What Are Trichomes? An Introduction From A Grower
Trichomes are the perfect example of “more than meets the eye.”
These tiny resinous glands hold the key to getting high—all of cannabis’ beneficial compounds, including terpenes, cannabinoids, and flavonoids.
As a seasoned grower with a decade of experience maximizing trichome production, I’ll guide you through their intricate universe.
Join me on this enlightening journey to uncover the secrets behind the functionality, purpose, and everything in between of the fascinating world of resinous trichomes.
Key Takeaways
- Trichomes are the resinous appendages coating the surface of the cannabis plant’s flower and sugar leaves that give buds their crystal-like appearance.
- Trichomes contain the terpenes, cannabinoids, and flavonoids that lend to the effects of cannabis, and serve as a defense mechanism against environmental stressors, pests, and pathogens
- Buds are typically ready to harvest when 30-40% of trichomes have turned amber and 60-70% are milky white.
What Are Trichomes?
Trichomes are the tiny, glandular appendages that generously blanket the sugar leaves and flowers of cannabis that effortlessly coat your weed in crystals.
They’re more than mere aesthetics, however. It’s trichomes that hold the key to cannabis potency, aroma, and psychoactivity.
Identifying cannabis trichomes is easy. They look like tiny mushrooms with a thin stalk and bulbous head. Trichomes extend outward from plant epidermal cells, which is the outer layer of cells that aids in protecting the plant from the external environment.
Trichomes play an integral role in the development of several plant species. They’re also a plant’s first line of defense against environmental stressors, pests, and pathogens.
Cannabis trichomes are different than other plant trichomes, though. Yes, they act as a protective shield for cannabis flowers, but they’re also where cannabinoids and terpenes are produced.
If it weren’t for trichomes, cannabis wouldn’t contain its distinct effects and aroma. It makes sense why cannabis flower is carefully cultivated by skilled growers to contain maximum trichome production.
Think of trichomes as a gift basket full of all the essentials for your favorite movie night. The basket itself is the trichome, holding a myriad of treasures for the ultimate night in.
The cannabinoids are the way the movie makes you feel, whether it’s an action-packed adventure, laugh-out-loud comedy, or cozy and comforting chick flick.
The terpenes take on the role of the movie, providing an aromatic and flavorful storyline.
The flavonoids also play a small role in the storyline and add to the visuals, increasing the intensity of the movie’s colors.
Finally, the evening unfolds as the magical and metaphorical smoking experience brings it all together.
Trichome Types
Trichomes are commonly classified as glandular and non-glandular. This classification is determined by the presence or absence of the mushroom-like head on the trichome’s stalk.
The cannabis plant hosts the following various types of trichomes, each with its distinct purpose, size, and physical characteristics:
Glandular Trichomes
Bulbous trichomes
Bulbous trichomes, the smallest among the different types of glandular trichomes, can be as tiny as 10 microns. They cover the entire plant but are invisible to the naked eye due to their nearly uni-cellular structure.
Capitate sessile trichomes
Slightly larger than bulbous trichomes, capitate sessile trichomes contain numerous cells, a short stalk, and a glandular head. Despite their larger size, they measure only 20-30 microns in width, making them smaller than capitate-stalked trichomes.
Capitate-stalked trichomes
Capitate-stalked trichomes are where the magic happens. They appear in copious quantities on female cannabis plants, making up the majority of resin that contains THC and other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.
Visible to the naked eye, capitate-stalked trichomes are the largest of cannabis trichomes, ranging from 50-100 microns in width and 200-300 microns in height.
They’re named for the head of the resin gland, the “capitate,” which is the sphere-like cap (or head) that sits atop the trichome’ stalk. Inside the capitate-stalked trichome head is where cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids are produced by the cells within.
Capitate-stalked trichomes are what cannabis growers are most interested in. Not only do they contain the compounds responsible for the effects of cannabis, but they also indicate when buds are ready to harvest.
These trichomes change color as the plant matures. They start translucent, then turn a milky white, and finally change to a golden amber. Most experienced growers will harvest plants when these trichomes are 70% milky and 30% amber for the highest quality effects.
Antherial sessile trichomes
With a width of approximately 80 microns, antherial sessile trichomes are smaller than capitate-stalked trichomes. Both types are classified as glandular trichomes featuring a resin cap.
These trichomes encompass basal tissue beneath a ring of secretory cells responsible for producing cannabinoids and terpenes, which are then stored in the head of the trichome. The process is akin to how capitate-stalked trichomes operate, making them similar in functionality.
Non-Glandular Trichomes
Simple unicellular trichomes
Simple unicellular trichomes are non-glandular and aid in plant defense. Found on both the upper and lower sides of cannabis leaves, these microscopic, hair-like structures act as a shield against pests, preventing damage to the plant.
Cystolithic trichomes
Cystolithic trichomes are another non-glandular type that closely resemble simple unicellular trichomes. Despite lacking a resin head, they are distinctive with their curved, claw-like shape.
What Do Trichomes Do?
From housing the core production centers for terpenes and cannabinoids to acting as a shield that repels predators and environmental stressors, trichomes play a crucial role in shaping the resilience and unique attributes of cannabis.
Pest and Disease Protection
Trichomes serve as a formidable defense against pests and diseases, acting as a protective layer for the cannabis plant.
Terpenes and Cannabinoid Production
Trichomes are the primary sites for producing the majority of terpenes and cannabinoids in female cannabis plants.
Terpene Deterrent and Humidity Regulation
The terpenes within trichomes play a dual role. For one, they act as a deterrent to predators, as the round sticky glands effectively trap smaller pests and insects. They also contribute to maintaining humidity levels around the cannabis plant.
Shield Against Harm
Trichomes act as a shield, preventing harm to the plant by deterring different species of fungi, animals, and specific insects. This defense mechanism is crucial for the plant’s survival.
Aroma and Taste Defense
The distinctive pungent aroma and bitter taste of trichomes serve as a deterrent to predators, making cannabis flowers less susceptible to harm. Interestingly, the very characteristics that deter hungry animals are the exact thing we crave!
Aid In THC and CBD Production
As trichomes develop, small-scale changes occur within the trichome. When plants start to flower, cannabinoid acids, starting with the mother cannabinoid CBGA, begin to synthesize.
As the plant matures, CBGA transforms into other cannabinoid acids like THCA and CBDA, which convert to THC and CBD during the decarboxylation process.
Is Hash Just Trichomes?
Yes, hash is composed primarily of trichomes. Hash, or hashish, is a popular cannabis concentrate that’s produced by collecting and compressing trichomes.
During hash production, trichomes are carefully separated from the plant material and then compressed into a solid or paste-like substance.
The specific extraction method of hash production can vary, leading to different types of hash, such as finger hash, dry sift hash, or bubble hash. Each contains its own unique characteristics and qualities.
What Do Trichomes Look Like When Harvesting?
When trichomes are harvested for peak cannabinoid potency, approximately 50-70% of the white milky “hairs” on buds will have turned amber.
The majority of experienced growers use this “green thumb” rule, as they’re aware that once all trichomes reach this reddish hue buds begin to lose potency. I’ve personally been using this method for years and grow some seriously dank weed.
When determining if buds are ready to harvest, it’s helpful to look at trichomes with a magnifying glass. Clear or translucent trichomes still need time to mature, as they contain very low cannabinoid levels.
It’s when the majority of trichomes turn milky that lets you know buds will soon be ready to harvest. Give it a little time, allowing 30-40% of these milky trichomes to turn amber.
If you wait too long and let the majority of trichomes turn amber, you’ll lose potency. Harvest your too soon and your buds will lack potency, aroma, and flavor. The sweet spot for the ideal harvest time is when 60-70% of trichomes remain milky white, and 30-40% turn amber.
Wrapping Up
Trichomes are often said to be the proof that “great things come in small packages.”
These tiny “hair-like” appendages on cannabis buds are what hold the magic of producing beneficial cannabinoids, aromatic terpenes, and peak potency.
Just as dynamic as the cannabis industry they thrive in, trichomes encapsulate the coveted effects of cannabis in its smallest form.
From ensuring a successful harvest to enhancing the joy of your smoke sesh, trichomes play a pivotal role in making every aspect of cannabis cultivation and consumption a delight.
