Nerolidol, or trans-nerolidol, is a terpene present in a variety of highly scented plants, including jasmine, lemongrass, and tea tree. Furthermore, it’s also found in some cannabis strains. It has a delicate floral perfume with citrus, apple, and rose overtones and it’s frequently used as a fragrance or food ingredient. Additionally, researchers discovered that nerolidol had sedative, anti-anxiety, antibacterial, anti-parasitic, antioxidant, and pain-relieving qualities, as well as the potential to act as an insect repellent and pesticide.

Although nerolidol is a secondary terpene, it has a strong influence in the aroma and properties in the cannabis strains that contains this terpene.

What is Nerolidol?

Nerolidol is a terpene that is mainly used in perfumes, shampoos, and cleaning products. This terpene is found is low concentrations in some cannabis strains. Therefore, it’s considered a minor or secondary terpene in cannabis. Furthermore, nerolidol is also commonly used as a food additive and it’s FDA approved as a flavoring and food additive.

This naturally occurring sesquiterpene has a woody aroma and it’s being research for its potential used in the field of agriculture, pharmacology and medicine.

Nerolidol is also known as peruviol and penetrol and it plays an important role in the defense system of plants. In addition, sesquiterpenes such as nerolidol, are well-known for its antioxidant properties. According to an article by Chan, et al, 2016, “nerolidol exhibits potent antioxidant properties in counterbalancing the effect of reactive oxygen species by protecting the cells against oxidative damage to lipids, proteins and DNA”.

Furthermore, nerolidol is also researched for its potential antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. For example, it exhibits potent antibacterial properties against staphylococcus aureus. In addition, it has anti-biofilm properties. Biofilm is a structure formation in some bacteria that poses a huge threat to the medical and pharmaceutical sectors.

Moreover, as many other essential oils, nerolidol could be also used to enhance drug delivery. In addition, nerolidol might have potential properties in the treatment of malaria, Schistosoma, and trypanosomiasis.

Which Cannabis Strains are High in Nerolidol?

As mentioned above, nerolidol is a minor or secondary terpene. Nonetheless, some cannabis strains have higher concentrations of this essential oil than others. The following cannabis strains have higher than average concentrations of this minor terpene:

Skywalker OG

This cannabis strain is also known as Mazar x Blueberry OG. Skywalker OG is high in THC with 19% of this cannabinoid. It’s a cross between Mazar x Blueberry and OG Kush. Moreover, its main terpenes are myrcene, limonene and caryophyllene with nerolidol as one of its secondary terpenes. This strain is excellent as a pain reliever.

Jack Herer

We have also included this strain in our list of cannabis strains with phellandrene. Jack Herer is high in THC (17%) with 1% of CBG. Its major terpenes are terpinolene, myrcene and caryophyllene. In addition, you will also notice other terpenes such as phellandrene and nerolidol. This strain is popular for recreational use.

Sweet Skunk

It’s believed this strain is a cross between Skunk and Northern Lights. Sweet Skunk is high in THC (18%). Moreover, it contains 1% of CBG. Sweet Skunk is rich in myrcene, pinene and caryophyllene. Furthermore, it contains nerolidol as one of its minor terpenes.

Fruit Punch

This strain is moderate high in THC (16%). Fruit Punch is similar to Sweet Skunk as it’s a cross between Northern Lights, Skunk and Haze. This highly energizing strain is rih in myrcene, limonene and caryophyllene. In addition, it contains nerolidol as a secondary terpene.

Brownie Scout

It’s an Indica dominant strain with calming effects. Brownie Scout is a cross between Kosher Kush and Platinum Girl Scout Cookies. This strain is known for its woody aroma thanks to having nerolidol as one of its terpenes.

Hawaiian Snow

This highly psychoactive strain (19% of THC) is a Sativa strain with energizing effects. Hawaiian Snow is high in myrcene, caryophyllene and pinene. In addition, it contains nerolidol as one of its minor terpenes.

Limoncello

Another strain high in THC (17%). Limoncello is a hybrid strain high in limonene, myrcene and pinene. This strain as a strong citrus and woody aroma and it also contains nerolidol as a secondary terpene. Limoncello is an excellent strain to induce relaxation.

Dolato

Also known as Do-Si-Lato, this strain is a cross between Do-Si-Dos and Gelato #41. Dolato is very high in limonene, caryophyllene and linalool. In addition, Dolato contains decent concentrations of nerolidol. In addition, this strain has powerful sedating effects.

C13 Haze

This super powerful and highly psychoactive strain contains more than 23% of THC. It’s a cross between G13 and Cannalope Haze. C13 Haze is an energizing cannabis strain high in caryophyllene, limonene and myrcene. Moreover, it also contains nerolidol as a minor terpene. In addition, C13 Haze is very popular as a pain reliever and to reduce anxiety.

Cherry Pie

A cross between F1 Durb and Grandaddy Purple. Cherry Pie is moderate high in THC (16%) with 1% of CBG. Its main terpenes are myrcene, pinene and caryophyllene with nerolidol as one of its secondary terpenes.