Until recently, medical cannabis research has focused almost exclusively on cannabinoids -- like THC, CBD, THCa, CBN, etc. Cannabis contains over 80 identified cannabinoids, out of over 400 different chemical compounds, including proteins, fatty acids, vitamins and terpenes. Terpenes are the chemicals that give everything in nature its own unique flavor and scent; without them, cannabis would have no smell nor taste, as cannabinoids have no smell of their own. Just like the cannabinoids, terpenes have many known medicinal properties.

 

This month's terpene is linalool, which is commonly found in mint, cinnamon, other aromatic herbs, and numerous species of tree. It is most notably the terpene that makes lavender smell so enchantingly sweet, making up over half of the total terpenes in lavender essential oil. Linalool is described as having a sweet floral scent with a hint of spiciness, and will impart a similar flavor to cannabis strains.

 

Linalool has powerful relaxing effects and has been shown to be effective at treating both anxiety and depression. On top of its calming properties, linalool is also a strong sedative and has been used for centuries in aromatherapy as a sleep aid. Like most cannabinoids and terpenes, linalool has both painkilling and anti-inflammatory properties. In a 2010 study on mice, linalool was found to be a powerful anti-convulsant, with pharmacological activity similar to Valium (diazepam) and was found to be more effective than the anti-seizure medicine, Dilantin (phenytoin).

Prana Massage Oil and Transdermal Roll-On

 

Prana Medicinals has lavender essential oil in both their Massage Oil and Roll-On Transdermal Oil, boosting the medicinal effects of the THC in it. Prana's CBD Roll-On actually won Best Topical at this year's High Times Cannabis Cups in Northern and Southern California. The Purple Hindu terpenes by Blue River Extracts have elevated levels of linalool, as do many purple strains (which is why purples tend to be very relaxing and sedating). If you're trying to find a strain rich in linalool, smell for anything that reminds you of lavender, and it will likely have higher amounts of this sweet-smelling terpene.  --  Mitchell Colbert, Patient Consultant