Lavender's signature terpene — calming, sleep-promoting, and anticonvulsant.
Linalool is the primary terpene in lavender and one of the most studied terpenes for its calming, anxiolytic, and anticonvulsant properties. It modulates glutamate and GABA neurotransmission, producing sedation and anxiety relief. Its anticonvulsant properties have attracted significant research interest in the context of epilepsy treatment.
Aroma Profile
Primary Effects
Also Found In
Lavender, Coriander, Rosewood, Bergamot
Linalool potentiates GABA-A receptor activity, producing anxiolytic and sedating effects. This is the same mechanism as benzodiazepines, but linalool acts at a different binding site.
Inhibits glutamate (NMDA) receptor activity, reducing neuronal excitability. This contributes to both anticonvulsant and analgesic effects.
Reduces cortisol release from the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, producing measurable stress reduction in human studies.
Partial agonist at 5-HT1A serotonin receptors, contributing to anxiolytic and antidepressant effects.
Linalool is the primary calming terpene. It synergizes powerfully with CBD for anxiety and epilepsy, and with myrcene for sleep. Strains high in both linalool and CBD are among the most effective for anxiety disorders.
Anxiety
Strong EvidenceMultiple human studies confirm anxiolytic effects via inhalation. Modulates GABA-A receptors and reduces cortisol. Widely used in aromatherapy with clinical backing.
Condition guideInsomnia
Moderate EvidenceSedating effects well-documented. Reduces sleep latency and increases slow-wave sleep in human studies.
Condition guideEpilepsy
Moderate EvidenceAnticonvulsant effects demonstrated in multiple animal models. Reduces seizure frequency and severity. Synergizes with CBD's anticonvulsant mechanisms.
Condition guideChronic Pain
Moderate EvidenceReduces pain sensitivity via glutamate pathway modulation. Effective for neuropathic pain in preclinical models.
Condition guideLinalool inhalation reduces anxiety in preoperative patients
Linalool aromatherapy significantly reduced preoperative anxiety scores (STAI) compared to placebo in 72 surgical patients (p<0.001).
Anticonvulsant effects of linalool in multiple seizure models
Linalool reduced seizure duration by 60% and frequency by 45% across three rodent seizure models via NMDA receptor antagonism.
Linalool and CBD synergy for anxiety
Linalool-CBD combination produced 40% greater anxiolytic effect than either compound alone, confirming synergistic entourage interaction.
Linalool reduces cortisol and improves sleep quality
Linalool inhalation (2mg, 30 min before bed) reduced salivary cortisol by 18% and improved sleep efficiency by 12% in 28 adults with insomnia.
Amnesia Haze
Sativa
Lavender
Indica
LA Confidential
Indica
Zkittlez
Indica
Do-Si-Dos
Hybrid
GRAS status. May enhance sedation with CNS depressants. Rare skin sensitization at high concentrations. Safe at cannabis concentrations.
All terpene information is for educational purposes only. Consult a healthcare provider before using cannabis therapeutically.