The Best Cannabis Strains with the Linalool Terpene

Linalool is a naturally occurring terpene found abundantly in lavender, giving the plant its distinct herbaceous and floral smell.

You often find the pleasant lavender aroma in scented hygiene products like soaps, shampoos, and lotions, not just because of its smell but also because of its antimicrobial properties.

Lavender and its essential oils have large amounts of linalool, but other plants, like some species of laurels and mints, also contain this terpene. The same is true for the cannabis plant, giving certain cannabis strains a flavor profile that blends floral and herbaceous notes.

The appeal may be more than aroma; however,  a recent study shows linalool’s potential as an alternative treatment for depression - one that may prove more effective than traditional antidepressants.

Linalool in cannabis

Linalool has a complex flavor and fragrance profile because it comes in two forms, S-linalool and R-linalool.

Both terpenes are present in cannabis yet have a very distinct taste and smell. S-linalool is described as sweet and floral with a sharpness that resembles bitter orange. On the other hand, R-linalool is more woody and lavender-like in taste and smell.

In cannabis, strains high in linalool contain floral and herbaceous notes that blend in a way that resembles the aroma and taste of lavender.

But beyond the flavor profile of linalool, it can also have therapeutic effects in certain strains. As hinted above, the aromatic compounds found in linalool may serve as a better alternative to treating depression. This is because of its relaxing and anxiety-reducing effect.

Plants that also contain linalool

Outside of lavender and cannabis, linalool is present in things like rosewood, cinnamon, and laurels like the Indian bay leaf. It's also found in basil, hops, coriander, and the rinds of sweet oranges.

Granddaddy Purple is an Indica-dominant strain many have come to love, not just because it was made by crossing the classic Purple Urkle with Big Bud. It became popular because people enjoyed its sedating and soothing highs.

With THC levels ranging from 17% to 23%, this potent indica leaves people with a buzz that has them feeling blissful and deeply relaxed. Then there's the flavor and fragrance, which strongly resembles grapes with hints of herbs, spice, and earthiness.

Granddaddy Purple, both in photoperiod as autoflower variant, has a terpene profile that's high in myrcene, caryophyllene, pinene, and linalool.

Yet, despite having linalool, it doesn't impart the distinct floral scent and taste that the terpene is known for. However, it does hint at linalool’s sedative properties and anxiolytic effects, meaning it can provide a sense of physical relaxation and reduce anxiety.

Named after the Girl Scouts' delicious peanut butter sandwich cookies, Do-si-dos embodies every bit of its namesake. It has a creamy, nutty, and earthy sweetness that makes for one of the best-tasting smokes out there, especially if you're a fan of cookie-flavored strains.

The terpenes that help give Do-si-dos its flavors are limonene, linalool, and caryophyllene. Yet besides giving this iconic indica-hybrid its unique and delectable flavor profile, these terpenes also factor into the effects of Do-si-dos weed.

The presence of both limonene and linalool terpenes, known for their anxiolytic effects, can add to the euphoric high you get from Do-si-dos photoperiod and autoflower. These terpenes intensify the effect by helping to reduce stress and anxiety. The high from Do-si-dos relaxes your body yet keeps your mind active and focused.

Another favorite strain inspired by tasty snacks is Runtz. This balanced hybrid has the sugary and fruity flavors of the bag of candy it was named after. It shouldn't be surprising that Runtz is as flavorful as it is since it combined Gelato and Zkittlez, two strains known for their sweet and fruity taste.

Along with the candy-like sweetness of Zkittlez, Runtz also inherited much of the terpenes of its parent strains. This includes caryophyllene, limonene, and linalool. Linalool adds to the taste and smell of Runtz photoperiod and autoflower, and boosts the relaxing effects and euphoric high that the balanced hybrid provides. Linalool may even be why Runtz' makes you talkative and sociable due to its positive effects on behavior.

Like Do-si-dos, Tropicana Cookies derives from Girl Scout Cookies; however, it was bred with Tangie, producing a sativa-hybrid with strong flavors that mix tropical fruits with orange citrus.

Yet it's not just the flavor and lineage that made Tropicana Cookies a favorite. With its many cannabinoids and high THC levels that hover around 16% to 24%, it provides a long-lasting high that leaves you feeling energized and euphoric.

Not to mention the presence of linalool, limonene, and caryophyllene may also deepen the sense of euphoria due to their anxiolytic and antidepressant-like properties

Finally, we have Zkittlez, an Indica-dominant strain with a terpene profile that includes caryophyllene, linalool, and humulene. This blend helps give Zkittlez its sweet flavors of tropical fruits and berries resembling the fruity candy it was named after.

Zkittlez is a potent strain with a high THC concentration of up to 20% and provides a sedating yet soothing high. With enough tokes, its strong body high will put you to sleep. By the time you come to, you'll be looking for some actual rainbow-flavored candy to enjoy, so make sure you have all your favorite snacks on hand. Don't forget that Zkittlez is also available in an autoflower variant!

• Santos, É. R. Q. D., Maia, J. G. S., Fontes-Júnior, E. A., & Maia, C. D. S. F. (2022). Linalool as a therapeutic and Medicinal tool in depression treatment: a review. Current Neuropharmacology, 20(6), 1073–1092. https://doi.org/10.2174/1570159x19666210920094504

• Song, Y., Seo, S., Lamichhane, S., Seo, J., Hong, J. T., Jin, H., & Yun, J. (2021). Limonene has anti-anxiety activity via adenosine A2A receptor-mediated regulation of dopaminergic and GABAergic neuronal function in the striatum. Phytomedicine (Stuttgart), 83, 153474. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153474