For first-time growers, there is quite a lot to cope with. From cannabis culture to learning about cannabis trichomes, what are they, how they function, their purpose, and other concerns. Learning all of these at once can be too much to handle and confusing.
Simply put, take a closer look at a weed plant. You will notice strange-looking white tips that cover the plant. These are called trichomes which also serve as the plant’s defense mechanism.
As marijuana plants enter their flowering phase, these pistils protect the plant by emitting a bitter taste and sticky smell to keep away insects and animals. These pistils also protect the pot plant by shielding it from harmful UV rays.
For novice growers, these pistils are also helpful indicators to know when to harvest. Its color changes and those colors signal when weed plants are fully matured and ready to harvest.
Continue reading this article to get to know more about Cannabis pistils, their types, their functions, and more.
What are Marijuana Trichomes?
Trichomes are resin glands of the marijuana plant that also serves as one of the many indications to physically determine whether a certain weed plant is highly potent or not. Those pistils appear as tiny hair-like in gray or crystal clear appearance that makes the plant appear more stellar.
Those tiny hair-like glands are the basis of the breakthrough in the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. The well-known case study of Charlotte Figi who was cured of seizures with a tincture of trichomes from a CBD-rich strain which is now called Charlotte’s Web was named after the girl.
In weed plants, hairs start to develop when the plant enters its flowering phase. When weed buds start to develop, pistils begin to form in their flowers, leaves, and stalks. It helps growers timely determine the perfect time to harvest.
Aside from being an aesthetic addition to its overall appearance, pistils also serve to the protection of the plant from many environmental risks. The more pistils there are in a plant, the more resilient and adaptable that strain is.
Different Types of Cannabis Trichomes
Trichomes differ in type, structure, and size. In pot plants, there are three main types of pistils, that can be found. These categories can be divided into two parts.
- Non-glandular Trichomes
Non-glandular trichomes are a type of plant pistils that doesn’t have glandular heads. It can be unicellular or multi-cellular. It can be branched or unbranched. Most of the non-glandular pistils are simple, branched essential, and star-shaped.
- Glandular Trichomes
The main thing that distinguishes between these two types, is their ability to produce cannabinoids and terpenes. Cannabis plants with glandular pistils are often used as components in making essential oils, beauty cosmetics, and even in alternative health.
- Bulbous Trichomes
Bulbous trichomes are hard to spot using our eyes only. Despite them being located on almost the entire surface of your cannabis plant, it takes the help of an advanced tool like a microscope to fully appreciate their appearance.
- Capitate-Sessile Trichomes
Compared with the Bulbous trichomes, this type has a larger size, however, you will still be needing at least a magnifying glass to fully apprehend its appearance. Just like the Bulbous pistils, capitate-sessile pistils are abundant in the marijuana plant’s surface but the only difference is that it contains cannabinoids.
- Capitate-Stalked Trichomes
Just like the capitate-sessile trichomes, this type contains cannabinoids but more than what the first can offer. Furthermore, unlike the first two types which need tools to spot their appearance, capitate-stalked pistils can be visibly seen without using any microscope or magnifying glass.
What is the purpose of Cannabis Pistils?
Pistils offer various functions. It protects the plant from harmful UV rays, strong weather conditions, and fungal spores.
The number of capitate-stalked pistils on the surface of marijuana plants grows in number during its flowering stage. Before this, weed plants are mostly covered with bulbous pistils and capitate-sessile trichomes.
As soon as your plant starts to mature, pistils will start to be more visible on its surface. While other types of pistils are more likely to develop earlier than capitate-stalked pistils, they are not easy to spot without the use of tools like microscopes or magnifying glasses.
In other cases, pistils can be removed if you prefer to get extracts such as essential oils, wax, hash, or shatter. Other than that, pistils also serve as indicators for weed growers. It acts as a signpost that tells you when weed plants are ready to harvest.
Pistils change in color. However, such changes may not be visible to your naked eye. A little help with tools like a magnifying glass will better help you determine the accurate signs.
When terpenes turn from clear to cloudy, this indicates that the marijuana plant is ready to harvest. If you wait a little longer, the THC level will convert into cannabinol which causes it to turn to amber.
Most growers tend to wait for it to turn to amber. This will transform the buds with a perfect mix of THC and cannabinol which provides more potent effects.
How do Cannabis Trichomes work?
The main role of trichomes in every cannabis plant is to produce cannabinoids and to do this, it first needs to generate the production of CBGA which is considered to be the mother of all other cannabinoids. When the CBGA is finally produced, it maximizes your plant’s energy to produce more cannabinoids like THCA, CBDA, and CBCA, which later transform into THC, CBD, and CBC.
Pistils are volatile and can be easily affected by heat, light, oxygen levels, age, and physical contact. Thus keeping your buds under direct sunlight for long periods may affect their quality and density.
Top 5 Cannabis Strains with the Most Trichomes
Now, moving to the most awaited part. You must be so curious to know which weed strains contain the most pistils. As we all know, pot strains are not created equally. Different strains constitute different levels of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.
Some strains may possess a great number of pistils while others have less. However, that is not a determining factor in indicating a better marijuana strain. There are strains with lesser amounts of pistils that can still produce strong psychoactive effects.
Knowing which strains possess more pistils will help you identify the right weed for you. Here are our top 5 cannabis strains with the most trichomes:
This hybrid cannabis strain contains 40% Sativa and 60% Indica. Its buds are soaked with resins making it appear frosty and crystal-like.
It smells beautiful with a scent of pepper and lemon that does not cause you to cough. It is widely used to treat nausea, pain, PTSD, and chronic stress. White Widow can be used either in the daytime or at nighttime.
The Afghan variety grows robust marijuana plants resistant to pests, illnesses, and molds. This strain, a pure Indica type, yields bountiful crops of large, resinous buds. Notably, this strain boasts an impressively high THC content, never falling below twenty percent.
It is commonly used to alleviate pain, reduce stress levels, and control inflammation. It also promotes sleep and causes arousal.
The Medijuana feminized variant is a product of meticulous effort and expert breeding by AMS’s master cultivators. In about 2003, following years of careful selective hybridization, the Medijuana strain came into existence. Its refined ancestry is tightly linked to respected strains like the White Widow and Skunk. This impressive strain exhibits numerous unique characteristics akin to the White Widow, further enhancing its appeal among marijuana lovers.
NY Turbo Diesel is a Sativa-dominant cannabis strain. After its name, it produces a diesel-like smell with a blended mix of lemon and citrus flavors. It offers an immediate mind-boosting and calming effect.
Borderline XTRM Feminized has earned a massive following, becoming one of the most sought-after strains in the cannabis market. The popularity of this novel strain lies in its plant characteristics. It boasts a significant size, bearing exceptionally hefty buds and abundant harvest quotas. Furthermore, it has a unique, appealing aroma that sets it apart from other strains.
Conclusion
Overall, learning about trichomes and their purpose will significantly help you determine which strain you should pick. The number of pistils in strains may vary depending on how it was cultivated and other environmental constraints.
As a cannabis grower, if aim to produce strains with highly potent pistils, it is essential to find marijuana strains with most pistils. However, your duty does not end there. You also need to make sure that the growing condition is well taken care of to ensure you achieve your goal.
Remember that it is not enough to rely on the characteristics of the cannabis strain alone. Effort and time are also needed in producing strains with most pistils.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are cannabis trichomes?
Cannabis trichomes are resin glands found on the surface of the plant. They appear as tiny hair-like structures and play a role in determining a plant’s potency.
What is the purpose of cannabis trichomes?
Cannabis trichomes serve as the plant’s defense mechanism, protecting it from UV rays, weather conditions, and pests. They also produce cannabinoids and terpenes, which contribute to the plant’s medicinal and psychoactive effects.
How do cannabis trichomes indicate when to harvest?
Trichomes change color over time, and this can be an indicator of a plant’s readiness for harvest. Clear pistils signify immaturity, while cloudy or amber pistils indicate maturity and potency. Monitoring trichome color is crucial for determining the optimal time to harvest weed plants.
