Cannabis trichomes: What are they and what do they do?

If you've ever seen marijuana flowers, chances are you've also seen trichomes. You know those little crystals you see on the leaves and flowers? You guessed it. They are trichomes. In this article we answer:

• What are trichomes?
• Why does the plant need trichomes?
• What types of trichomes are there?
• How do trichomes differ from terpenes?
• Are trichomes only found in cannabis?

What are cannabis trichomes?

Cannabis trichomes are resin glands that adorn the surface of marijuana leaves and buds. They are sticky and shiny and usually have a strong aroma that is pungent, sweet, woody and more. While they look like hairs, they are actually tiny factories that produce all the incredible flavors of marijuana. Cannabinoids, Terpenes and Flavonoids that contribute to the entourage effect. This effect describes the way all three of these molecules and compounds work together in the human body and with the endocannabinoid system work together to produce the experience of consuming marijuana.

They produce bitter-tasting compounds and an unattractive odor that drives insects or animals away. drives away insects or animals that may have thought to make the cannabis plant their meal. Trichomes can even produce molecules like THC that protect the plant from fungi and UV rays. Interestingly, some carnivorous plants use their trichomes to seek out and, in the case of the Venus flytrap, ensnare prey.

What types of trichomes are there?

Unsurprisingly, not all trichomes are the same. First of all, there are two categories of trichomes: glandular and non-glandular. When it comes to cannabinoids, only glandular trichomes can actually produce these molecules. Non-glandular trichomes are typically thought of as defense mechanisms in plants that kill small bugs. But glandular trichomes? They can be categorized into three different types:

• Bulbous trichomes: hard to see with the naked eye unless you have a microscope. These teeny-tiny bulbs are found all over the surface of the plant and are responsible for making marijuana flowers a little sticky. Although it's unclear whether or not they produce cannabinoids, we do know that they play an important role in protecting the plant. For example, they help keep water close to the surface so the plant doesn't dry out in low humidity or high winds.
• Capitate sessile trichomes: Another microscope-requiring trichome, capitate sessile trichomes have a mushroom shape and are much more common than bulbous trichomes. But that's a good thing, because these trichomes actually initiate the biosynthesis of cannabinoids and terpenes.
• Capitate-stalked trichomes: If you can see trichomes on flowers, these are the ones. Capitate-stalked trichomes are the only ones visible to the naked eye, and they look like small mushrooms. They are also the most common of the three types of trichomes. This is where the majority of terpene and cannabinoid synthesis takes place.
• In addition to the types of trichomes, there are also trichome stages including clear, cloudy, amber and mixed. Growers can use the different stages of trichomes as an indicator of when certain strains should be harvested.

How are trichomes different from terpenes?

There is a big difference between trichomes and terpenes: Trichomes make terpenes. The reason why cannabis trichomes have such a strong aroma is because the terpenes are actually produced in these resin glands. In fact, trichomes can be harvested for their terpenes, which are then converted into everything from perfumes and scents for cleaning products to candles.

Are trichomes only found in cannabis?

No! While trichomes, which produce cannabinoids, are exclusive to cannabis, other plants have trichomes. Certain types of algae and lichens have trichomes, along with cyanobacteria, venus flytraps, stinging nettles, ferns and even potatoes.

Trichomes play an important role in many plants, including cannabis, and continue to be studied to better understand both how they function and the potential properties of the compounds they contain.