Trichomes are similar to small tentacles, sometimes visible to the naked eye, that contain a large amount of cannabinoids. They play a crucial role in the maturation of the CBD flower and are responsible for its virtues. Mama explains to you what the trichomes of hemp are to become an infallible CBD connoisseur.
What are trichomes?
Trichomes are small membranes found on the flower, branches, and leaves of hemp. Some trichomes can be observed with the naked eye, but the use of the microscope allows them to be studied more closely.
They develop during the growth of the plant and concentrate the resin rich in cannabinoids and terpenes. Hemp connoisseurs and enthusiasts are very interested in these little peculiarities. Because they play a crucial role in several aspects of CBD : smell, color, flavors, and effects.
Similar to small hairs, they play an essential role in determining the right time to harvest. And growers accurately observe the evolution of trichomes to produce a quality plant.
The cultivation method favours the development of trichomes. A plant exposed to ultraviolet light will be more likely to develop a large number of trichomes. And as a result, the flower will be endowed with great power.
There are different types of trichomes and are not necessarily present in all CBD strains.
The Different Types of Trichomes
There are two broad categories of trichomes divided into subcategories. Glandular trichomes secrete active agents within their glands (terpenes and cannabinoids). There are 3 kinds of glandular trichomes:
- Trichomes with stalked heads or stemmed heads are visible to the naked eye and are the most numerous. They are mushroom-shaped and contain the cannabinoids and terpenes responsible for the benefits of hemp. They are mainly found on the CBD flower and measure 50–100 micrometers.
- Trichomes with sessile capita or sessile capitulum are not visible to the naked eye and contain fewer active agents. They are mostly present on the leaf and measure about 20–30 micrometers.
- The bulbous trichomes are the smallest, are represented by small dots, and all cover the hemp plant. They are microscopic and measure about 10–15 micrometers.
Non-glandular trichomes are distinguished by their absence of glands. They do not contain any active substances (cannabinoids and terpenes). However, they are still important to protect the plant from external aggressions. These are the single-celled and cytolytic trichomes.
The Chemical Composition of Trichomes
Trichomes contain all the substances that give the plant its unique characteristics. They are identified in 3 categories.
Terpenes
There are over a hundred different terpenes present in trichomes. Depending on the terpene, the smell, taste and benefits will be different. They are also agents found in other plants. For example: linalool present in lavender for relaxation or limonene present in mint which gives it its particular smell.
Cannabinoids
Trichomes also contain cannabinoids that are responsible for the benefits of hemp. There are about 120 of them. They are essential for causing the entourage effect and interact with the human endocannabinoid system. The list goes on, but these include CBD (cannabidiol), THC (tetracanabidiol), CBN (cannabinol) and CBG (cannabigerol).
Flavonoids
Flavonoids like terpenes are not unique to hemp. They are present in a wide variety of plants and are responsible for smell, flavor, but also color. They make up 10% of the compounds in a hemp plant. There are more than 6000 of them in the wild. Flavonoids are antioxidants and necessary in a balanced diet.
The Protective Role of Trichomes
Trichomes play an essential protective role in the plant kingdom. Their main function is to protect the plant from environmental threats. They can produce odorous substances to protect the plant from predators and other insect pests, but also attract pollinators.
Trichomes, especially bulbous ones, act as a protective barrier against excessive water evaporation , reducing moisture loss to prevent dehydration too quickly.
Trichomes absorb the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays, especially for outdoor grows. In this way, they protect plant cells from damage caused by excessive UV exposure.
They can produce antimicrobial compounds that prevent the growth of mold, fungi, and other pathogens. And in some plants, trichomes are responsible for the production and secretion of essential oils and aromas, including hemp, lavender, mint...
Trichomes demonstrate the complexity and effectiveness of plants' natural defense mechanisms.
Harvesting and extraction from trichomes
Trichomes play an important role in flower harvesting. It is also thanks to their extraction that oils, resins or waxes are obtained. They are also responsible for the pollen that is coveted by connoisseurs.
Trichomes are used to produce products of exceptional purity. Extraction is a process of separating trichomes into a concentrate of cannabinoids and terpenes.
The effects caused by this type of concentrates are much more potent than the flower alone and allow for more effective effects. During flowering, it is also possible to gradually increase the potency of a flower.
Subjecting plants to a bit of stress helps to strengthen its defenses and therefore increase trichome production. Growers use different means such as nutrients in the potting soil, increasing light, training, changing temperature and humidity.
Growing hemp requires good knowledge and careful observation, as each step is crucial depending on the evolution of the plant.