High-Linalool Strains Perfect for Relaxing

The terpene linalool is best known for its importance in aromatherapy. Lavender beads, sprays, oils, body washes — the list goes on with ways to incorporate this floral and relaxing terpene into your daily routine. But did you know that many cannabis strains have high levels of linalool?

The effects of the cannabis plant are driven in part by cannabis terpenes, and understanding the potential benefits of terpenes in different cannabis strains can help you customize your consumption routine. We’ve briefly touched on linalool in our terpene guide, but this blog will take a deep dive into what you need to know about linalool strains.

1. Skywalker OG

The earthy side of linalool comes out in the aroma of the Skywalker OG cultivar, a Star Wars-inspired strain with no apparent connection to the film series. This hybrid strain has an earthy and fruity aroma that reminds some of blueberries. Skywalker OG, sometimes known as just “Skywalker,” is renowned for a deeply relaxing body high and cerebral experience that may leave you on the couch. You’ll be happy to be there.

Average linalool content: 0.16% 

Average tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content: 21%

Average cannabidiol (CBD) content: 0%

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2. Sherbert

Sherbert is a strain of many names, including Sherbert OG and Sunset Sherbert. It has a candy-sweet scent that hides the presence of linalool, but you may feel its presence in the intensely relaxing effects of this strain. A carefree euphoria meets a body-locking high while linalool carries your worries away. Don’t make plans after smoking this one.

Average linalool content: 0.30%

Average THC content: 21%

Average CBD content: 0%

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3. Grandaddy Purple

The Grandaddy Purple cultivar is an iconic California strain that also goes by GDP and Grandaddy Purp, evidently named for the deep purple colors that paint the flower. This cultivar isn’t a beginner-friendly strain — its potent THC content may deliver long-lasting effects. Its high amount of linalool may keep your body relaxed while your mind wanders off nowhere in particular. You may feel the desire not to move for several hours; plan accordingly.

Average linalool content: 1.0% 

Average THC content: 25% 

Average CBD content: 0%

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4. Lilac Diesel

Lilac Diesel is a hybrid strain that captures linalool’s earthy, floral aroma. This strain has more cannabigerol (CBG) than CBD, which adds a little balance to the high THC content. While the linalool terpene is clearly present in this strain’s aroma, the effects may lean more uplifting and euphoric than other strains high in linalool.

Average linalool content: 1.0% 

Average THC content: 24% 

Average CBD content: 0.17%

5. Gelato

 

The Gelato cultivar is the hybrid offspring of Sunset Sherbet and Girl Scout Cookies and comes from a lineage of dessert-inspired strains. It has a delicious scent that’s more vanilla than lavender, but linalool is felt in the effects of this strain, which are widely said to be deeply relaxing. The abundant terpenes may balance relaxation with a burst of energizing limonene and balancing caryophyllene.

Average linalool content: 0.02% 

Average THC content: 24%

Average CBD content: 0.06%

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6. Lavender Kush

You’d expect a strain named lavender to have higher levels of linalool, and you’d be correct. Lavender Kush is a hybrid of several different strains and has a classic lavender scent of earth and flowers. It may impart relaxing effects that may stimulate your appetite or guide you off to slumber, depending on the day you’ve had.

Average linalool content: 0.30%

Average THC content: 18%

Average CBD content: 0%

7. Kosher Kush

The exact lineage of Kosher Kush is a mystery, but we do know this: It’s closely related to the iconic OG Kush cultivar, and it’s not actually kosher. Kosher Kush has a pungently earthy and spicy smell that hints at its linalool content. This is a very strong strain, so smokers beware: Its reputation for intensely relaxing effects, and its high levels of both linalool and THC, may mean you end up on the couch.

Average linalool content: 0.3% 

Average THC content: 24%

Average CBD content: 0%

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8. Do-Si-Do

There is debate over whether the correct spelling of this strain is Do-Si-Do or Dosido (or the abbreviated Dosi), but consumers agree: the Do-Si-Do cultivar smells amazing and smokes even better. The aroma of this strain is linalool-heavy, earthy, and floral with a hint of spice at the end. Its effects may feel relaxing, and its high linalool content may help you shake off the day and sink into a state of blissful relaxation.

Average linalool content: 0.20%

Average THC content: 23%

Average CBD content: 0.04%

What does “high-linalool” mean?

Linalool content as little as 0.5% is enough to add a strain to the high-linalool list. “High-linalool,” though, is a relative term because linalool isn’t typically the dominant terpene in most cannabis strains. It’s often second, third, or even fourth on the list. When it appears, it does so in much smaller quantities.

What is linalool known for?

Lavender is the most famous flower with linalool and likely the first plant to come to mind when you think of aromatherapy.

This terpene is popular in aromatherapy due to its many potential benefits, including well-documented anti-anxiety and anti-depressive effects. Linalool can (in simple terms) keep serotonin around in your brain longer, helping you feel better mentally. This terpene is often used in aromatics or essential oils to help you feel less stressed and more relaxed.

What does the terpene linalool do?

Linalool has been used medicinally by cultures around the world for more than 2,000 years. It is a popular natural remedy to relieve stress, reduce depression, combat insomnia, and improve sleep quality. In cannabis products, the linalool terpene may increase mental and physical relaxation.

Where is linalool found?

Linalool is found in many places in nature, including lavender. But linalool appears in two forms (two isomers, to be scientific) and is found in more than 200 plants, including sage, rosemary, bergamot, lemon balm, rosewood, and birch trees.

The aroma of lavender is what comes to mind when you think of linalool, but the terpene itself has a floral, musky earth scent with a hint of spice.

Is linalool psychoactive?

In the most scientific definition, linalool is psychoactive because it affects your brain.

But when talking about cannabis, most people use psychoactive to mean “intoxicating,” or causing a high. Linalool does not get you high because terpenes cannot get you high. Only compounds that interact with certain receptors in your endocannabinoid system can get you high.

Can you smoke linalool?

While you cannot smoke a terpene itself, you can smoke lavender flower. When the flower is harvested, dried, and ground up, you can smoke it by itself or mix it into THC or CBD flower. For a different way to enjoy lavender along your journey, some pre-rolls and vapes are known for their lavender-esque floral notes. Edie Parker‘s Good Night Lavender Vanilla vapes, for example, add these aromas to your travel planner.

Explore strains high in other terpenes

Terpenes have complex effects on your cannabis experience, and understanding the common effects of terpenes can help you better tailor your cannabis routine to your unique needs. Learn more about common terpenes: myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, terpinolene, pinene, and limonene.

Take a mental vacation with high-linalool strains from The Travel Agency

Looking for strains with linalool to help you relax? Just ask The Travel Agency’s budtenders to point you in the right direction — we’ll help you find a strain that takes off the weight of the world. Swing by our Union Square, Fifth Avenue, SoHo, or Downtown Brooklyn locations to board your plane and arrive on time.