What You Need To Know About Cannabis Trichomes

They are the reason why different strains can be more potent than others and why the smell can vary so greatly from strain to strain.

I knew this topic would benefit my Well With Cannabis Community members and help them get the most out of their experience, so I put together this helpful guide.

Here, we will explore what trichomes are, why they are so important, and how to get them from the plant and into your homemade edibles, topicals, and more.

Terpenes are aromatic compounds with their own health benefits and contribute to the strong aroma of cannabis.

Both cannabinoids and terpenes contribute to the plant’s taste, smell, health benefits, and the Entourage Effect.

Although the trichomes can be found all over the plant, they exist predominantly in the flowers, bract and calyx, sugar leaves, and small stems. 

They are not typically abundant in fan leaves, roots, or stalks.

Trichome Life Cycle

Trichomes are not typically present on a cannabis plant during the vegetative stage or for the first half of its lifecycle. 

Towards the middle of the season, you may be able to see the resin glands appearing on the plant’s surface near the flower buds. 

During the flowering stage, female cannabis plants know it is the right time to ramp up their trichome production.

As it gets closer to harvest time, you will be able to see trichrome glands covering the entire surface of the cannabis plant. 

While they’re meant to serve as a defense mechanism for the plant, cannabis growers know that this is where the majority of the plant benefits are held.

Just keep in mind that trichome production can vary from plant to plant depending on genetics and environmental factors. 

Poor environmental conditions that introduce stress may halt trichome production during the flowering phase. 

Why They Are Important

To most consumers, trichomes are the most crucial part of the cannabis plant because they are responsible for producing the medicine: cannabinoids and terpenes.

The type and concentration of these two chemicals determine a strain, how strong the effect is, and what type of experience you will ultimately have. 

The rest of the cannabis plant becomes irrelevant after extracting the trichomes, although many people appreciate the plant’s nutritional value.

Different Types of Trichomes

According to a study published in the Plant Journal For Cell and Molecular Biology, trichomes come in many different shapes and sizes.

Most trichomes can be further divided into two subcategories: glandular and non-glandular. 

Glandular trichomes are cell structures that produce different metabolites or, in our case, store cannabinoids.

Non-glandular trichomes store toxic substances that can protect plants from stress.

The three main types of trichomes are:

1. Bulbous 
2. Capitate-Sessile 
3. Capitate-Stalked 

Bulbous Trichomes

These are the smallest trichomes and the most numerous of the three. 

Bulbous trichomes are found on the leaves and all over the plant. 

Bulbous trichomes are too small to be seen by the naked eye and require a jeweler’s loupe or microscope.

Capitate-Sessile Trichomes

These trichomes are larger than bulbous ones and can be either singular or in pairs on the leaves. 

They produce cannabinoid acids such as THCA, CBDA, CBGA (cannabigerolic acid).

These trichomes are often found on the underside of the leaves and reproductive organs of female plants.

Capitate-Stalked Trichomes

These trichomes are large stalked ones and are the largest of the three types. 

They can easily be seen with the naked eye and maybe the type you’re used to seeing in pictures, like the ones below. 

Capitate-stalked trichomes store high amounts of cannabinoids and are found almost exclusively on flowers.

Color of Trichomes

While it is a new concept to recreational users, experienced cannabis cultivators know that the appearance of trichomes during harvest can have a big impact on the effects of the medicine. 

Using a Jewlers loupe, it is easy to look closely at the trichome head and notice whether you are seeing: 

1. Clear trichomes
2. Cloudy trichomes
3. Amber trichomes

Clear Trichomes

Clear trichomes are the first stage you will encounter. 

Cannabis enthusiasts claim that clear trichomes = a clear experience in the sense of being clear-headed and calm. 

If this is the experience you are looking for, earlier is the best time to harvest. 

Amber Trichomes

Amber trichomes are the last stage you will encounter.

At this stage, the plant is at its maximum production of trichomes, terpene production, and THC levels. 

Many believe this option has the most sedative effects on the human body, making these tiny structures full of powerful therapeutic effects.

Cloudy Trichomes

Cloudy trichomes fall somewhere in the middle of clear and amber trichomes. 

They can provide a more balanced, middle-of-the-road experience. 

If you have the opportunity to harvest your own cannabis plants, you will want to watch the cannabis buds and trichomes closely to examine the appearance of the trichomes.

Ultimately, your ideal trichome experience will be based on your cannabis strains and your own personal preferences.