Linalool

Linalool (3,7-dimethyl-1,6-octadien-3-ol; C₁₀H₁₈O) is an acyclic monoterpene alcohol (technically a terpenoid) best known as a major constituent of lavender and coriander. In cannabis it occurs at lower concentrations than myrcene or limonene but is often present and contributes floral-spicy notes. Rodent studies demonstrate anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, and sedative effects at pharmacological doses, with proposed mechanisms including NMDA antagonism and modulation of GABAergic transmission (Linck et al., 2010, Phytomedicine 17:679; Harada et al., 2018). A small number of human aromatherapy trials report modest reductions in preoperative or procedural anxiety. Evidence level: strong preclinical, limited human aromatherapy data; inhaled concentrations from cannabis are far below those used in studies. → See also: Terpene, Entourage effect.