What role do cannabis trichomes play?

Modified on: 27/04/2022

Everything you need to know about cannabis plant trichomes and their importance

Many plants in the world generate trichomes during their life cycle, but these components are associated almost entirely with cannabis. The reason is simple: they perform a fundamental function for the survival of the hemp plant, even if they are known (and appreciated by marijuana users) for something else.

Today, we at SensorySeeds want to explain to you exactly what marijuana trichomes are, what they are for and why cannabis strains rich in trichomes are so sought after compared to other types.

We will also tell you which marijuana seeds can generate plants richer in these sorts of “hairs”… However, you have to remember that in the UK it is not allowed to grow light weed or high THC weed

Are you ready? Then be prepared to read carefully because we’re starting!

Read also: Buying ganja seeds? Here are 3 reasons to buy them at SensorySeeds!

What are trichomes and what is their function?

If you have observed a cannabis flower scrupulously, perhaps with a magnifying glass, you will surely have noticed the tiny filaments that cover, more or less abundantly, the inflorescence. These filaments take the name of trichomes, a term that comes from the Greek and means exactly “hair”.

These are very thin growths with a form similar to a mushroom or a lollipop, composed of a stem and a gland. The gland produces sticky resin, so the richer a flower is in trichomes, the more sticky it will be to the touch.

Trichomes form on the cannabis flower and on the leaves, in extremely small numbers. So, they are almost exclusive components of female marijuana plants.

Their function is essentially defense: the flowers produce them to defend themselves from UV rays, insects and external agents. Actually, the greater the amount of ultraviolet rays that cannabis flowers receive, the greater the production of trichomes and resin.

The dimensions of these hairs are very small. If you are wondering how to observe trichomes, you have to know that the best way is with a microscope, a magnifying glass or a digital camera with a macro function.

There is another very interesting thing you should know about trichomes: the glands of plants born from marijuana seeds produce a layer of resin rich in cannabinoids, especially THC and CBD. That’s why these tiny growths are very appreciated by cannabis experts!

What are trichomes and what function they have

Trichomes and cannabinoids: when do trichomes produce more THC?

A female marijuana plant produces a large number of trichomes during the flowering phase because these growths develop on cannabis flowers, as you have read.

The plant develops trichomes to protect the flowers while waiting for pollination, which if successful will lead the plant to produce auto flower seeds, feminized seeds or fast flowering seeds.

Normally, the goal of marijuana growers is not to generate seeds (seed banks like BSF Seeds are an exception) … but have flowers that produce the greatest quantities of cannabinoids, especially THC that is responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis.

You must know that hemp plants produce a large amount of resin when the flowers are close to maturity and when they are almost ready to be cut. The coloring of the trichomes indicates to the farmers the development phase of the flowers: therefore, it is a fundamental parameter for the collection of inflorescences.

Read also: Cannabis for therapeutic use: let’s clarify the differences with cannabis light.

The color of the trichomes of the plant is linked to the maturation phase of the cannabis flowers.

Even trichomes, as hemp plants, have their own life cycle. Specifically, they develop and mature together with the cannabis flower: growers watch them closely to understand when it’s time to harvest the THC-rich flowers and start their tanning. In fact, the life cycle of trichomes is evident for their appearance, in particular from the coloring.

Here all the details about it:

Transparent trichomes: they indicate that the hemp plant is still in the development phase, therefore the flowers can not be cut.
Milky trichomes, with a beautiful milky white color: they are rich in THC, CBD and other cannabinoids. The opaque, milky trichomes indicate that the flowers are almost ready for harvest.
Amber trichomes: the flowers are fully mature and ready for immediate harvesting. The darker the color of the resin, the older the flowers.

It is essential for growers that the flowers are rich in resin, between milky and amber colours and that the trichomes are not dark. Black or brown trichomes are an indication that the plant is excessively mature: so, the buds are of poor quality and low in THC.

The color of cannabis trichomes changes according to the degree of ripeness of the flowers

In Conclusion

Now you know all about trichomes, how to see them, what they are for and why they are so appreciated by marijuana lovers. There is just a thing missing: cannabis seeds can generate rich resin plants.

However, attention to their use: in the UK it is possible to buy collectible seeds, while growing cannabis is punished administratively or criminally according to the cases.

Here are our best collectible BSF cannabis seeds: