What Are Cannabis Trichomes?

If you’ve ever gazed in awe at the crystal-like surface of a marijuana bud, you’ve come face to face with cannabis trichomes. These frosty formations are mouthwatering for cannabis connoisseurs and serve as a hallmark of high-quality flower.

While they conjure images of sugar-crusted candies and brilliant diamonds, trichomes on cannabis are more than just eye candy. They have an evolutionary purpose that just so happens to create unique effects in humans!

Let’s put these glistening cannabis trichomes under the microscope to get a closer look at their purpose. We’ll examine why they exist, what they do, and why they’re so vital to marijuana.

Many Plants Have Trichomes

Cannabis trichomes aren’t unique to nature. Nearly 30% of all plant species have trichomes, which are as diverse as the world of plants. These small growths have many different purposes depending on the plant. For example, the trichomes on a Venus flytrap act as a trigger to signal the traps to snap shut.

Trichomes get their name from the Greek for “growth of hair.” From a distance, they are similar to very fine, crystalline threads. However, these microscopic appendages are more like mushrooms in shape. They usually take the form of hair, glands, scales, or papillae.

Why Does Cannabis Have Trichomes?

Cannabis trichomes serve as an army that protects marijuana plants in several different ways. Their bitter flavors and aromas repel animals and insects from eating them. They can also shield the plant from wind or the growth of fungus.

One of the most fascinating aspects of trichomes is how they protect marijuana from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Trichomes on cannabis have clear, reflective surfaces that bounce harmful rays away. The more UV exposure, the more trichomes may grow for protection. This is why marijuana grow lights are ultraviolet!

Trichomes Make Marijuana Fun

In nature, trichomes on cannabis work as a defense system. In your bowl, they take on an entirely new purpose and aid in marijuana’s desirable effects.

Cannabis trichomes produce the oil that covers your marijuana buds. This resin is full of compounds like cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. We’ll dig deeper into these compounds to discover why they make marijuana fun.

Cannabinoids

While you may be familiar with the most commonly known cannabinoids like THC, CBD, and CBG, there are hundreds of varieties within cannabis. These are active compounds that provide the physical effects of marijuana by binding to our endocannabinoid system when ingested.

Different strains of marijuana produce unique combinations of cannabinoids. Studies show that cannabinoids produce differing effects on the body. Unlike THC, most of them aren’t psychoactive. These have to do with the anti-inflammatory or pain-reducing properties cannabis users report.

Terpenes

Because marijuana remains illegal federally, research on the plant is lacking. However, we have discovered that terpenes play a big role in the effects of cannabis. There are over 400 terpenes found in marijuana, some of which are also present in other fruits and flowers. These help give strains their unique aromas and flavors.

While some terpenes are considered psychoactive because they affect the brain, terpenes don’t cause the psychoactive “high” feeling of cannabis. Instead, research shows that terpenes might have anti-cancer and mood-elevating properties.

Flavonoids

Flavonoids are another compound that marijuana shares with the plant kingdom. Scientists have discovered over 6,000 types of flavonoids. However, certain flavonoids, known as cannaflavins, are only found in cannabis.

Flavonoids in cannabis have been studied even less than terpenes. They are believed to play a role in the aroma and flavor of cannabis. Studies suggest that certain cannaflavins might have stronger anti-inflammatory properties than Aspirin.

The Entourage Effect

Several of the most integral compounds in marijuana are found in cannabis trichomes. While THC is the compound that we are most familiar with in terms of its effects, researchers believe that all these compounds work together to create the overall effects of each strain. This concept is known as the entourage effect.

The entourage effect explains why, even within the classifications of sativa or indica, strains can have different effects. This research is still developing, though studies have suggested that THC and CBD enhance each other’s benefits.

Types of Trichomes

Like other elements of cannabis, federal regulation has often hindered studying trichomes. Because of these regulations, our understanding of trichomes is still developing. Scientists have begun looking at the evolutionary role of cannabis trichomes and have discovered three distinct types.

Bulbous Trichomes

Bulbous trichomes are so tiny that humans require a microscope to see them. Although they only constitute a few cells, they cover the entire cannabis plant. Bulbous trichomes give frosty nugs their sheen and stickiness.

Capitate Sessile Trichomes

Capitate sessile trichomes are larger than the bulbous variety but are still invisible to the naked eye. They are more developed, with a stalk and stem reminiscent of mushrooms. Capitate sessile trichomes primarily develop on the underside of leaves.

Capitate-Stalked Trichomes

Capitate-stalked trichomes are the biggest cannabis trichomes. Because they are visible without a microscope, they are the glittering trichomes you see on cannabis nugs at your local dispensary.

The head of this trichome receives nutrients from its stalk and produces the most oil. New studies suggest that as the marijuana plant matures, many capitate sessile trichomes become capitate-stalked trichomes.

Frosty Flower Makes Great Smoke Sessions

Now you see why cannabis connoisseurs swoon at the sight of trichomes. They aren’t just dazzling to the eye—they represent all the desirable effects of cannabis. The more trichomes on your cannabis, the more cannabinoids you’ll smoke.

With their “entourage” of effects, cannabis trichomes are making a buzz in the industry. Our Westwood dispensary is brimming with fresh, trichome-crusted buds at great prices. Visit us today and let one of our knowledgeable budtenders show you our amazing stock. You can also shop our online menu and daily deals for easy in-person pickup.