What are Trichomes?
If you've ever admired the glistening, sticky crystals coating your favorite cannabis strains from Green Dragon Dispensary, you've discovered cannabis trichomes—the microscopic powerhouses responsible for producing the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids that make each marijuana strain unique. These tiny structures play a crucial role in the weed plant's biology and the effects it produces.
Understanding Trichomes in Cannabis:
Trichomes, word coming from the Greek word "Tríchōma", means "growth of hair," hence the fine outgrowths found on the surfaces of several plants, including cannabis. In appearance, they resemble little mushrooms or hairs, but their function far exceeds their size.
On cannabis plants, trichomes serve as a multifunctional defense mechanism. When female marijuana plants enter the flowering stage in their lifecycle, they become vulnerable to pests, environmental stressors, and other threats. Trichomes act as a deterrent to predators by producing bitter-tasting compounds and potent aromas that make the plant less appealing. They also provide protection against UV radiation, wind damage, and fungal infections, helping the plant thrive in its natural, every-changing environment.
Types of Trichomes in Cannabis:
Cannabis trichomes come in various shapes and sizes, but there are three main ones that are commonly found on marijuana plants:
1. Bulbous Trichomes: These are the smallest trichomes, typically measuring 10-15 micrometers in diameter. They cover the entire surface of the plant and contain a small number of cells.
2. Capitate Sessile Trichomes: Slightly larger than bulbous trichomes, these structures have a head and a stalk. They are more abundant than bulbous trichomes and contribute to the plant's overall cannabinoid and terpene profile.
3. Capitate-Stalked Trichomes: The largest and most abundant type, capitate-stalked trichomes are visible to the naked eye. They consist of a stalk and a gland head, which houses the majority of the plant's cannabinoid and terpene content.
Each type of trichome plays an important role in the production of cannabinoids and terpenes, with capitate-stalked trichomes being the primary one in mature cannabis flowers.
Trichome Lifecycle:
The trichome lifecycle mirrors that of the cannabis plant itself, progressing from formation to maturation to degradation. As cannabis plants enter the flowering stage, trichomes begin to develop along the surface of of the plant. These structures undergo biochemical changes, synthesizing cannabinoids and terpenes as the plant matures.
The rate and concentration of trichome production are influenced by genetics and environmental factors like light, temperature, and humidity. Cannabis plants exposed to optimal growing conditions tend to produce higher concentrations of trichomes, resulting in more potent and aromatic flower.
As trichomes mature, they also undergo a visual transformation, changing from a clear, translucent color to a cloudy white, and at last to an amber hue. This color shift indicates the peak ripeness and is often used as a visual cue for harvesting the cannabis flowers.
Preserving Trichomes:
Trichomes are delicate structures that can easily degrade when exposed to anything life: physical agitation, heat, light, oxygen, and time. To preserve potency and aroma, cannabis cultivators employ careful harvesting and processing techniques; like we do at our Green Dragon grow!
During harvesting, handling, trimming, drying, and curing, minimizing physical contact with the plant material helps prevent trichome loss. Proper storage conditions, such as low humidity and temperature, further safeguard trichome integrity, ensuring that the cannabinoids and terpenes remain intact.
For those seeking to prolong the shelf life beyond the plant's natural lifespan, extraction techniques offer a solution. By mechanically or chemically separating trichomes from the plant material, extracts such as kief, hash, and oils can be produced, preserving the plant's therapeutic compounds for long-term use.
Trichomes are more than just shiny, tiny crystals—they're the essence of cannabis flower’s magical power! From their role in plant defense to their contribution to cannabinoid and terpene production, these tiny structures play a vital role in shaping the characteristics and effects of your favorite cannabis strains.
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