Linalool: Occurrence, Measurement, Research and Limits
Linalool is a floral-scented terpene found in cannabis and many aromatic plants. See how it is measured, what small human and animal studies show, and its skin and safety cautions.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
What linalool is
Linalool has the formula C10H18O, so unlike the pinenes or limonene it carries an oxygen atom. PubChem lists its systematic name as 3,7-dimethylocta-1,6-dien-3-ol. [1] It is the main constituent of some essential oils from aromatic plants. [2] It is also among the most common fragrance terpenes in everyday products. [3] Linalool occurs in two forms, written R-(-) and S-(+), and a human study found they affected some body measures of stress differently. [4] This page is information only.Evidence labels used here: preclinical (cells/animals only), promising but limited (a few small human studies), mixed, insufficient evidence, and marketing claim.
Where it occurs in cannabis
A 2011 review lists linalool among the cannabis terpenoids it covers. [5] Linalool was among the terpenes found in high amounts in two strains analyzed by gas chromatography, [6] and among the major terpenes in ethanol extracts of most of six genotypes. [7] In one comparison, linalool helped distinguish THC-dominant from CBD-dominant samples, [8] and another study reported it higher in THC-dominant varieties. [9]Composition varies, and no typical percentage can be given. Reviewers note concern about inconsistent terpene composition between cannabis "strains", [10] and cultivars in one class can differ substantially in terpenes. [11] Only batch-specific laboratory data can show a given product's linalool.
How it is measured
Labs measure linalool by gas chromatography, with flame ionization or mass spectrometry detection. [6] In a comparison of cannabis flower and CO2 extract, some terpene groups were lost and others rose several-fold, so a concentrate can have a different terpene fingerprint from its flower. [12] The abstract does not give a linalool-specific figure. See Terpene Testing: How Profiles Are Measured and Reported.What research shows
| Question | What was found | Evidence label |
|---|---|---|
| Stress measures | In 24 people under experimental stress, the authors concluded both linalool forms had relaxing effects on salivary cortisol, while S-(+) acted as an activating agent on heart rate and blood pressure. [4] | Promising but limited; physiology measures, not symptoms |
| Pain from shingles nerve damage | In 64 patients (58 analyzed), inhaling 1% linalool diluted in almond oil reduced pain scores more than the almond-oil control. [13] | Promising but limited (one small trial, not cannabis) |
| Carpal tunnel syndrome | A 37-person study reported that inhaled linalool changed an antioxidant measure and lowered blood pressure and pulse rate in the carpal tunnel group. [14] | Promising but limited; biomarker change is not a clinical outcome |
| Depression | A 2022 review calls linalool a promising compound for depression research and lists gaps in knowledge of its kinetics, doses and routes of administration. [2] | Insufficient evidence |
| Sleep, as part of a mixture | A trial of an oral CBD-plus-eight-terpene product (linalool was one) in 125 adults with insomnia reported a small gain in slow-wave plus REM sleep. [15] | Mixed; cannot be credited to linalool alone |
| Cannabis-linked effects | In cell tests, linalool did not change how THC acted on the TRPA1 and TRPV1 channels. [16] | Preclinical (cells/animals only) |
The pain and stress studies used linalool or lavender aroma on its own, not cannabis. They cannot be transferred to cannabis flower, vapes or edibles. For aroma-based practices see Aromatherapy: Practices and What Research Shows and Lavender Oil.
Claims that a linalool-rich cannabis product will relax you are a marketing claim: in 140 medicinal flowers, terpene profiles showed no relation to estimated pharmacological effect. [17] Proper evidence not found for linalool from cannabis improving anxiety, sleep or pain in controlled human studies.
Safety and limits
- Skin allergy. When linalool oxidizes it forms hydroperoxides that cause frequent positive patch-test reactions in people with dermatitis. [3] The authors say exposure and sensitization limits in products still need to be better determined. [3] If a fragrance or linalool-containing product irritates the skin, stop and ask a clinician.
- Heated inhalation. In a lab test, adding terpenes to THC raised gas-phase breakdown products from vaping and dabbing compared with THC alone. [18] That test did not isolate linalool. See Smoking and Vaping Cannabis: Respiratory and Other Risks.
- Special groups. Pregnancy, children, older adults, and people with heart, liver or mental health conditions: Proper evidence not found for cannabis-derived linalool. Do not use these studies to decide about stopping or changing a medicine; talk with a prescriber.
If a child or pet swallows a cannabis product or an essential oil, call US Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222, or 911 in an emergency. See Poisoning: What to Do First.
Quality and labeling
Because linalool is a common fragrance ingredient, [3] a listing on a label does not say whether it came from the plant. See Added Terpenes vs Naturally Occurring Terpene Profiles and Terpenes in Cannabis.Frequently asked questions
Does linalool make cannabis calming?
No controlled human study of cannabis-derived linalool was found. Small studies used linalool or lavender aroma alone, [4] [13] and a 140-flower study found no link between terpene profile and estimated effect. [17]
Is linalool the same as lavender?
No. Linalool is one compound, and it is a major component of lavender oil, along with linalyl acetate. [13]
Can linalool cause allergic skin reactions?
Oxidized linalool can cause frequent positive patch-test reactions in people with dermatitis. [3]
Is linalool in cannabis added or natural?
Both are possible. It occurs in the plant, [6] and it is also a common fragrance ingredient. [3] A laboratory method paper noted such profiling can help identify artificial adulteration. [8]