Terpene Spotlight: How Linalool Can Provide Therapeutic Relief

When it comes to choosing the right cannabis strain, there’s a lot of advice out there to consider. By now you’ve probably heard about indica and sativa, the two primary groups into which cannabis strains are categorized. Indica strains, speaking in basic terms, are known for their sedative effects, and sativa strains are invigorating and more appropriate in social settings. Many cannabis strains available out there offer some hybrid of the two, as well, and that’s definitely something to keep in mind when selecting the right strain for your needs.

A lot of attention has also been paid to the classification of hemp vs. marijuana. In simplest terms, the hemp plant has a THC potency of 0.3% or less, whereas marijuana plants tend to have a potency in the ballpark of 30%. This is also important to consider when selecting the right strain for your needs. If you want to experience the psychoactive effects of THC with your cannabis, you should choose a marijuana strain. If you don’t want that, a hemp strain might be the best way to go.

More recently, the conversation has turned from these two tried and true topics to the subject of terpenes. Experts and novices alike are becoming conversant in the various terpenes available and what they have to offer. These compounds are produced by cannabis plants to act as a pest repellent, but the scents and tastes they provide can be enjoyed by human users. Terpenes also have their own benefits, so it’s a good idea to know what they are and what they can provide.

What is Linalool?

Linalool is an extremely common compound and one you’ve likely encountered before, though you may not have realized it. If you’ve ever inhaled the aroma of lavender or birch, you were enjoying the smell of linalool. Even people who don’t use cannabis usually end up consuming small amounts of linalool throughout their lives, as it’s found in over 200 different plants. The human body processes linalool very well, so it doesn’t hang around long and leave you with any adverse effects, making it a favorite terpene of many.

What Are the Benefits?

Linalool has plenty of therapeutic benefits that make it worthy of consideration as an addition to your life. These include:

• Anti-inflammatory: Like ibuprofen, linalool moderates overreactive responses to injury or illness in the body. This can make it perfect for a pulled muscle or swollen joints.
• Anti-epileptic: Cannabis is becoming widely known as an anticonvulsant, and linalool is a terpene that can offer fantastic benefits to those who suffer from seizures.
• Sedative: Trouble sleeping? Look no further. Linalool can help you relax and drift off at the end of the day. It can also improve the quality of your sleep, reducing the propensity to wake up during the night, and can help you ensure that your energy level the next morning will be high.
• Anxiety Reducer: Anxiety and stress can make it absolutely impossible to get anything done. Those who use cannabis to combat anxiety must be extra careful in selecting the right strain because choosing the wrong one can actually increase anxiety and make you feel worse. Linalool is a great terpene to look for to combat your anxiety.
• Mosquito Repellent: It’s true! Cannabis plants rely on terpenes to keep the pests away, and you can do the same. The smell of linalool is repugnant to mosquitos, so put some in a diffuser on a hot summer night to keep them at bay.
• Antimicrobial qualities: If you use cannabis-based lotions or makeup products, bacterial growth may be a concern. Mitigate the issue with linalool.

The next time you visit a cannabis dispensary, ask your budtender about linalool products!