Importance of Trichomes on Your Cannabis Buds
The cannabis plant has been used medicinally and recreationally for thousands of years, but scientists are still learning about how its effects work. One of the most interesting aspects of cannabis is the presence of trichomes—tiny hair-like protrusions that cover the buds and leaves. These tiny hairs can be seen with the naked eye as small white or amber crystal sacs on green buds or light brown hairs on dark-colored ones.
Trichomes are found on many other plants as well, but they're especially prominent in cannabis because this is where the magic happens. Inside these precious bulbs are the compounds that deliver each cultivar’s unique scent, flavor, and effect profile.
What Are Trichomes?
Trichomes are tiny, crystal-like glands that cover the surface of cannabis leaves and buds. They contain chemicals like cannabinoids (THC, CBD, CBN, CBG, etc.), terpenes, flavonoids, and other minor phytochemicals.
Trichomes are like the protective layer on your cannabis plant's skin; they play an important role in protecting the plant from pests and pathogens as well as allowing it to thrive in inhospitable environments.
Encouraging trichome development (and protecting them during harvest and extraction) is the most important part of cannabis cultivation. Without trichomes, there are few effects to be gained. The more trichomes, the more cannabinoids and terpenes, which means a better overall experience. When we consume these compounds together, the result is a long-lasting full body and mental high.
The Purpose of Cannabis Trichomes
In nature, the purpose of trichomes is to protect the plant from pests and diseases. In addition to this very important purpose, the trichomes are busy developing cannabinoids like THC, and terpenes like myrcene that will ultimately work together to offer a cultivar’s (strain’s) effects.
There are over 100 naturally occurring cannabinoids in cannabis, and at least 150 types of terpenes. Of course, not every plant contains all of these and they are found in various combinations and concentrations from plant to plant. And they all begin inside the trichomes.
Types of Trichomes
There are three types of cannabis trichomes: bulbous, capitate-sessile, and capitate-stalked. Each type has a different function in the plant, but all of them play an important role in the development process. Bulbous trichomes are the smallest and completely unseen by the naked eye. The bulbous trichomes synthesize cannabinoids and terpenes.
The capitates are significantly larger than bulbous trichomes but still difficult to see without magnification. They provide protection against predators and help prevent evaporation by trapping moisture inside their structure. They also form terpenes and cannabinoids.
As cannabis plants mature into adulthood, the stalked trichomes develop on top of leaves and flower buds with large crystals. These are visible to the eye, and may appear milky, clear, amber, orange, reddish, or even brown, depending on their development. These trichomes are incredibly prized for their high terpene and cannabinoid percentages.
Do Trichomes Get You High?
The trichomes on cannabis buds are not psychoactive by themselves, but what’s inside of them is. This is where you’ll find THC and other cannabinoids that activate once decarboxylated. This is when the acidic THCA converts into THC. So, you could nibble on raw cannabis and chew on those tiny trichomes, but they wouldn’t get you high. However, smoking buds rich in trichomes will, of course, offer psychoactive effects.
Trichomes and Harvest
The color of the trichomes is the most important indicator of when it's time to harvest your plants. Cutting them down too early—or worse, too late—can significantly impact the flavor, potency, and effectiveness of the cultivar.
Clear
If the trichomes are all completely clear, it’s not quite time to harvest. Even if it’s nearing the end of the growing seasons, it’s best to let them be and check every couple of days for changes.
Cloudy
Once the trichomes shift from clear to partly cloudy, it’s a good indication that the harvest window is opening. If the plants are harvested now, it’s like eating a piece of fruit that hasn’t fully ripened. It will still taste good, but it’s not quite as robust in flavor (or satisfaction!) as it would have been had you waited just a little longer. The potency will be lower, and the high will be more energetic than sedating.
Milky
When all (or most) of the trichomes have turned a milky, opal-like color, it’s a great time to harvest. This shift in transparency suggests that THC levels are at their highest, which is desirable for some growers.
Amber
When a third to one-half of the trichomes are amber (reddish-orange), the end of the harvest window is coming. This is still a great time to cut the plants for a rich terpene and cannabinoid profile.
Brown
Amber is good, and brown is bad. Brown means that the trichomes have over-ripened, dried up, and will likely just fall off during harvest. This is a huge bummer because the buds will have less potent effects and may not taste very good either. Keep an eye on the trichomes daily to prevent this from happening!
Trichomes: The Essence of Cannabis
As you can see, trichomes are an important part of your cannabis harvest. They contain the majority of the cannabinoids and terpenes that give each strain its unique flavor and scent profile. Cannabis without trichomes is essentially pointless. This incredible plant was born to develop these glistening glands, and as passionate cannabis enthusiasts, our job is to preserve and enjoy them! Every strain we offer at Cream of the Crop is bursting with trichomes, and our concentrates are teeming with terpenes and cannabinoid content.
Indulge in excellence with our flower, pre-rolls, concentrates, and FSO. One taste, and you’ll know that the flower used in all of our luxury products was grown with trichome development top of mind.