Linalool: The Soothing and Anxiety-Busting Terpene

A natural sedative, linalool works alongside cannabis to ease the mind and body with delicate floral aromas

Linalool has also been studied for its Powerful anti-convulsive properties

Lavender has been recognized for millennia for its ability to calm the body with even a brief exposure to its scent. Commonly found in alternative medicine in the form of aromatherapy oils and extracts, Linalool is the essential oil that is responsible for this mellowing reaction in Lavender. It’s also found in several strains of cannabis, making for a powerful combination of pain-relieving effects. Although more rare than terpenes in cannabis like Myrcene and Pinene, Linalool seems to hold some promising benefits that merit further study.

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Linalool as an anti-convulsant, anti-spasm

In studying the effects of Linalool on the central nervous system, this essential oil was found to ease symptoms related to convulsive disorders like epilepsy. Although these studies have been minimal, they are nonetheless groundbreaking.

“There are many studies that report the antiseizure activity of a nonallopathic preparation with animal models of epilepsy. Several of these medications are prepared with plants that contain linalool.”

- Ferderal University of Sergipe, Brazil, 2010

Anxiety and Stress-Fighting Effects of Linalool

Medical studies and testimonial evidence have both demonstrated Linalool to be a potentially powerful ally against anxiety and depression.

“The monoterpenes β-pinene and linalool were identified as the two main active principles of the essential oil, and showed antidepressant-like and sedative-like activity.”

- The Journal of Ethnopharmacology 2012

Strains High In Linalool

• Lavender Kush

• Do-Si-Dos

• Zkittlez

Pinene: The Anti-inflammatory, Alert and Aromatic Terpene

Studied for numerous health benefits, Pinene is a potential powerhouse

If you open a jar of cannabis flower and smell a pine-like scent, it’s likely high in Pinene. But what are its effects when smoked, vaped or ingested?

Jack Herer, a cannabis strain high in a-Pinene

Pinene is an extremely common plant essential oil, or terpene, found all throughout nature. It can be found in high levels in pine needles, rosemary and numerous other aromatic plants known for that signature eye-opening scent. It is, in fact, the most common terpene found in the world.

It’s Alpha variant, a-Pinene, can be found in cannabis and has become associated with anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator and memory-boosting effects.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

In a study published by the National Institutes of Health, a-Pinene was found to exhibit “strong pharmacological effects” when administered for the reduction of inflammation. Conditions like arthritis can benefit from the reduction of inflammation a-Pinene may provide.

a-Pinene may be of benefit for those suffering from respiratory issues as well, as it works in concert with THC to open pathways in the lungs with bronchodilating effects and relieve symptoms of conditions like asthma.

Memory-Boosting Effects

a-Pinene has been studied by leading medical cannabis researcher Dr. Ethan Russo for its ability to moderate the short-term memory impairment associated with cannabis use. Additionally, Russo cites a-Pinene as a broad-spectrum antibiotic, a trait shared among several other cannabis terpenes.

“Perhaps most compelling, however, is its activity as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor aiding memory…This feature could counteract short-term memory deficits induced by THC intoxication.” - Dr. Ethan Russo Taming THC potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects

Potential Additional Benefits of A-Pinene

In a landmark Chinese study, pine needle extract containing Pinene was found to inhibit cancer tumor growth.

“We found that treatment with α-pinene significantly inhibited human prostate cancer cell growth and induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in the cell line-based model.”

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Practical Tips About a-Pinene from The Novel Tree Medical

• In small amounts it can be calming and clear headed, great for getting chores and errands done.

• It's possesses biphasic effects; Large amount and small amount have opposite effects of each other.

• It’s typically responsible for clear-headed, invigorating “Sativa” effects.

What strains are high in a-Pinene?

• Jack Herer

• Harlequin

• Blue Dream

• Purple Sour Diesel

• Sky Master

• 9lb. Hammer

Terpenes in Marijuana: 5 Most Commonly Found

All throughout the plant world, Marijuana too!

Terpenes, or essential oils, are found throughout the plant world and marijuana is no exception. While clinical studies are still few and far between, it is known that specific strains of cannabis contain varying levels of several different terpenes, and have an effect on the cannabis user. Most labels found on cannabis products will contain a breakdown of these terpene levels. It’s becoming much more common to shop for strains based upon their terpene content, favoring these characteristics over whether a strain is an indica or sativa, or THC and CBD content. The state-certified medical cannabis consultants at The Novel Tree Medical have assisted thousands of people with varying and unique needs, and through this have come to an understanding of the effects that different cannabinoids and terpenes possess. We’ve outlined the 5 most common terpenes found in marijuana and provided a brief explanation of their characteristics.

Terpene Effects and Studies

Limonene

Citrus-like Limonene is thought to have anti-anxiety, anti-acne, anti-cancer and digestive-protecting properties. In a 2018 study published by The National Institute of Health, Limonene was found to possess an ability to inhibit lung cancer cell growth in mice.

Pinene

Pinene is thought to have anti-inflammatory, broncho-dilating, antibiotic and memory-boosting properties. A far-reaching 2019 study outlines these characteristics and several more. “To date, most of the investigations have not studied the bioavailability of α-pinene and β-pinene in the human body, though it is clear that these terpenes have antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antiallergic properties.”

Linalool

With it’s Lavender-like aroma, Linalool is thought to have anti-anxiety, pain-relieving, sedative, anti-spasm, and anti-convulsive properties. A 2018 study indicated Linalool produced anxiolytic effects in mice. Linalool is often found in marijuana strains associated with sleepy or sedative effects, making it an option for those who need to wind down at the end of a stressful day.

Caryophyllene

Pepper and spice-tinged Caryophyllene regulates inflammation, nerve pain, fibrosis and has digestive-protecting properties. This terpene is also found in cinnamon and hops, among many other plants. An article in Leafly written by Josh Kaplan, PHD cites Caryophyllene as being beneficial to protect against cognitive decline due to Alzheimer’s and other neurological conditions. Kaplan asserts that more human-based studies are needed to corroborate assertions made about this potentially life-changing terpene.

Myrcene

Exhibiting earthy and fruity undertones, Myrcene is most associated with sedating, muscle-relaxing and anti-inflammatory properties. A 2002 study demonstrated that Myrcene possesses sedative as well as motor relaxant effects. Myrcene is also the predominant terpene found in Chamomile tea, well-known for it’s tranquility-inducing characteristics.