Cannabis trichomes are a type of gland located on cannabis plants that produce oils and resins. These oils and resins play a number of roles in the plant, including increasing the THC concentration in fresh flowers, inspiring new strains, and changing the taste of certain plants.
Trichomes were one of the first things people discovered about cannabis, due to the iconic “trichomes” that appear on some plants. These can sometimes be THC crystals that look like tiny freckles. They serve as a significant indicator of the cannabis plant, acting as a symbol or fingerprint of the source.
Key Takeaways
Trichomes Defined: Trichomes are glands on cannabis plants that produce oils and resins, crucial for the plant’s potency and flavor.
Types of Trichomes: The main types include capitate-stalked, capitate-sessile, and bulbous trichomes, each with unique properties.
Functions of Trichomes: Trichomes contribute to the plant’s THC content, inspire new strains, and alter flavor profiles.
Medical Benefits: Some trichomes help in pain relief, mood improvement, and stress reduction.
What are Trichomes?
A cannabis trichome is a spongelike growth that can occur on any plant, herb, or dinocephalus. Trichomes range in color from yellow to purple and are sometimes referred to as mushrooms. They provide cannabinoids when broken down in the plant ecosystem and play an important role in plant communication.
Three Types of Cannabis Trichomes
There are three main types of trichomes found on cannabis plants:
Capitate-Stalked Trichomes: These are the largest trichomes and most abundant in cannabinoids, including THC and CBD.
Capitate-Sessile Trichomes: Smaller than capitate-stalked trichomes but still contribute to the plant’s cannabinoid profile.
Bulbous Trichomes: The smallest trichomes, covering the entire plant surface but producing the least amount of cannabinoids.
Cannabinoids are compounds found in cannabis, and the most well-known cannabinoids include:
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): The primary psychoactive compound in cannabis.
Cannabidiol (CBD): A non-psychoactive compound known for its medicinal properties.
Cannabinol (CBN): A mildly psychoactive compound that is formed as THC ages and oxidizes.
These cannabinoids can be found both inside and outside the flower, predominantly in the trichomes.
Functions of Trichomes
Cannabis trichomes themselves are not hormones, but some cannabinoids do interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). Some studies have linked neutralizing certain cannabinoids with pain relief and other symptoms associated with various conditions. This may be related to the fact that some cannabinoids can act as natural painkillers.
Helix
Helix trichomes are a type of trichome that create psychedelic trails as they move. These trichomes can help relieve pain, improve mood, and reduce stress. The term trichome refers to a cannabinoid found in marijuana plants. CBDs (cannabinoids) do not have the same functionality as helix trichomes, but they do have other benefits. As an oil or supplement, CBD can be used to help with conditions like pain, anxiety, and depression. Many people find that CBD helps them sleep better by reducing tossing and turning.
Poisson
Poisson trichomes are unique in that they resemble feathers but are composed of chitin. They can grow up to six inches long, making them one of the longest trichomes found in cannabis. Poisson trichomes are valuable for spiritual, ceremonial, and medical uses. Due to their delicate nature, poisson trichomes cannot be grown in harsh conditions and were traditionally carried in coffins or hung from trees. Today, they are cultivated indoors and outdoors, but shipping is often limited to courier or phone order due to their fragility.
Umbrella
While most trichomes provide no function outside of a trusted source, some are recognized as umbrellas, helping to cover larger areas with which to dose. Umbrellas are also known as hashish or caviar thigs, and they can range in size and shape from a grain of rice to a baseball sized rock. They can be small and discreet or large and ornate!
Umbrellas are usually thicker than grains of rice, though some may be thinner. Their shape and appearance may vary from grain to grain! Both have their benefits though! Umbrella trichomes offer enhanced effects when dosed under an umbrella. They may appear larger than the same amount of thickness would allow, however! This is where the umbrellas help out- they provide more space to dose!
Many users find the relief they are looking for with this style of trichome is achieved by employing smaller dabs on multiple areas at once.
Additional Cannabis Trichome Types
Sugar leaf
Sugar leaf trichomes are stick-shaped and range from brown to white. These trichomes help cannabinoids spread throughout the plant. When fully grown, some trichomes can reach more than four inches in length and width, contributing to the strong effects experienced by users.
Pistil dust
Pistil dust refers to the white or powdered residue left after smoking cannabis. It is composed of pistillate trichomes, with white pistillate trichomes typically featuring larger crystals. Different cannabis plants have varying amounts of pistillate and brown trichomes, indicating plant age and health. Plants with more whitish pistillate trichomes tend to contain more red dropper caps, signaling good health.
Trichome breakdown by percentage
When examining cannabis leaves or buds, most of the plant’s hairs are crystalline trichomes. These trichomes contain a liquid where new growth is stored during development. As new hairs emerge, they penetrate the liquid and develop into new hairs. Trichomes also play a role outside of cannabinoids. Some products designed to boost hair growth contain trichomes, while others include vitamins and minerals to improve hair health.
Cannabis Trichome FAQs
What are cannabis trichomes?
Trichomes are glands on cannabis plants that produce oils and resins, contributing to the plant’s potency and flavor.
How do trichomes affect the taste of cannabis?
Trichomes can change the taste of cannabis plants by influencing the oils and resins they produce.
What are the main types of cannabis trichomes?
The main types are capitate-stalked trichomes, capitate-sessile trichomes, and bulbous trichomes.
Can trichomes provide medical benefits?
Yes, some trichomes help in relieving pain, improving mood, and reducing stress.
What is pistil dust?
Pistil dust is the white or powdered residue left after smoking cannabis, composed of pistillate trichomes.
