Cannabis Trichomes: Types, Colors, Function

If you ever look closely at the buds of your favorite strain, you’ve probably noticed that they are covered in something that looks like sugar or crystal. They are cannabis trichomes, also known as the powerhouse of cannabinoids and terpenes which produce our beloved euphoria effects, medical benefits, and including their distinctive irresistible aroma and flavor.

Key Takeaways

• Trichomes is derived from the Greek word meaning the growth of hair.
• Cannabis trichomes are tiny hair resin glands that cover the leaves and bus of mature weed plants.
• There are 3 main types of cannabis trichomes: bulbous, capitate sessile, and capitate-stalked.
• Trichomes work as a defense mechanism, protecting the plant from harmful pests, animals, and non-living environments such as UV rays.
• You can tell the strain’s quality and potency by the cannabis trichomes.
• The color of trichomes tells us when to harvest the buds.

The word trichomes originated from the Greek word “Tríchōma” which means “the growth of hair”. Trichomes are tiny hair-like resin glands that coat the leaves and buds of mature cannabis plants making them look like they are covered in sugar. They are sticky and shiny and usually have strong aromas that can be pungent, sweet, woodsy, and more. They produce terpenes and cannabinoids like THC and CBD and their tiny hairs can act as a defense mechanism against any predators that can harm the plant.

Types of Cannabis Trichomes

There are 3 main types of cannabis trichomes: bulbous, capitate sessile, and capitate-stalked. Each one has an impact on the potency, flavor, and effects of the final product.

• Bulbous Trichomes

Bulbous trichomes are so tiny that they are invisible to the naked eye which are the smallest compared to the other trichomes types, measuring just 20 micrometers in length. They have a mushroom or lightbulb-shaped found on the surface of the cannabis plant. They produce the least amounts of cannabinoids out of all three types with little to no cannabinoids. These tiny bulbous trichomes are helpful when it comes to protecting the plant from pests and diseases.

• Capitate Sessile Trichomes

This type of trichomes can be found on the stems, leaves, and bracts of the cannabis plant. Similar to bulbous trichomes, capitate-sessile trichomes are still too tiny to view without a microscope but they are much larger than bulbous trichomes with approximately 75 micrometers in length. They are mushroom-shaped with a glandular head and produce significant amounts of cannabinoids and terpenes.

• Capitate-Stalked Trichomes

Capitate-stalked trichomes are recognizable as the most abundant oil-rich cannabis trichomes and they are also highly sought-after. They are roughly five times larger in size than bulbous and sessile trichomes measuring as much as 500 micrometers and yield a greater amount of resin. Capitate-stalked trichomes are still very difficult to see with the naked eye but their appearance is in an elongated stalk and spherical gland head. Capitate-stalked trichomes are most likely to increase in density and produce a high concentration of both cannabinoids and terpenes during the flowering phase of cannabis. These trichomes will let you know when the plant reaches its maturity and is ready to harvest when the capitate-stalked trichomes start to turn darker, from clear to opaque, and then amber.

What is the function of cannabis trichomes?

Trichomes function as a defense mechanism as female cannabis plants become vulnerable to insects, animals, and non-living environmental variables such as harmful UV rays during the flowering stage. With their strong aroma and bitter taste, they serve as a deterrent as well as a dual function in protecting the plant from winds and fungal growth. Different terpenes found in different areas of the plant defend against specific pests and animals. Limonene and alpha-pinene are likely to be found within the higher concentrations of flowers which is where the insects are more likely to be attracted to and cause problems. Beta-caryophyllene can be found on the lower parts of the plant to deter mammals that are more likely to take a bite on the lower leaves. Some cannabinoids such as THCA and CBGA are toxic to insects and these two as well as other cannabinoids provide antimicrobial protection for cannabis plants.

Why are cannabis trichomes important?

Cannabis trichomes are an indicator of a weed strain’s potency and quality as they are the main part that produces cannabinoids, the active compounds of the weed such as THC and CBD, which are responsible for delivering the plant’s psychoactive and therapeutic effects. What’s more is that trichomes also produce terpenes which are the chemical compounds that give the cannabis plant its unique and distinctive scent and flavor. Terpenes also play a role in modulating the overall effects of cannabis cannabinoids meaning that weed wouldn’t have its therapeutic, aromatic, and flavorful characteristics without terpenes. The THC concentrations in cannabis trichomes correlate with the potency of the cannabis flower. The relationship between trichome maturity and potency is important for both growers and consumers who aim to create cannabis with the desired effects and strengths.

What does the color of cannabis trichomes tell us about?

The color of cannabis trichomes is the key to determining the right harvest time.

Clear: The trichomes appear almost glass-like and transparent within the early stage of development when the trichomes are in clear color meaning that they are not yet fully formed or ready to harvest.

Milky: As the trichomes are in transition into the next phase, they start to change to a cloudy or milky white appearance. This change indicates that they are on their way to full development.

Amber or Gold: Over time, cannabis trichomes are changing into deeper shades of amber or gold. This transformation means that the plant has reached further maturity and progression of the aging process. Some people may prefer harvesting during the early signs of golden hue while others may choose to wait for a full amber.

Dark Amber or Gold: The amber trichomes from the earlier stage may turn a darker shade which means that they have reached the maturity of their life cycle. Most cultivators tend to avoid harvesting within this stage to prevent a decrease in the overall quality and potency of the final product.

To Sum Up

Cannabis trichomes are far more than just tiny, sticky hairs that cover the plant. They are the important part that makes cannabis so unique in its potency as well as its aroma and flavor. These invisible to the naked-eye resin glands play a crucial role in defending against harm and produce the cannabinoids and terpenes that offer several valuable benefits such as their therapeutic and psychoactive properties. By paying close attention to trichome development, one can determine the time for harvesting to achieve the desired potency, effects, and overall quality of the cannabis product.