on prescription through licensed clinics like Alternaleaf for 50+ conditions.
But the cannabis plant itself is complex, producing over 100 cannabinoids, or compounds (like THC which can produce a ‘high’ and CBD which doesn’t) and over 150 different terpenes. Terpenes are the compounds naturally found in plants which give them their individual aromas and flavours and they are all around us. Together, they could offer a number of potential medical benefits, due to a phenomenon known as the entourage effect.
One of these terpenes is linalool.
What is Linalool?
Linalool is a floral terpene seen most often in lavender. But around 200 other plants produce this terpene, including mint, sweet basil, cinnamon, rosewood, coriander and cannabis.
The reason we’ll be exploring it today? Linalool in cannabis, and in particular medical cannabis, has been shown to have some potential health benefits. We’ll be diving into linalool terpene for anxiety as well as some of its other possible benefits and potential side effects below.
Potential Health Benefits of Linalool
Linalool has been known to produce beneficial effects for symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, which is why it’s mainly used in aromatherapy. Lots more research still needs to be done on linalool benefits, especially when it's used in medical cannabis, but the few results we do have are promising:
- Mood Enhancement: Linalool might have the potential to support mental well-being, and may reduce depression symptoms by increasing dopamine levels in the brain.
- Anti-Anxiety: It can possibly help reduce stress and anxiety by interacting with the brain's GABA receptors.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Linalool for pain relief works by reducing inflammation and pain with its anti-inflammatory properties. This may aid in pain relief for conditions like arthritis.
- Sleep Aid: It likely promotes relaxation and improves sleep quality which could be great for people looking to target insomnia.
There’s also some evidence to suggest linalool is:
- Antibacterial against certain strains of bacteria
- Can protect against skin damage
- Can be part of epilepsy treatment as an anticonvulsant
- Can potentially reduce cancer tumor growth
How Linalool contributes to the medical benefits of cannabis
So, what’s so special about linalool-rich cannabis strains in the UK?
Well, terpenes, like linalool, may work together with cannabinoids, like THC and CBD, to enhance the effects of medical cannabis, as seen in this research. Using the whole cannabis plant as medicine might be more helpful than using just its separate parts.
As we mentioned above, this idea that these elements work better together is known as the entourage effect.
Some terpenes may make it easier for cannabinoids to get into the brain, which could improve how well patients respond. So, yes, terpenes will influence the flavour and aroma of individual strains of cannabis, but studies suggest that terpenes are actually making a pretty significant contribution to the therapeutic effects of cannabis too.
FAQs
How does linalool interact with cannabis?
We’ve pretty much covered this above. But, one additional thing to keep in mind is linalool side effects. If you already know you’re allergic to lavender, or other plants containing this terpene, it may be best to use in smaller and slower doses to begin with. If you’re using an oil topically or cream, do a patch test. Apply a small amount of your product to a patch of skin, and wait to see if you have a negative reaction.
It’s rare, but possible, for some people to experience irritation on the skin, and this is more likely for people who have sensitive skin.
Does Linalool Enhance THC or CBD Effects?
Linalool is known for its stress relieving, pain relieving (including neuropathic [nerve] pain), anxiety relieving and relaxing properties as well as helping to boost the immune system. We explored linalool effects with THC & CBD above. But in a nutshell, when this terpene interacts with cannabis, it has the potential to work with cannabinoids like THC and CBD to enhance therapeutic benefits.
Linalool vs Other Terpenes in Cannabis – How Does It Compare?
Although different terpenes have different effects, they can sometimes complement each other. This goes back to the entourage effect.
For example myrcene has sedative properties, is a pain reliever, muscle relaxant, and relieves anxiety. Pinene is antibacterial, antiseptic, pain relieving, anti-inflammatory, anxiety relieving, relaxes lung muscles and widens the airways
But, instead of looking at these different terpenes separately, we should look at how they can complement each other, and how they affect you individually. For example, some of the potential benefits of limonene are: stress relieving, antifungal, antibacterial, energising, mood elevating, antidepressant, gastroprotective (healthy digestion and gut). Some of these overlap with linalool. And this means limonene could enhance the effects of medical cannabis strains rich in linalool when taken together. In other words, the entourage effect! On the other hand, you may find that the combination of different terpenes produce unique and different effects.
And just because there’s research that suggests a terpene may work a certain way, doesn’t necessarily mean it will be your reality. Cannabis products and strains can impact everyone differently. Effects are often subjective and different blends of different terpenes will have different effects on different bodies!
Summary
There’s no denying the potential health benefits linalool has, especially when it’s working alongside other terpenes and cannabinoids. However, more research is needed to fully discover their potential. Discovering how they work in cannabis, and the effect they have on different conditions, could really make an impact.
The best thing to do is speak to your Doctor or clinician, or seek the help of a licensed medical cannabis clinic like Alternaleaf if you’re considering medical cannabis. Find out if you’re eligible by heading to our website and completing our 30 second questionnaire.