Geraniol: A Sweet, Floral Terpene With Plenty of Potential

Cannabis produces a massive variety of terpenes, which combine to create the plant’s distinctive aroma. Though not the biggest and most well-known name in the cannabis terpene lineup, geraniol has plenty of potential.

First and foremost, this tiny compound packs a big aroma that combines delicate floral notes with sweet, fruity, and citric overtones that have earned it an important place in the fragrance industry. You can find geraniol in the ingredients of deodorants, perfumes, cleaning agents, and countless cosmetics. Naturally present in some cannabis strains, it adds complexity and depth to their aromatic profiles.

Besides its aromatic appeal, geraniol may also have unique clinical potential. Given that it may also synergise with other cannabis compounds via the entourage effect, becoming familiar with the mechanisms and benefits of geraniol and other terpenes is key to better understanding cannabis’ wide spectrum of effects. Keep reading to learn all there is to know about the geraniol terpene and how it may affect our experience with this ancient plant.

The Chemistry of Geraniol

Like myrcene, limonene, and linalool (other common cannabis terpenes), geraniol is a monoterpene—the smallest and most common type of terpenes found in cannabis. Unlike sesquiterpenes, monoterpenes have only two isoprene units. They also do not contain oxygen, unlike terpenoids.

Geraniol has a chemical structure of C₁₀H₁₈O and contains two prenyl units as well as one hydroxyl group. With a molecular mass of 154.253 g·mol−1 and a boiling point of 230°C, geraniol is a fairly volatile compound. Hence, its aromas are noticeable even at room temperature. You may, therefore, be able to pick up on its sweet, floral smell when your cannabis plants are still in bloom. Manipulating flowers in your hand may also help to bring geraniol’s delicate aroma to the foreground.

• Sources of Geraniol

Geraniol was first isolated in 1871 from the essential oil of geranium grass (Andropogon schoenanthus), though it can also be found in varying concentrations in lavender, lemongrass, and the essential oils of ginger, lemon, lime, rose, orange, and nutmeg. Today, it is commonly used in the fragrance industry to make essential oil blends, fragrances, and flavors. It is one of the main ingredients of citronella, and geraniol is also secreted by honeybees in a scent they use to mark nectar-bearing fruit as well as the way back to their hives.

A-Pinene

Anti-inflamatoire
Aids Memory
Anti-bacterial
Bronchodilator

Also found in
pine needles

Linalool

Anesthetic
Anti-convulsant
Anti-anxiety
Analgesic

Also found in
lavander

Beta-CaryophYllene

Anti-inflamatory
Analgesic
Protects cells lining the
digestive tract

Also found in
black pepper

Myrcene

Sedative Effect
of strong Indicas
Sleep Aid
Muscle Relaxant

Also found in
in hops

Limonene

Treats Acid Reflux
Anti-anxiety
Antidepressant

Also found in
in citrus

A-Pinene

Anti-inflamatory
Bronchodilator
Aids Memory
Anti-bacterial

Also found in pine needles

Linalool

Anesthetic
Anti-convulsant
Analgesic
Anti-anxiety

Also found in lavander

Beta-Caryophillene

Anti-inflamatory
Analgesic
Protects Cells Lining the Digestive Tract

Also found in black pepper

Myrcene

Contributes to Sedative Effect of Strong Indicas
Sleep Aid
Muscle Relaxant

Also found in hops

Limonene

Treats Acid Reflux
Anti-anxiety
Antidepressant

Also found in citrus

How Geraniol Works in the Body

While geraniol has been the focus of many studies since the 1980s, the way it interacts with the human body is still poorly understood. Most of the research into the metabolism and mechanism of action of geraniol comes from animal studies as well as in vitro experiments. These studies suggest that, when ingested, geraniol is mainly metabolised by the enzyme CYP2B6, a member of the cytochrome P450 group of enzymes, which metabolises roughly 75% of all drugs.

When applied topically, on the other hand, geraniol is mainly metabolised by the cytochrome P450 enzymes CYP1A1 and CYP3A5, though CYP2B6 is also partially involved. Cytochrome P450 enzymes have been suggested as the target^[1] for skin disease medications, as they've proven integral to regulating skin inflammation as well as the metabolism of vitamins, fatty acids, steroids, and other therapeutic drugs.

Aroma and Flavor of Geraniol

Geraniol is very aromatic and flavorful. Though its scent is best described as floral and rose-like, it features unique citrus and fruit overtones reminiscent of peaches, berries, apples, stone fruit, melon, and pineapple. Its flavor is similar, though notably more floral. Cannabis strains high in geraniol (like those listed further down in this article), however, tend to have distinct sweet, fruity aromas, as well as notes of citrus and citronella.

Effects of Geraniol

Though it’s difficult to isolate the exact effects of geraniol in weed, it tends to be associated with physically soothing and emotionally uplifting effects. Preliminary studies also show that geraniol may directly interact with cannabinoid receptors^[2] in similar ways to cannabinoids. Moreover, animal studies show that, in doing so, geraniol may mimic some of the effects^[3] associated with cannabinoids such as THC.

This research also suggests that geraniol and other terpenes that activate CB1 receptors may synergise with THC and amplify its effects. One possible hypothesis stemming from these results is that cannabis products containing terpenes like geraniol may potentially allow users to enjoy the effects they're looking for from cannabis at lower doses. Note, however, that geraniol isn’t considered to be psychoactive—at least not in the same intoxicating way as THC.

Research Studies on Geraniol

Plenty of research has gone into exploring the potential effects of geraniol, and the findings are interesting (though far from conclusive). Here we explore what we know so far.

• Geraniol as an Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Antibacterial Agent

In 2021, researchers from the School of Laboratory Medicine at Chengdu Medical College in Sichuan, China, tested the effect^[4] of geraniol on mice infected with Staphylococcus aureus—the primary culprit of staph infections. To do this, they first infected mice with antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus before injecting and feeding the animals with high doses of geraniol.

In 2020, Brazilian researchers also explored the antimicrobial properties of geraniol. They reviewed a body of research from 2007–2019 exploring geraniol's effect^[5] on Staphylococcus and other bacterial strains.

In 2018, researchers from the International Medical University in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, administered geraniol in hopes of combating gastric ulcers and Helicobacter pylori^[6] infection in rodents. Meanwhile, researchers in India pitted geraniol against Saccharomyces cerevisiae^[7] (a common yeast variety).

• Geraniol for Heart Health

In 2017, researchers from the Faculty of Medical Sciences at the University of La Plata, Argentina and the Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, USA, observed the effect of geraniol on heart cells^[8] exposed to oxidative stress (i.e. an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants leading to cell damage).

Moreover, in 2014, Brazilian researchers explored the action of geraniol on arrhythmias^[9] (i.e. heart rhythm disorders), considered a very serious cardiovascular disease that can require surgical intervention or pharmacological approaches (or both) to treat properly.

• Geraniol’s Effect on the Liver

As mentioned, geraniol is metabolised in the liver. Hence, its toxicity to liver cells is of great importance and interest to the scientific community. In 2018, researchers from the University of Bologna and the University of Ferrara, Italy, studied the permeation of geraniol^[10], its bioavailability, as well as its toxicity on the liver cells of rats.

Besides understanding its bioavailability and liver toxicity, researchers have also explored whether geraniol has any positive effects on the liver. In 2017, for example, Turkish researchers tested the effect of geraniol on rats after hepatectomy^[11]. Research from the journal of Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine found similar results^[12].

• Geraniol and Diabetes

A considerable body of research has explored the influence of geraniol on diabetes, and the results are promising. First and foremost, research published in the journal of Pharmaceutical Biology in 2017 explored geraniol's potential effect on hyperglycemia^[13].

Egyptian and Saudi Arabian researchers conducted a similar study on the effect on geraniol on diabetes^[14]. This time, the researchers induced diabetes and metabolic syndrome in different groups of rodents and left the animals to develop vascular complications for 10 weeks.

• How Geraniol Affects Pain and Inflammation

Pain is one of the most common signs that something isn’t right with our bodies. Understanding the way we experience pain and treating it, however, is very complex, and something that researchers continue to explore.

In 2017, the Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology published a study^[15] that explored the progress of rats treated with geraniol six hours after suffering a spinal cord injury.

Furthermore, in 2016, researchers from The Second Hospital of Tangshan, China, conducted a similar study^[16]; they induced spinal cord injury in rats through surgery, then treated the rodents with geraniol for 4 weeks.

In 2015, a study published in the European Journal of Pharmacology detailed the effect of geraniol on atherogenesis^[17]—a chronic inflammatory condition. The research team leading the study induced atherogenesis in hamsters using a special diet, then treated two groups of hamsters with geraniol. At the end of the study, the animals were killed and their livers, heart, and aorta tissues were analysed.

• How Does Geraniol Affect Cancer and Tumours?

A growing body of research has sought to determine the effects of geraniol on different types of cancer. In 2018, for example, the journal of the Balkan Union of Oncology published findings from an in vitro study^[18] exploring geraniol’s effect on colon cancer cells.

Moreover, in 2017 researchers from Annamalai University in India conducted a study on geraniol's influence^[19] on rats with endometrial carcinoma—one of the most common cancers in women.

What Does Geraniol Offer Cannabis Users?

The research studies we’ve covered in this article obviously produced promising results. But what does all this science mean for regular cannabis users?

Unfortunately, it’s hard to say. Though the findings we’ve highlighted here are interesting, they are far from conclusive. Moreover, specific research on geraniol in cannabis is much scarcer. Because cannabis has been prohibited for so long, we are still a long way from understanding the plant’s constituents, how they interact, as well as their effects on the human body.

Unfortunately, cannabis researchers still face many roadblocks that make studying and understanding this ancient plant very difficult. Hopefully, legalization will slowly but surely address these issues and make it easier for our society to study cannabis and unearth its many mysteries.

High-Geraniol Strains

In the meantime, if you’re interested in experiencing the influence of geraniol in cannabis, consider checking out these strains that contain high amounts of the terpene.

• Purple Punch Auto

Bred from original Purple Punch and an Old Skunk Auto, our Purple Punch Auto produces big, dense, and delicious purple flowers in express time. Sprout these seeds indoors, outdoors, or in a greenhouse and you’ll soon be caring for hardy plants measuring roughly 60–120 cm after their pre-flowering stretch. After 7–8 weeks in bloom (or roughly 10 weeks after germinating your seeds), your Purple Punch Auto plants should be harvest-ready, boasting large, dense flowers with sweet, fruity aromas and up to 19% THC.

Purple Punch Auto

Purple Punch Auto

	Purple Punch x Old Skunk Auto
	12 to 14 oz/m²
	2 to 3 feet
	7 - 8 weeks
	THC: 19%

	Sativa 20%, Indica 75%, Ruderalis 5%
	3 to 4 oz/plant
	3 to 4 feet
	9 - 10 weeks after sprouting
	Physically Relaxing

Buy Purple Punch Auto

• Alien OG

Love out-of-this-world flavor and aroma? Alien OG is a dispensary-grade OG cross stemming from Alien Kush and Tahoe OG Kush. After 3–4 weeks in veg, Alien OG plants can measure up to 30 cm. Once in bloom, Alien OG will stretch notably, reaching 80–120 cm indoors and up to 180 cm in outdoor environments. After an 8–10-week flowering time, Alien OG plants can be given the chop, yielding long buds with great hybrid structure, sweet citrus, earth, and pine aromas, as well as soothing effects.

Alien OG

Alien OG

	Alien Kush x Tahoe OG Kush
	16 to 19 oz/m²
	3 to 4 feet
	8 - 10 weeks
	THC: 25%

	Sativa 50% Indica 50%
	16 to 18 oz/plant
	5 to 6 feet
	Early October
	Calming, Physically Relaxing, Uplifting

Buy Alien OG

• Strawberry Cough

Made popular by Kyle Kushman, Strawberry Cough is beloved by every smoker lucky enough to savour her sweet flavors and positive effects. Roughly 75% sativa dominant, Strawberry Cough is fast-growing and resilient. After their pre-flowering stretch, Strawberry Cough plants typically measure 100–150 cm indoors and up to 200 cm outdoors. Then, after 10 weeks in bloom (October outdoors), Strawberry Cough can be harvest-ready, yielding long, bright green flowers with deliciously sweet strawberry aromas and an uplifting, clear-headed buzz that’s ideal for social situations and creative endeavours.

Strawberry Cough

Strawberry Cough

	Strawberry Fields x Haze
	16 to 19 oz/m²
	3 to 5 feet
	9 - 10 weeks
	THC: 20%

	Sativa 75% Indica 25%
	21 to 23 oz/plant
	5 to 7 feet
	Early October
	Calming, Motivating , Uplifting

Buy Strawberry Cough