Terpenes show up in nature in a variety of different plants, insects, and more, but some of them are much more prevalent in cannabis. One of those terpenes is linalool. In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know about linalool, including:

• What is Linalool?
• What Does Linalool Smell Like?
• What Does Linalool Taste Like?
• What Are the Effects of Linalool?
• What Strains Have High Concentrations of Linalool?
• FAQs About Linalool
   

Linalool, specifically, has a somewhat sweet and floral aroma and flavor that combines with a gentle spiciness. Linalool is such a prevalent terpene that it’s found in over 200 different types of plants, even giving lavender its well-known scent. It’s also a monoterpene, similar to myrcene and caryophyllene. 

Because of its sweet, floral scent, it’s used in essential oils, skincare, and of course, perfumes. While cannabis and lavender are two of the most popular places to find linalool, it can also be found in bay leaf, cinnamon, and coriander.
 

Chances are high you’ve smelled linalool before, especially if you like lavender. Linalool is one of the primary reasons that lavender smells the way it does: sweet, spicy, and earthy. It’s also commonly found in plants and spices such as jasmine, rosewood, basil, and thyme. Of course, if you find a strain of cannabis that smells similar to lavender, you can probably thank linalool.
 

One of the reasons that it takes so much skill to cook with lavender is because the linalool terpene is jam-packed with complex flavors. There’s a bit of sweetness and spiciness to it, but you’ll also find notes of earthy flavors. Some people have even said there’s a smoky undertone to the flavor of linalool.

Of course, flavor can depend on what other terpenes are mixed with it. For example, if a strain of cannabis is packed with myrcene and linalool, the spicy flavors of those terpenes might become more prevalent than any kind of earthy undertones. This is what makes it so interesting to start consuming cannabis based on the terpene profiles—the flavors will always be unique. 
 

While there are very few human studies to show the effects of linalool on the body. However, one study on rats found that the terpene stopped the body from experiencing the negative impacts of stress, even during exposure to stress-inducing situations. Another study found that linalool and pinene together can reduce depression and anxiety in mice.
 

There are some strains that stand out from the rest when you start consuming cannabis based on terpene profiles. Some of our favorite linalool strains are:
 

Sativa-Dominant Hybrid

This sativa-dominant hybrid is the result of a cross between three rockstar strains: Afghan Hawaiian, Jamaican, and Laotian. If you’re an experienced cannabis consumer, you know that means this strain has roots in the landraces—the original strains that grew in Jamaica and Laos. 

These superior genetics have created a potent (22% THC) plant with just a little bit of CBD in it too (1%). The flavors and aromas of Amnesia Haze definitely show their linalool roots—earthy, sweet, and a little spicy. 

Indica-Dominant Hybrid

There’s no question that there’s linalool in this strain when you look at its name. Lavender Kush is an indica-leaning hybrid that owes its creation to a cross between Super Skunk, Big Skunk Korean, and Afghani Hawaiian. Sweet, spicy, and floral, this strain not only tastes like lavender, but it looks like lavender too with its dark purple leaves. 

Lavender Kush has significantly high levels of THC in it (27%), so be sure to go slow with this one. 
 

Indica-Dominant Hybrid

You’d be hard pressed to find a more indica-dominant hybrid on the market, and that’s because LA Confidential’s parent plants are Afghani, an indica landrace, and California Indica. Earthy, spicy, and just a little skunky, Confidential shows off its linalool terpene content with herbaceous undertones. 

Like Lavender, go slow with this one. LA Confidential OG has THC levels that go up to 30%.
 

As a popular terpene, linalool gets asked about a lot. Here are some of our most frequently asked and answered questions:

Does linalool have intoxicating effects?
No. While linalool is one of the cannabis terpenes that contributes to the entourage effect (along with the cannabinoids and flavonoids), it cannot cause intoxicating effects. 
 

Is linalool a sativa?
No, linalool is a terpene. Linalool can be found in many different strains of cannabis, including sativa, indica, and hybrids. 
 

How does linalool make you feel?
Lavender has long been believed to provide general calming properties, with its use dating back to ancient Egypt. Is this because linalool is calming or because it makes us feel like we’re walking through a field of flowers? 

The answer, at this point, is inconclusive. 

There’s plenty of research being conducted around linalool for potential therapeutic qualities and as a potential medical treatment. However, it’s important to note that much more research must be done with human participants before the effects of linalool on the human body can truly be known.
 

If you love cannabis with floral aromas and spicy, earthy notes, strains with high linalool content are a great option for you. Visit your local dispensary and talk to our budtenders. They’re cannabis experts who will help you find the strains listed above if they’re in stock, or other strains rich in linalool that you may enjoy.