What Are Cannabis Trichomes? Types and Purpose of Trichomes

July 17, 2023

What Are Cannabis Trichomes?

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Cannabis is a fascinating plant, offering a rainbow of experiences from its various natural compounds. But beyond the never-ending list of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, have you ever taken a closer look and wondered about the tiny crystals that cover the flower?

By touch, they feel sticky and carry a rich aroma, but this glistening layer of goodness called trichomes plays a crucial role in the growth and development of each plant. Here, we'll explore the purpose and different types of trichomes found in nature.

What are Cannabis Trichomes?

Trichomes are small, hair-like growths that cover cannabis plants, concentrated primarily on the flower, bract, and leaves. To the naked eye, you would assume these microscopic glistening bulbs would have little to no purpose, but you would be mistaken.

There are two main categories of trichomes: glandular and non-glandular. Inside each glandular trichome is a busy and purposeful cell producing cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Non-glandular trichomes, on the other hand, protect the plant from various environmental hazards.

Non-Glandular Trichomes

Throughout nature, trichomes can be observed in a variety of plant species. They serve many functions, but the most common is as a defense mechanism. These types of trichomes are called non-glandular trichomes, known as cystolith hairs.

For example, if you have grown tomato plants, you are likely familiar with the little hairs located along the stems, leaves, and roots during growth. Those are its non-glandular trichomes, and their duty is to defend the plant from insects and adverse weather conditions.

Like a tomato plant, cannabis trichomes protect the flower at all costs. To do this, it will naturally shield it from damaging winds, fungal growth, and even animals with its powerful aroma and bitter taste.

Glandular Trichomes

Glandular trichomes are responsible for the biosynthesis, or production, of cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds like THC and CBD that interact with our body's endocannabinoid system when consumed to produce various effects, from euphoria to relaxation.

Often, glandular trichomes are referred to as the “factories” of the hemp plant because the more trichomes in a plant, the more cannabinoids and terpenes will be produced. Many growers focus on cultivating plants with higher trichome levels, as they will provide a higher yield.

Glandular trichomes come in many shapes and sizes, and the most common types are separated into three categories:

Bulbous trichomes
Capitate-sessile trichomes
Capitate-stalked trichomes

Bulbous Trichomes

Bulbous trichomes are the smallest of the category. In fact, they are so tiny, the only way to view them is through a microscope. While there is a lack of research on its role in cannabinoid production, there are theories that it contributes to CBGA production.

Although this type is not as impactful as other trichomes, it is present throughout the entire plant to protect it from UV rays and other weather conditions.

Capitate-Sessile Trichomes

In comparison to bulbous trichomes, capitate-sessile trichomes are slightly larger and are more abundant. Still, they are typically only visible with the help of a microscope.

This trichrome is described as a mushroom-shaped structure containing cannabinoids and terpenes, which can be primarily found on the head of the plant and sometimes seen on the leaves and stems.

Capitate-Stalked Trichomes

Out of all glandular trichomes, this trichome is the most efficient in cannabinoid and terpene producers. Captivate-stalked trichomes are much larger, allowing them to be seen by the naked eye without the aid of a microscope. Because it is significantly different in size, it consequently is best for harvesting resin.

The Life Cycle of Trichome Production

beautiful purple leaves on a cannabis plant

In a perfect world, cannabinoid synthesis would happen overnight, but like any other plant, it takes time for the trichomes to form.

Trichomes don’t appear until the flowering stage. During this time, trichomes will start to form along the outer surface of the plant, where they will take raw cellular elements called plastids and vacuoles from their stalk into the gland head. From here, the cells will begin to process and convert it into cannabigerol acid (CBGA) and other nutrient-rich compounds. Eventually, the glandular head will be full of cannabinoids and terpene-rich resins that can be collected once the plant has reached maturity.

Often, growers will determine harvesting a plant based on the color of the trichomes. A trichome's lifecycle is simple to follow, as it transforms from a milky white to a cloudy white until it finally becomes an amber hue. Once this transformation is complete, producers will harvest the plant quickly because if they wait any longer, they risk the quality of the product.

Although farmers can use selective breeding to have a high concentration of trichomes, it isn’t guaranteed that they will gain the desired quality. The production of trichomes can be easily affected by UV light, over/underfeeding, and a poor environment. This means if someone wants to gain the most out of their crop, they need to use the proper amount of UV light, and a correct feeding schedule and must be placed in a controlled environment.

Final Thoughts

The next time you look for trichomes on hemp, remember how hard those tiny crystals work to keep the hemp buds and the rest of the plant protected from the potential harm of this world. But more importantly, it provides a location for the biosynthesis of the cannabinoids and terpenes that we have grown to love.