Ever get confused by some of the jargon you see while shopping for flower? All these random terms — terpenes, ratios, cannabinoids – can get a bit overwhelming when you’re trying to find the ideal canna-item for your needs.
Let’s take a look at trichomes. What the heck are they? Defined as hair-like structures on the epidermis of the plant, trichomes produce cannabinoids, terpenes, and additional compounds that impact plant efficacy. Trichomes also act as a shield for this mighty plant as they exude resin to coat vulnerable plant structures that need additional protection. Dangers such as pests, dehydration, and over-exposure to UV are mitigated by these tiny, formidable heroes.
Trichomes impact flavor, intensity, and any medicinal benefits of the plant. Each trichome type and growth stage produces different impacts on the overall experience when consuming cannabis.
There are three types of trichomes in marijuana plants. Bulbous trichomes help strengthen the plant’s defensive layer, guarding from overexposure to the elements and keeping those pesky predators from having a weedy feast. This type of trichome produces less powerful THC effects and aren’t able to contribute much to your high. Capitate-sessile trichomes play a role in terpene and cannabinoid production. Found on the sugar leaves of marijuana plants, these trichomes are commonly used for cannabis byproducts such as concentrates or edibles. Capitate-stalked trichomes typically house the most powerful cannabinoids. These are plentiful on more mature plants, and are found in high concentrations during the flowering stage of the growth process. That sticky resin we love to consume is found in the highest amounts in these types of trichomes.
Following the theme of threes, trichomes also have a tri-fold of maturity stages for harvesting that can be categorized by their color. Clear trichomes are the babies of the group – with low cannabinoid levels, harvesting flower while trichomes are clear will lead to an ineffective smoke. When a plant is ready to go, trichomes are a cloudy white, implying that their cannabinoid levels are at their peak. As these hair-like structures age, they transform into an amber shade, with the THC content oxidizing into CBN for a sleepier effect.
Want to fully appreciate the direct effects of these trichomes? Next time you swing by your local Bud & Rita’s, add some of our favorite live rosin, kief, or concentrate items to your basket: