Trichomes

Many of CULTURE’s strain reviewers will wax poetically about milky trichomes or gush about leaves bejeweled with forests of glistening trichomes . . .  but did you ever wonder what a trichome exactly is? Trichomes are basically hair-like or bristle-like structures that can be found on marijuana as well as many other plants (plus certain microorganisms). They serve various important functions, such as helping plants with water absorption or as a defense against insects (lots of “hairs” prevent bugs from infesting). Some glandular trichomes, which secrete chemical compounds, can also provide a chemical defense. Here are some more trichome talking points:

—The sticky coating of trichomes contains very important cannabinoids such as THC and CBD—some of marijuana’s active ingredients. While a thick layer of trichomes may indicate a potent plant, it’s not a guarantee.

—Cannabinoids are produced inside the heads of trichomes.

—Concentrates such as hash consist of compressed trichomes harvested from cannabis plants. That’s why it’s called a “concentrate”—it’s concentrated marijuana.
—There are three types of marijuana trichomes: bulbous, capitate-sessile and capitate-stalked. Bulbous trichomes are the smallest (they’re made up of only a few cells) and consist of a “foot,” a “stalk” and a “head.” Capitate-sessile trichomes are larger, have a globular “head” and a spherical shape. Capitate-stalked trichomes are the most abundant and form during flowering.

—The color of trichomes (white, milky, etc.) can indicate if a plant is ready to be harvested.