If you closely look at the cannabis plant, you will notice the tiny hair-like crystals. These are called trichomes, but did you know they house the varying compounds that have become synonymous with the cannabis or hemp plant?
THC, other cannabinoids, and terpenes are all made and found within these fuzzy little trichomes.
For this reason, trichomes are the center of attention while growing the marijuana plant.
Yet, these minute factories of cannabinoids and terpenes are not so simple! Despite their significance, many tokers remain unaware of what they are and their impact on the weed experience!
If this describes you, don’t worry. Let’s find out more about cannabis trichomes, together!
What are Cannabis Trichomes?
The word trichome is derived from the Greek word Tricoma, meaning “growth of hair.”
Trichomes are small hair-like outgrowths that protrude from the surface of the plant. You might find them present on algae, lichens, and other protists.
As for cannabis trichomes, they are microscopic crystals that coat the buds, leaves of the cannabis plant and serve as cannabis resin glands. Structurally similar to mushrooms with a bulbous head and a stalk, they develop when the plant begins to flower.
Once formed, they may also change colour and become clear, white, amber, or brown. Usually, the colour signals growers that it’s time to harvest cannabis plants.
Types of Trichomes
There are different types of cannabis plants, and the same goes for cannabis trichomes. Just like cannabis plants and strains, they come in a variety of different shapes, sizes, and colours.
There are three main types of trichomes that we’ll explore today: bulbous, capitate-sessile and capitate-stalked.
Bulbous Trichomes
The smallest one is the bulbous trichome. They are approximately 10 to 15-micrometer wide. To put things into perspective human hair is 70-micrometre in width. These are tiny!
They appear on the entire surface of the cannabis plant, but they are too small to be seen with the naked eye. However, they do not contain any cannabinoids and are used by the plant for growth purposes.
Capitate Sessile Trichomes
Capitate sessile trichomes are medium-sized trichomes, slightly larger than the bulbous one but smaller than the third category trichomes, the capitate-stalked trichomes.
They are abundantly present on the plant surface. These take the appearance of a mushroom, a spherical head with a short stalk. Their length ranges from 25 to 100 micrometres.
That being said, you might be able to spot them with the naked eye, but it’s hard to see their structure without a magnifying glass. These trichomes produce cannabinoids but not as much as the capitate-stalked trichomes.
Capitate-Stalked Trichomes
These are the most talked-about cannabis trichomes. Having sizes between 200 to 300-micrometre, they can be seen easily with the naked eye.
In addition to their large size, these pack the biggest punch. They are responsible for producing multiple types of cannabinoids, terpenes and essential oils. Once the cannabis plant is harvested and cured, these trichomes eventually dry out and turn into kief!
The Function of Trichomes
Besides containing an intense punch, these cannabis outgrowths serve a multitude of purposes.
As we learned, they form when the plant enters its flowering stage. This stage is also when the plant is most susceptible to predators. Trichomes perform the defensive role, protecting the plants from insects, fungus herbivores, and other hostile environmental conditions.
In order to protect cannabis plants from wild animals, they produce compounds with a bitter taste and repellent odour in the form of terpenes and essential oils. Their pungent aroma and unpalatable taste keep all the predators at a distance.
In addition, fast-flowing air can seriously damage the weed plant, so a layer of resins protects it from strong winds. Trichomes act as a defence mechanism against the UV rays from the sun by blocking harmful radiations from the sun from hitting the sensitive cannabis flowers.
Which Strains Have the Most Trichomes?
Now to the fun part! As we know, marijuana growers endeavour to cultivate different types of strains and their hybrids. Each of these strains contains different concentrations of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.
Some strains of cannabis may be entirely covered with trichomes, while others might only have a few. That said, that is certainly not indicative of the quality of the cannabis strain! Cannabis users report strains with fewer trichomes can also produce intense psychoactive effects.
Still, there is a consensus that cannabis strains with lots of trichomes are more likely to produce a strong psychoactive effect.
If you want to get your hands on some of the cannabis strains with abundant trichomes, here is what you will be interested in:
White Widow Cannabis Strain
White Widow is a hybrid strain containing 40% sativa and 60% indica. Its buds with white trichomes give a frosty crystal look. With pepper and lemon taste and smell, this strain facilitates a smooth exhale.
The White Widow strain is highly potent, and its effects can last for hours. It uplifts the mood and gives you a creative and euphoric feeling. Dry mouth and eyes, paranoia, and headaches are the few side effects of the White Widow strain.
Here’re the important cannabinoids you will usually find in the White Widow strain:
- 12.50/21.50% THC
- 0.30/1.56% CBD
- 0.15/4.53% CBN
Chemdawg Cannabis Strain
Chemdawg contains 55% indica and 45% sativa. Its trichomes are milky white, coating the thin leaves of the cannabis plant.
This strain has a strong diesel-like aroma and gives its users a wonderful experience. Chemdawg induces a calming and sedating effect relaxing the mind and body. The user may feel lazy and couch-locked as its effect reaches the peak level. It has the following percentage of cannabinoids:
- 15.00/19.00% THC
- 0.90/1.00% CBD
- —/1.00% CBN
Sour Diesel
The Sour Diesel strain is 90% sativa and 10% indica. Like diesel, it has strong and one of the stinkiest aromas. But, with that, it emits a lemon and citrus flavour that is why it is called Sour Diesel.
Its sugar leaves with shiny crystal trichomes on their surface give you an intense punch. Expect almost an immediate mind-boosting effect. This strain produces a calm and light feeling allowing you to carry out your daily activities.
Dry mouth, anxiety, paranoia, or stress can occur in some individuals with Sour Diesel usage. This strain has the following percentage of cannabinoids:
- THC 17-26%
- CBD 2%
Trichomes – Tantalizing Tiny Tots
These tiny tots are a rich source of THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids in the marijuana plant.
These tiny fellows are the main focus of the growers, as the more they are, the more cannabinoids. So, farmers’ ultimate goal is to produce high-quality strains with abundant trichome production.
If you look for strains with a high trichome count, strains such as White Widow, Chemdawg, and Sour Diesel will be good starting points.
We hope this article has given you a good understanding of the trichomes and the science behind the cannabis plant. For more information on other cannabis-related topics, be sure to check out our blog!
Happy toking!
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