No doubt, as a cannabis lover, you’ve taken note of the trademark frosty coating on cannabis flower. These amazing structures are trichomes, tiny crystalline appendages that cover the surface of the cannabis plant’s stem, leaves, and flower.
But they aren’t just for looks! Trichomes play a crucial role in cannabis cultivation, quality, and product development. In this article, we’re unveiling the science behind these minuscule but mighty structures.
What Are Cannabis Trichomes?
The word is derived from Greek, meaning “hair growth.” They are microscopic, hair-like outgrowths found on the cannabis plant’s surface, giving it a frosty appearance.
These structures are a critical aspect of the plant, contributing to its biochemical properties, and play a vital role in both its survival and our usage of the plant. These microscopic structures are the biochemical factories responsible for producing cannabinoids and terpenes, which give cannabis its unique medicinal properties and distinct aroma and flavor profiles, respectively.
There are three primary types of trichomes present in the cannabis plant: Bulbous, Capitate-sessile, and Capitate-stalked. Each has a distinct structure and role:
Bulbous Trichomes
The smallest of the three types, they’re so small that they are almost impossible to see without the use of a magnifying glass or microscope. Bulbous trichomes are spread across the surface of the entire plant, giving it a frosty appearance.
Despite their near-microscopic size, they actually consist of two parts: a stalk and a glandular head, where cannabinoids and terpenes are synthesized. The contribution to the plant’s overall cannabinoid and terpene production is relatively low.
Capitate-Sessile Trichomes
Larger than bulbous trichomes, capitate-sessile trichomes are much more abundant on the plant. They also have a stalk and a glandular head, but in this case, the head is much larger and contains more secretory cells.
This means that they can produce more cannabinoids and terpenes than bulbous trichomes. They are usually found on the underside of the sugar leaves and fan leaves, as well as the plant’s stems.
Capitate-Stalked Trichomes
These are the largest and most abundant of the three types of trichomes and are large enough to be visible to the naked eye. They have a sizeable glandular head, where the production of cannabinoids and terpenes takes place, sitting on a multicellular stalk.
They appear during the flowering phase of the cannabis plant, mainly on the plant’s flowers and sugar leaves. Their large size and high density mean that they are the main producers of the plant’s cannabinoids and terpenes.
The Biochemistry of Cannabis
Trichomes are essentially tiny biochemical factories, producing a wide variety of cannabinoids, including THC and CBD, the compounds responsible for the cannabis plant’s therapeutic and psychoactive effects. Also, they synthesize aromatic compounds known as terpenes, which lend distinct flavors and scents to different strains.
The Role of Trichomes in Plant Defense
Beyond their role in cannabinoid and terpene production, trichomes are the cannabis plant’s primary defense mechanism. The resinous, terpene-rich secretions protect the plant from predators, environmental threats, and even UV radiation.
Trichomes in Cultivation and Harvesting
There’s a direct correlation between trichome density and cannabis potency: the denser they are, the higher the cannabinoid content, and thus, the stronger the product. Though, this is not the only factor that determines potency.
Color is a crucial factor in determining if the plant is ready for harvest. When trichomes are ready for harvest, their appearance changes, transitioning from clear to cloudy or milky and, eventually, amber. It’s important to note that some strains are harvested earlier in the trichome color development, depending entirely on the desired potency and effects.
Amber trichomes signify the ripest of the stages in cultivation. The heads also swell, indicating a peak in THC production. By closely observing the stages of development, expert growers can determine the perfect harvest time.
Trichomes and Concentrates
These structures are hugely important in the production of cannabis extracts like live rosin and live resin. Since they are the primary source of cannabinoids and terpenes used to create concentrates and edibles, the extraction process centers around removing the resinous structures from the plant material without damaging the fragile terpenes. There are two essential methods for extraction:
Solvent
This method involves the use of a hydrocarbon solvent to strip desirable compounds from the plant material in a closed-pressure system. Extraction Technicians then purge the solvent from the final product under heat and pressure, resulting in a potent cannabis concentrate called resin.
Solventless
Solventless extraction uses natural, chemical-free methods of stripping trichomes from plant material. Typically, the cannabis flower is soaked in an ice bath and made into bubble hash, then pressed under intense pressure and relatively low heat. The end product is a 100% clean and natural concentrate product called rosin.
Understanding trichome development has a direct influence on cannabis product development, allowing for customized creations to meet varying consumer needs.
Future Research
Over the years, our understanding of trichomes has definitely improved, but there is still a lot left to uncover. For instance, the specific environmental factors that affect development and the ways we can manipulate them to increase potency and yield are still under investigation. As our knowledge deepens, so does the potential for advancements in the cannabis industry. However, one thing is certain: trichomes are the heart of cannabis potency, aroma, and flavor, the key determining factor of product quality and appeal.
Sources:
Characterization of the Cannabis sativa glandular trichome proteome
Trichomes of Cannabis sativa L. (Cannabaceae)
The Role of Trichomes in Cannabis and Nature
When to harvest marijuana plants according to trichome ripeness
