Trichomes 101: Understanding The Cannabis Plant

Have you ever looked closely at your cannabis buds and noticed those tiny, hair-like crystals? Those are called trichomes, and they’re a crucial part of the plant.

Did you know that they also produce kief - a potent and prized cannabis concentrate?

Discover the basics of trichomes and their role in our comprehensive guide below.

What Are Trichomes?

Trichomes are the microscopic, crystal-like glands that coat the buds, sugar leaves, and surface of the plant and serve as the plant’s resin glands.

The word “trichome” comes from the Greek word “tríchōma,” which means hair.

These tiny, hair-like structures are where cannabinoids like THC and CBD are produced, along with terpenes that give cannabis its unique aroma and flavor.

As hinted earlier, kief (the powdery substance in the bottom of your grinder) comes from trichomes. In fact, kief is simply a collection of trichome heads that have broken off from the cannabis flower. This is why a flower that’s rich in trichomes is often a sign of a high-quality, potent product.

Why Are Trichomes on Cannabis?

First… trichomes aren’t unique to the cannabis plant… You can find them on many other plants, too.

But for cannabis sativa, trichomes act as a defense mechanism.

Their bitter taste and the strong aromas from the terpenes they produce help ward off herbivores and pests that might otherwise eat the plant.

But they do more than that.

These glandular trichomes also shield the plant from harsh environmental conditions, like damaging UV light (acting as a natural sunscreen) and dry, windy weather.

At the same time, those same terpene aromas can help attract pollinators, completing the plant’s life cycle.

Types Of Trichomes

There are three different types of trichomes, each one growing bigger in size.

Bulbous trichomes

The first are bulbous trichomes. These trichomes are the smallest- just 10-15 micrometers in size and very hard to see, even with magnification. Bulbous trichomes are scattered across the surface of the plant and are unicellular, meaning they’re made of just one cell.

Capitate sessile trichomes

The second are capitate-sessile trichomes. These trichomes are the next size up and cover the cannabis plant more abundantly than bulbous trichomes. 

They’re multicellular, have a small stalk and a rounded head, and this is where the biosynthesis of metabolites, such as cannabinoids and terpenoids, begins to take off.

Capitate-stalked trichomes

The third are capitate-stalked trichomes. These are the largest type of trichome and also pack the biggest punch. These trichomes emerge during the flowering stage and produce the largest amount of cannabis compounds through a complex biosynthetic process.

They’ve got a longer stalk with a mushroom-shaped trichome head at the top, and can be seen with the naked eye as a frosty coating.

This is where the magic happens! Where THCA (the precursor to THC), CBD, CBG, rich terpenoids, and flavonoids are concentrated.

Why Are Trichomes Important?

So, why do growers and consumers care so much about these tiny glands?

• They serve as mini-factories where cannabinoids and terpenes are produced.

• These compounds are responsible for the therapeutic benefits and psychoactive effects that cannabis is known for.

• The highest concentrations of THC/THCA, CBD, CBG, and other cannabinoids are found inside the trichome head.

• A strain’s potency, aroma, flavor, and overall effects depend on the unique mix of cannabinoids and terpenes within its trichomes.

• In simple terms: more trichomes = more potency and more flavor in your bud.

Trichome Color Guide: Clear, Cloudy, or Amber?

As trichomes develop, they change color. This change is the single best indicator growers use to determine the perfect harvest time. To see this, you’ll need a jeweler’s loupe or a microscope.

• Clear Trichomes: The plant is not yet ready. At this stage, trichome production is still in full swing, but cannabinoid levels are low. Harvesting now would result in a less potent product.

• Cloudy / Milky White Trichomes: This is the sweet spot! When trichomes turn a milky white color, it signals peak potency. The biosynthesis has created the maximum amount of THC (as THCA). Most growers harvest here for the most psychoactive and energetic high.

• Amber Trichomes: The trichomes are now over-mature. At this stage, the THC is beginning to degrade and convert into CBN (Cannabinol), a cannabinoid known for its more sedating, “couch-lock” effects.

That’s a wrap for trichomes 101. Tiny but mighty!

Frequently Asked Questions:

What do trichomes look like when they’re ready to harvest?

When you check them with a magnifying glass, you’ll want to see mostly cloudy or milky white trichomes. Many growers recommend waiting until about 70-80% of the trichomes are milky and 20-30% are amber to achieve a well-rounded effect from the plant.

What’s the difference between resin and trichomes?

Trichomes are the physical, glandular, mushroom-shaped structures found on plants. Resin is the sticky, oily substance inside the trichome head, which contains all the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.

Are the trichomes what get you high?

Yes, indirectly. The THC (and its precursor THCA) produced inside the trichome head is the primary psychoactive compound responsible for the “high.”

Are trichomes the same as terpenes?

Not quite. Trichomes are like factories that produce terpenes. Terpenes are the essential oils that give cannabis its distinctive smells and flavors, like citrus, pine, or even skunk.

How do trichomes affect the potency of cannabis?

The number and maturity of the trichomes play a key role in determining how potent the cannabis will be. More mature trichomes, particularly the capitate-stalked type, indicate higher concentrations of cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD.

Do trichomes protect cannabis plants?

Yes, trichomes protect the cannabis plant from pests, herbivores, and harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.

What causes trichomes to turn amber faster?

As the plant grows, this color change is a regular part of its life cycle. However, factors such as excessive heat, physical disturbance, or intense light can accelerate this process.

How can I preserve trichomes when storing or curing weed?

To preserve high-quality trichomes, handle your cannabis flower gently. Store it in airtight glass jars in a cool, dark, and dry place. This prevents the delicate trichome heads from breaking off and protects the cannabinoids and terpenes from degrading.