What is Linalool?
Linalool (C₁₀H₁₈O) is a terpene found in lavender, cannabis, coriander and basil. In cannabis, it contributes to the characteristic aroma and may modulate pharmacological effects through the proposed entourage effect.
Aroma: Floral, lavender-like, slightly spicy — the dominant aroma of lavender essential oil.
Pharmacological Properties
Modulates GABA-A receptor activity (similar mechanism to benzodiazepines) and inhibits glutamate signalling, explaining sedative and anxiolytic effects. Reduces anxiety-like behaviour in rodent models without motor impairment. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects also demonstrated preclinically. Linalool is the primary active component in lavender aromatherapy research.
Relevance in Cannabis
Present in cannabis at 1–15% of total terpenes. Cultivars bred for sedative effects often have higher linalool content. The combination of linalool with CBD has been proposed as a mechanism for calming effects of certain cannabis preparations.
GMP and Manufacturing Relevance
Linalool is volatile and thermolabile. Specifications for preparations claiming terpene preservation should include linalool quantification. Exists as R and S enantiomers with different aromas — relevant to high-resolution terpene profiling.
Analytical Measurement
Terpene profiling is performed by headspace GC-MS or GC-FID. Validated methods should achieve quantitative separation of key terpenes. Where terpene content is a product specification parameter, the analytical method must be validated under ICH Q2(R1).
See the Cannabis Glossary for definitions of related cultivation, extraction and quality terms.
References
- Linck VM et al. Inhaled linalool-induced sedation in mice. Phytomedicine. 2009.
- Pereira I et al. Linalool-rich essential oils. Ind Crops Prod. 2018.