If you’re a cannabis enthusiast, then you’ve probably heard the term “trichomes” before.
But what are they, exactly? And what do they do?
In this essential guide, we’ll answer all of your questions about trichomes and teach you everything you need to know about these fascinating cannabis crystals!
What Are Trichomes, And What Do They Do?
Trichomes are tiny, hairlike growths that cover the surface of many plants – including cannabis.
These microscopic structures are responsible for producing the majority of the plant’s cannabinoids, including THC and CBD. In other words, trichomes are what give cannabis its psychoactive and therapeutic effects!
The most important function of trichomes is to produce cannabinoids.
However, they also serve other important functions such as protecting the plant from predators and parasites, regulating temperature, and increasing photosynthesis.
What Are The Different Types of Trichomes, And What Do They Each Do?
Trichomes are tiny, mushroom-shaped crystals that cover the surface of cannabis flowers and leaves. They are responsible for producing cannabinoids, including THC and CBD, and play a major role in the potency and effects of cannabis.
There are three types of trichomes: glandular, capitate-stalked, and capitate-sessile. Each type produces different cannabinoids and has different benefits.
Glandular trichomes are the most common type, and produce the majority of cannabinoids found in cannabis. They are small, round, and covered in short hairs. Glandular trichomes produce THC, CBD, CBN, and other cannabinoids. The amount of THC produced by glandular trichomes increases as they mature.
Capitate-stalked trichomes are larger than glandular trichomes, with long stalks that extend from the surface of the flower or leaf. They produce smaller amounts of cannabinoids than glandular trichomes but higher levels of THC than other types of trichomes. Capitate-stalked trichomes begin to form near the end of the flowering stage and continue to develop as the plant matures.
Capitate-sessile trichomes are the largest type of trichome, and are found mainly on the surface of the leaves. They produce lower levels of cannabinoids than glandular or capitate-stalked trichomes but have a high concentration of CBD. Capitate-sessile trichomes start to form during the early flowering stage and continue to develop throughout the plant’s life cycle.
How Can You Tell If A Cannabis Plant Is Rich In Trichomes?
Cannabis plants are rich in trichomes, which are tiny resin-secreting glands that look like little mushrooms. The color and abundance of trichomes on a cannabis plant can tell you a lot about the potency and quality of the bud.
The most telltale sign of a cannabis plant with high trichome content is a sticky, resinous coating on the flowers and leaves. The color of the trichomes can also be an indicator of potency; clear trichomes are generally less potent than cloudy or amber ones.
While there’s no foolproof way to determine the potency of a cannabis plant just by looking at it, checking the trichome content is one way to get a general idea of how potent the buds are likely to be.
If you’re growing your own cannabis, you can also use a trichome microscope to get a closer look at the resin glands and see how they’re developing over time.
What Are The Benefits of Consuming Cannabis With High Levels Of Trichomes?
Cannabis plants with high levels of trichomes are more potent and offer more therapeutic benefits than those with low levels. Trichome-rich cannabis plants also tend to have higher levels of CBD, which can provide additional medicinal effects
Trichomes produce cannabinoids that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to provide a wide range of potential health benefits, including pain relief, anti-inflammatory effects, anxiety reduction, and seizure prevention.
Consuming cannabis with high levels of trichomes can also improve the taste and smell of the plant.
How Can You Increase The Levels Of Trichomes In Your Cannabis Plants or Products?
There are several ways to increase the levels of trichomes in your cannabis plants or products.
One method is to grow plants under stress conditions, such as high temperatures or nutrient deficiencies. Another method is to use light stress techniques, such as exposure to light during the dark period. You can also use chemical treatments, such as silver thiosulfate or gibberellic acid.
Finally, you can apply physical stressors, such as shaking or brushing the plants. All of these methods can increase the levels of trichomes in your cannabis plants or products.
The best way to increase the levels of trichomes in your cannabis plants or products is to grow them under stress conditions. By exposing your plants to high temperatures or nutrient deficiencies, you can trigger their natural defense mechanisms and cause them to produce more cannabinoids. This will result in a higher concentration of trichomes on your plants or products. You can also use light stress techniques, such as exposure to light during the dark period, to increase the levels of trichomes.
Finally, you can apply physical stressors, such as shaking or brushing the plants, to break down the trichomes and release their cannabinoids.
All of these methods can increase the levels of trichomes in your cannabis plants or products.
Final Thoughts
Trichomes are an essential part of the cannabis plant and play a vital role in its therapeutic effects. By increasing the levels of trichomes in your plants or products, you can improve their potency and range of benefits.
If you want to get the most out of your cannabis plants or products, be sure to focus on increasing their trichome density.
Did you find this information on trichomes helpful?
Let us know in the comments below!
And be sure to check out our other blog posts for more great information on all things cannabis.
Dan is the co-founder of Entourage Mag. He loves music, kimchi & cannabis.
