What is nerolidol in cannabis?

Nerolidol delivers a subtle floral aroma with hints of citrus, apples, and woody undertones. But this aromatic cannabis terpene isn't just about pleasant scents. Research suggests nerolidol has potent pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects, reducing swelling and discomfort without the side effects of painkillers.

If you're looking to experience its therapeutic benefits, many hybrid cannabis strains are loaded with nerolidol and other compounds. Our low-dose cannabis edibles make it easy and delicious to enjoy a more nuanced and reliable cannabis experience. 

About nerolidol

Nerolidol is a sesquiterpene alcohol found in many plants. It's an acyclic molecule made up of three isoprene units, giving it a total of 15 carbon atoms. This colorless liquid has a mild, woody, and floral scent, often described as similar to fresh bark or green apples. Chemically, it exists in two isomeric forms: cis-nerolidol and trans-nerolidol, with the trans form being more common in nature.

Nerolidol is highly volatile, meaning it easily evaporates at room temperature (as all other terpenes do). This volatility contributes to its ability to be readily inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Its molecular structure allows it to interact with cell membranes, which may explain some of its biological effects.

In cannabis, nerolidol is one of many terpenes that contribute to the plant's overall aroma profile and potential therapeutic properties. It's also used in perfumes, cosmetics, and as a food flavoring agent.

What flavor does nerolidol have?

The flavor of nerolidol is subtle but distinct. It’s described as woody, floral, and slightly fruity. There are notes of fresh tree bark, green apples, and citrus, with some people comparing it to a mild, sweet rose fragrance. There's also a hint of earthiness that adds depth to its overall aroma.

Nerolidol’s taste is not overpowering, which is why many fragrance and food industries use it to enhance their products with a subtle, sophisticated touch. Because of its volatility, nerolidol's aroma can be quite pronounced when first encountered but tends to dissipate quickly. This characteristic makes it particularly useful in perfumes as a top or middle note. 

In cannabis, nerolidol contributes to the complex bouquet of some strains, adding subtle floral and woody notes to the overall sensory experience. Beyond its pleasant aroma, nerolidol contributes significantly to the therapeutic potential of cannabis.

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What are the benefits of nerolidol?

Nerolidol is more than just a fragrant terpene. It offers a range of potential therapeutic benefits, including:

1. Pain relief: Nerolidol is a natural painkiller. According to a 2021 study, nerolidol demonstrates significant pain-relieving (antinociceptive) effects in different animal models, including reducing abdominal contractions and paw edema. It works through non-opioid mechanisms, involving the GABAergic system, without impairing motor function as many over-the-counter meds do.
2. Anti-inflammatory properties: Got swelling? Nerolidol has got your back. The 2021 study also mentions that nerolidol reduces the influx of inflammatory cells and decreases levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
3. Sedative effects: Nerolidol exhibits calming properties that promote relaxation and improves sleep quality. It interacts with neurotransmitter systems involved in sleep regulation to make you feel less anxious and ease the transition to sleep.
4. Antifungal activity: Nerolidol disrupts fungal cell membranes to inhibit growth and reproduction of certain fungal species. This mechanism of action makes it a promising candidate for treating fungal infections, both topically and systemically.
5. Antiparasitic effects: Laws III and Smid suggest that nerolidol disrupts cell membranes of certain parasites, especially a type called Leishmania. It does this without harming human cells, which means it could be used to create new treatments for parasitic infections. Brazilian researchers posit that nerolidol kills adult parasites in mice causing schistosomiasis; a parasitic disease caused by tiny worms that infect through contaminated freshwater.
6. Skin penetration enhancer: Laws III and Smid also explain that nerolidol can increase the absorption of certain compounds through the skin. This property could make it useful in improving the efficacy of topical medications or skincare products.

One of the most significant benefits of nerolidol is its contribution to the entourage effect. The entourage effect occurs when different cannabis compounds—cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids—work together synergistically to amplify the plant's effects. This interaction makes the therapeutic benefits of cannabis more potent than when the compounds are used individually.

The entourage effect leads to a more balanced and effective experience, reducing side effects and increasing the positive outcomes of cannabis use. Hybrid cannabis is particularly effective in harnessing the entourage effect because it combines the properties of indica and sativa. 

Our hybrid gummies and THC-infused drinks are an excellent way to experience these benefits and reap the full potential of the entourage effect. For a lighter, more customizable experience, infuse your favorite non-alcoholic drinks with our Buzz Drops™. These liquid cannabis drops contain 2.5 mg of THC and 2.5 mg of CBD per full dropper and offer mellow vibes and total relaxation without the next-day hangover. 

Learn how to buzz any drink and never worry about the damaging effects of booze ever again.

“...I had 2 N/A beers and I added a dropper in each one. The first one definitely hit fast enough and I felt like I had had a beer (like an IPA -higher alc) so it was perfect. Gave me the perfect little buzz on a Friday night after a long work week! This will be a new staple for me as the plan is to give up alcohol completely...”

—Leilani E.

Does nerolidol have side effects?

Nerolidol is safe to use and has no side effects when used in approved amounts. Like many terpenes and other therapeutic compounds, nerolidol may have potential side effects when consumed in excessive quantities or used improperly without proper guidance.

These possible adverse reactions include:

• Drowsiness or sedation
• Skin irritation
• Gastrointestinal discomfort
• Low blood pressure
• Interactions with medications
• Increased skin absorption of other substances
• Dizziness
• Allergic reactions

The best way to enjoy the therapeutic and recreational potential of nerolidol and other terpenes is to microdose. That way, you avoid adverse reactions and get only benefits. Try our Bliss Delta 9 gummies with only 5mg of THC and 5mg of CBD and experience a perfectly balanced, mellow high.

What strains are high in nerolidol?

Nerolidol tends to show up more in indica or indica-leaning hybrid strains, which makes sense given its relaxing properties. If you're looking for a strain to help you unwind or get a good night's sleep, keep an eye out for nerolidol-rich hybrid varieties, such as:

• Jack Herer
• Skywalker OG
• Island Sweet Skunk
• Chemdawg
• OG Kush
• Blue Dream

These hybrid strains combine genetics that produce nerolidol along with other terpenes and cannabinoids to give you complex effects profiles. Hybrids combine the best of both indica and sativa and create a well-rounded experience that can be enjoyed any time of day.

And the best way to enjoy cannabis is our delicious THC gummies.

Order our terpene-rich hybrid edibles

Looking for hybrid weed products rich in terpenes such as limonene, linalool, camphene, and nerolidol? Look no further than nama™. We specialize in premium cannabis edibles that deliver a full spectrum of benefits from cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other therapeutic compounds. 

Our cannabis gummies and THC-infused drinks offer the perfect balance of sativa and indica effects, providing an uplifting and relaxing experience.

We've crafted unique recipes that combine invigorating and calming terpenes. Our products use only the highest-quality, hemp-derived extracts to provide a consistent and potent experience every time.

At nama™, we're committed to providing federally legal, rigorously tested products, so don’t worry—all our edibles are federally legal in the U.S.

Order from nama™ and experience the difference in quality while savoring an artfully crafted experience.

Resources

Liktor-Busa, E., Keresztes, A., LaVigne, J., Streicher, J. M., & Largent-Milnes, T. M. (2021). Analgesic Potential of Terpenes Derived fromCannabis sativa. Pharmacological Reviews, 73(4), 1269–1297. https://doi.org/10.1124/pharmrev.120.000046

Laws, J. S., & Smid, S. D. (2023). Characterizing cannabis-prevalent terpenes for neuroprotection reveal a role for α and β-pinenes in mitigating amyloid β-evoked neurotoxicity and aggregation in vitro. NeuroToxicology, 100, 16-24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuro.2023.12.004

Silva MP, de Oliveira RN, Mengarda AC, Roquini DB, Allegretti SM, Salvadori MC, Teixeira FS, de Sousa DP, Pinto PLS, da Silva Filho AA, de Moraes J. Antiparasitic activity of nerolidol in a mouse model of schistosomiasis. Int J Antimicrob Agents. 2017 Sep;50(3):467-472. doi: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2017.06.005. Epub 2017 Jun 27. PMID: 28666754.

Further reading

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The bioavailability of THC in our edibles

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