What is geraniol?

Sep 05, 2024The nama Team
What is geraniol? - namaCBD

Geraniol is a cannabis terpene that gives some strains a sweet, rosy scent. This compound might also influence how cannabis affects you. Geraniol contributes to the overall effects of hybrid weed strains by interacting with other terpenes and cannabinoids. 

This teamwork is part of what is known as the entourage effect, where different compounds work together to modulate and enhance each other's impacts.

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What are the effects of geraniol?

Geraniol is a naturally occurring terpene found in cannabis and many other plants. Chemically, it's an acyclic monoterpene alcohol with the molecular formula C10H18O. This colorless liquid is soluble in organic solvents and has a low boiling point, which makes it volatile and easily detectable. 

Like other terpenes, geraniol is important in plant survival and reproduction. It wards off pests, protects against environmental stressors such as extreme temperatures or drought, and even attracts pollinators.

Here's what you might feel when you consume geraniol:

  1. Mood boost: Many people report feeling more positive and experiencing a gentle lift in mood.
  2. Chill vibes: Geraniol helps you unwind, ease tension, and create a sense of calm. Many find geraniol helpful in managing day-to-day stress.
  3. Reduced inflammation: Early research showed that geraniol fights inflammation in mouse brain cells. This therapeutic potential extends to neuroprotection and slowing cognitive decline in conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease
  4. Less pain: Its anti-inflammatory properties also relieve pain.
  5. Antioxidant effects: Geraniol is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes harmful free radicals. This protection prevents cell damage, reduces oxidative stress, slows aging processes, and lowers the risk of chronic diseases.
  6. Enhanced focus: Users report that geraniol helps clear their minds, so they can concentrate and think more sharply. Beyond mental clarity, geraniol also boosts overall cognitive function and enhances productivity and learning capabilities.

Everyone's experience with geraniol-rich products is different; the way geraniol affects you has a lot to do with the amount you take. This is where microdosing cannabis comes in. 

Small, controlled amounts of Delta 9 THC, cannabidiol (CBD), and other cannabis compounds allow you to fine-tune your experience and enjoy the potential benefits without overdoing it. It's a safer, more reliable way to use cannabis

Our low-dose gummies and THC-infused beverages give you the chance to tune into how different cannabis strains and terpene profiles affect you. Start low and go slow to find your sweet spot for maximum benefit with minimal risk.

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What does geraniol taste like?

Imagine biting into a ripe peach mixed with a hint of rose petals—that's close to what geraniol tastes like. Geraniol’s aroma is sweet with a slight citrusy edge to it. It also gives off a strong floral scent that's described as rosy or geranium-like. It's the kind of smell that might make you stop and take another sniff, light and pleasant without being overpowering.

What are the risks of using geraniol?

Geraniol is safe to consume, but it can cause side effects when used in high concentrations or by those with specific sensitivities. Like many natural compounds, geraniol can interact with our bodies in ways that may lead to unwanted reactions. These side effects include:

  • Skin irritation: Some people may experience redness, itching, or rashes when geraniol comes into direct contact with their skin, especially in high concentrations.
  • Allergic reactions: Those with sensitivities to fragrances or essential oils might have allergic responses, ranging from mild (sneezing, runny nose) to severe (difficulty breathing).
  • Eye irritation: If geraniol-containing products enter the eyes, they can cause temporary stinging, redness, or watering.
  • Respiratory issues: Inhaling high concentrations of geraniol vapor might cause coughing or throat irritation in sensitive individuals.
  • Nausea or stomach discomfort: While rare, ingesting large amounts of geraniol could cause mild gastrointestinal upset.

The negative effects of geraniol are rare and often associated with high concentrations or direct exposure to pure geraniol. In cannabis, where geraniol is present in small amounts, these risks are significantly lower. 

To stay on the safe side, opt for reliable microdosed cannabis products. This way, you'll keep your intake low and therapeutic and avoid intense effects and potential issues from higher doses.

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How effective is geraniol?

Geraniol’s effects stem from several factors. One major factor is the entourage effect. The entourage effect occurs when different cannabis components work together to enhance or modify each other's impacts. For example, geraniol enhances the pain-relieving properties of THC and CBD and boosts the antioxidant properties of cannabis. This suggests that carefully crafted combinations could lead to more effective therapeutic outcomes.

Apart from the entourage effects, here are the factors that may contribute to the effectiveness of geraniol-rich strains:

  • Dosage: Geraniol's effects are dose-dependent. Higher doses (200 mg/kg in mice) produce more noticeable effects than lower doses.
  • Administration method: Inhaled cannabis can be harsh on the lungs and delivers inconsistent doses of cannabinoids and terpenes. Oral consumption methods such as gummies or THC drinks offer more precise dosing and slower, more controlled absorption. This allows for a more consistent and longer-lasting effect, while also avoiding the respiratory risks associated with smoking or vaping.
  • Individual biology: Like many compounds, geraniol's effects vary from person to person because of differences in metabolism and body chemistry.
  • Tolerance: Your body can get used to geraniol over time. But this happens a bit slower with geraniol than with other cannabis compounds, so it stays effective for longer.

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Geraniol-rich cannabis strains

Geraniol is found in both sativa and indica strains, but it tends to be more abundant in sativa-dominant varieties. Sativa strains are known for their energizing and uplifting effects, which may be partly due to their terpene profiles, including geraniol. 

Hybrid strains have become increasingly popular because they offer a more balanced experience. These hybrids are carefully bred to combine the best qualities of both sativa and indica varieties. By blending the genetics, cultivators can create hybrid strains with a rich terpene profile and offer a mix of beneficial effects. 

Here are six hybrid strains with a rich geraniol content:

  1. Lavender
  2. Amnesia Haze
  3. OG Kush
  4. Agent Orange
  5. Afghani
  6. Headband

These hybrids are popular choices for those looking to experience the unique floral notes and potential benefits of geraniol in their cannabis. They give you the mental clarity and creativity associated with sativas alongside the relaxation and body comfort of indicas.

With nama™, you don’t need to choose between strains or measure how much indica- or sativa-leaning your product is. Whichever effects or terpenes you’re looking for in a strain, we deliver. 

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We've developed distinctive blends that showcase geraniol's sweet, floral profile alongside other complementary terpenes. Our focus on geraniol harnesses its potential mood-lifting and anti-inflammatory properties. Using only premium hemp-derived extracts, our products deliver a consistent dose of geraniol and other beneficial compounds in every serving.

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Geraniol terpene FAQ

While geraniol is safe as a food additive and fragrance compound, inhaling it directly may pose some risks. Geraniol is commonly found in citronella oil and used in citronella candles as an insect repellent. High concentrations of any essential oil or aromatic compound can irritate the lungs and respiratory system. Some people with sensitive skin or allergies may experience allergic contact dermatitis from dermal exposure to geraniol. 

Oral methods of cannabis consumption through gummies or tinctures are safer than inhaling geraniol through smoking or vaping. Inhaled cannabis can deliver inconsistent doses of terpenes and may be harsh on the lungs.

Geraniol plays several important roles in plants:

  • As a floral terpene, it contributes to the pleasant aroma of many flowers to attract pollinators. 
  • It also has protective effects for plants, acting as a natural antimicrobial agent and pest repellent. Its antimicrobial properties defend plants against harmful bacteria and fungi. 
  • In the cannabis plant, geraniol works synergistically with other cannabis compounds to enhance the effects of cannabis. 
  • Geraniol's floral aroma adds to the complex scent profile of different cannabis strains. 
  • Its presence in essential oils from plants such as Cymbopogon martinii (palmarosa) contributes to its biological activity and therapeutic benefits.

Most terpenes found in cannabis and other plants are safe at normal exposure levels, but some can be toxic in high concentrations. Its toxicity depends on the dose, method of exposure, and individual sensitivity. Some terpenes that have toxic effects in certain circumstances include:

  • Pulegone: Found in peppermint and pennyroyal, it causes liver damage in high doses.
  • Thujone: Present in wormwood and sage, it is neurotoxic at high levels.
  • Camphor: While used medicinally, it is toxic if ingested in large amounts.
  • Pinene: While generally safe, it causes respiratory irritation if inhaled in high concentrations.

For cannabis users, it's rare to encounter toxic levels of terpenes through normal consumption. Those with sensitive skin or allergies may experience some adverse effects because terpenes such as geraniol or limonene cause allergic contact dermatitis. 

Among cannabis terpenes, myrcene may be the most sedating. It's associated with the "couch-lock" effect some users experience with certain indica-dominant cannabis strains. Other terpenes that contribute to sedating or relaxing effects include:

  • Linalool: Found in lavender, it's known for its calming properties.
  • Terpinolene: It has sedating effects at higher doses.
  • Caryophyllene: While not directly sedating, it reduces anxiety and promotes relaxation.
  • Geraniol: While it doesn’t show strong sedative effects, it has relaxing properties that contribute to the overall calming effect of some cannabis strains.

The sedating effects of cannabis are not solely influenced by the individual terpenes; they are the result of the entourage effect and the synergistic reactions of major and minor cannabinoids with terpenes. Strains rich in geraniol, linalool, terpinolene, and caryophyllene, such as Purple Punch or Black Cherry Soda, are particularly relaxing. 

Everyone's body chemistry is different, so effects vary from person to person. If you're looking for sedating effects, try products or strains high in myrcene or linalool, but start with low doses to see how they affect you personally.

A substance is estrogenic if it can mimic or influence the effects of estrogen in the body. This means it can bind to estrogen receptors and stimulate estrogen-like responses. Research on geraniol's estrogenic properties has produced mixed results. While some in vitro studies showed that geraniol could interact with estrogen receptors at very high concentrations, it did not demonstrate estrogenic effects in live animal tests. 

Many studies conducted on geraniol’s estrogenic potential are in vitro (in lab dishes) and may not directly translate to effects in the human body. Geraniol in cannabis or essential oils probably won't mess with your hormones much. But if you've got hormone issues or you're worried about how it may affect you, chat with your doctor before using geraniol-rich products. 

Geraniol is a common component in the following plants:

  • Geraniums
  • Lemongrass
  • Citrus fruits
  • Cannabis
  • Peaches
  • Coriander
  • Blueberries
  • Carrots
  • Basil

In many of these plants, geraniol is a natural antimicrobial agent and insect repellent, offering protective effects. It is added to essential oils to contribute to their biological activity and therapeutic benefits. The concentration and exact role of geraniol varies between plant species and different parts of the same plant. 

The term "strongest" can be interpreted in different ways. If we're talking about the most prevalent or dominant terpenes found in cannabis, the top contenders are:

  • Myrcene
  • Limonene
  • Pinene
  • Caryophyllene

If by strongest we mean the most potent terpene, this can be subjective and depend on the specific effect we're looking at. For example:

  • Myrcene is the most sedating.
  • Limonene is the strongest for mood elevation.
  • Caryophyllene may be the strongest pain reliever.

The effects of cannabis aren't a result of a single terpene acting alone, but rather the entourage effect. This complex interplay is what gives different strains their unique characteristics and effects.

Some terpenes are found in lower concentrations or fewer strains than others. Here are a few terpenes that could be considered relatively rare in cannabis:

Some terpenes that were once thought to be rare are now being found more frequently as more detailed analyses are performed. The rarity of a terpene doesn't necessarily correlate with its importance or effects. Even terpenes present in small amounts contribute to the overall aroma and potential therapeutic benefits of a cannabis strain through the entourage effect. 

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Resources

Schwarz, A. M., Keresztes, A., Bui, T., Hecksel, R. J., Peña, A., Lent, B., Gao, G., Gamez-Rivera, M., Seekins, C. A., Chou, K., Appel, T. L., Jacobson, K. A., Al-Obeidi, F. A., & Streicher, J. M. Terpenes from Cannabis sativa Induce Antinociception in Mouse Chronic Neuropathic Pain via Activation of Spinal Cord Adenosine A2A Receptors. BioRxiv. https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.03.28.534594

Howes MJ, Houghton PJ, Barlow DJ, Pocock VJ, Milligan SR. Assessment of estrogenic activity in some common essential oil constituents. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2002 Nov;54(11):1521-8. doi: 10.1211/002235702216. PMID: 12495555.

Further reading

Potential adverse effects of hybrid cannabis strains

How does the hybrid weed trigger the entourage effect?

The best THC microdosing amounts

Are hybrids uppers or downers?

THC drinks vs. edibles

How to make THC beverages

What is hybrid weed good for?

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