Trichomes
What are trichomes and why are they so important? If the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell (thanks 10th grade bio), then trichomes are the powerhouse of the cannabis plant. The title of a recent study by the University of British Columbia puts it best: The frostier the flower, the more potent the cannabis. We’ve all seen beautiful buds covered in what look like frost or crystals - those little, white hair-like follicles covering the plant. Those are trichomes and they are not hairs or crystals but in fact are the resin glands of the cannabis plant and they are where the cannabinoids and terpenes that give cannabis its unique effects are created and stored. Look under a microscope or jewelers loupe and you’ll see many of the trichomes are almost mushroom shaped. These are known as capitate-stalked trichomes and they are the largest, most potent, trichomes found on cannabis.
Capitate-stalked trichomes are only one type of trichome found on cannabis. Two other types are also glandular, meaning they produce cannabinoids, but are sometimes so small that they cannot even be seen by the naked eye. The first are called Bulbous trichomes and they cover the surface of the flower and are around 5-10 microns. The next type are capitate-sessile and they look similar to capitate-stalked trichomes except that they are tinier with a much smaller stalk, if they have one at all. Finally, we have antherial sessile trichomes which are also similar to capitate-stalked but are far smaller in size. These resin-producing trichomes protect the plant against UV rays and insects and pests, as they are turned off by the scent and taste of the resin we love so much. In addition to these trichomes, the cannabis plant also features two other trichome types that don’t produce cannabinoids. First we have unicellular trichomes which look like tiny little hairs without the resin gland at the top. Next we have cystolithic trichomes which are almost like unicellular trichomes but feature a slight curve or hook. They may not look like much, but they offer additional protection from UV rays, wind, fungus, and other predators.
In the glandular, resin producing trichomes, you will find that the good stuff is up in what looks like the bubble or cap on top of the stalk. Here is where the plant produces its unique blend of cannabinoids and terpenes, from the THC to CBD and everything in between. How does this happen? Trichomes can start forming on the epidermis of the plant as early as two weeks into the flowering cycle, depending on the genetics of the cultivar being grown. Cannabinoids are developed through a process of metabolization of acids in the plant, turning the cannabinoids in trichomes into compounds that get us high. This process of metabolization doesn’t stop, however, until the plant has been fully harvested and cured. Many cultivators will actually use the color of the trichomes as an indicator of when the plants are ready to harvest. When they first begin to appear, trichome heads are clear. As the plant matures and the cannabinoids in trichomes metabolize, they turn a slightly milky color before the THC-A begins to develop into different compounds, finishing development in a darker amber color.
Trichomes are very delicate and when they rupture, their cannabinoids and terpenes can degrade rapidly, which is why we go to such great lengths to preserve them in our extraction process. Freezing the whole plant fresh when it’s harvested is one step. This freezes the trichome heads, helping prevent them from rupturing during transportation and through extraction. For ice water hash, the frozen plant is washed in ice water and delicately agitated to preserve trichome structure throughout the process. Trichomes are not water soluble, so as long as they stay intact, they will retain their cannabinoid profile. Those high potency capitate-stalked trichomes have heads that are around 50-100 microns in size, which means that for some cultivars, you’ll get the best hash from a 72 micron screen pull and for others it will be from the 90 micron pull. When dried, cured, and sifted off the flowers, the trichomes are commonly referred to as kief. Sometimes the trichomes are sifted professionally and sold, but you can often find your own kief at the bottom of your grinder - however, unless you’ve taken great care to preserve them, it’s likely they’ve degraded over time.
Each cultivar produces a unique blend of cannabinoids and as such, each produces different texture trichomes. The Lemon Tart Pucker for example, has a very wet feel when the trichomes are ruptured, while the Ghost Hulk has a more sticky consistency, and the Star Dawg Pie has dry/granular trichomes. We love what makes each plant unique, and trichomes are one place where you can truly experience the singular expression of its genetics.
