What are Cannabis Trichomes?

Cannabis trichomes are small, crystal-like structures that house the plant’s most potent and beneficial compounds.

But why are they so crucial to the strength, flavor, and aroma of cannabis flowers?

By understanding how trichomes form, what they do, and why they matter, both medical and recreational users can grow higher-quality cannabis and enjoy it more effectively.

Let’s dive into what makes trichomes so powerful—and how you can get the most out of them!

What Are Cannabis Trichomes?

You've probably seen the fuzzy hairs that range from a clear to amber hue on cannabis flowers, sugar leaves, and stems.

These resinous glands are called trichomes and usually have a mushroom-like shape. They can be found across various plants, not just cannabis.

“Trichome” derives from the Greek word “tricoma,” which means “hair.” Officially, a trichome is defined as “a small hair or other outgrowth from the epidermis of a plant, typically unicellular or glandular.”

In cannabis plants, trichomes develop when the plant transitions from its vegetative stage to its flowering stage.

When cannabis plants start to produce flower buds, the trichomes begin to form on their flowers, sugar leaves, and stalks.

Evolutionary Purpose of Trichomes

Trichomes can be found on many plants and range in shape, structure, density, color, and purpose.

For instance, trichomes can help carnivorous plants such as the Venus flytrap catch prey. In cannabis, trichomes mainly act as a defense mechanism. 

In the wild, cannabis trichomes serve as protection.

Trichomes are used to protect the plant's surface cells from harsh environmental factors such as frost, harsh wind, UV rays, and even fungal growth. 

Trichomes can also protect plants from predators such as insects and animals. The strong aroma and bitter taste of trichomes can deter predators from eating them. 

Different Types of Cannabis Trichomes

Trichomes can be found in various sizes and shapes, but there are three main trichomes found on cannabis plants.

These categories can be divided into two categories: glandular and non-glandular. Only glandular trichomes produce cannabinoids and terpenes.

Bulbous Trichomes

Bulbous trichomes are the smallest trichomes found on the plant.

Bulbous trichomes are about 10-15 micrometers, only visible with a high-powered microscope.

Capitate-Sessile Trichomes

Capitate-sessile trichomes are a little bigger than bulbous trichomes. These trichomes have a head and a single-cell stalk.

They are the second-most common type of trichome found on the cannabis plant. These are mainly found on the underside of sugar and fan leaves.

Capitate-Stalked Trichomes 

Capitate-stalked trichomes are between 50-100 micrometers wide, the biggest trichome type on the cannabis plant.

Capitate-stalked trichomes are the types that you can actually see with the naked eye, especially since they are also the most abundant on the plant.

They have a long stalk made of epidermal and hypodermic cells and a big gland head, also known as the capitate.

All these cannabis trichomes produce cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.

However, the capitate-stalked trichomes are the most abundant in and near the calyxes of the flowers.

Marijuana Trichome Life Cycle 

Biosynthesis is the process by which simple molecules are transformed into more complex compounds. In cannabis, this is how cannabinoids, terpenes, and trichomes are produced.

The process begins with enzyme binding, where one or more molecules (called substrates) attach to an enzyme.

This is followed by prenylation, in which the substrates combine and chemically convert into a new compound.

Finally, during cyclization, the converted molecules are passed to another enzyme for further transformation.

In cannabis plants, cannabinoid biosynthesis takes place within the secretory vesicles inside the trichome’s gland head.

This process starts during the early flowering stage in female plants, when trichomes begin forming on flowers, sugar leaves, and stalks.

Inside the gland head, specialized cells begin producing acidic cannabinoid precursors like THCA and CBDA, which form along the outer cuticle of the trichome.

As the secretory vesicle pushes oily compounds outward, the gland head expands—signaling active cannabinoid production.

The life cycle of trichomes is influenced by the plant’s genetics and growing environment. A high number of trichomes doesn't always equal high potency.

However, plants exposed to a broad spectrum of light typically produce more cannabinoids.

Growers often time their harvests based on trichome color.

Trichomes start out clear, then become cloudy white, and finally turn amber—a sign that cannabinoid levels have reached their peak.

How Do Trichomes Create Cannabinoids?

Trichomes first produce cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), the mother of all cannabinoids.

CBGA is produced in trichomes when geranyl pyrophosphate and olivetolic acid bind together with the help of the GOT enzyme.

When this occurs, CBGA is formed. CBGA undergoes a cyclization process where other cannabinoids begin to form.

THCA, CBDA, and CBCA are produced with enzymes known as either THCA synthase, CBDA synthase, or CBCA synthase.

What Can Affect Cannabis Trichome Quality and Density?

Cannabis trichomes are volatile compounds that can easily be affected by many factors, including heat, light, oxygen, age, and physical contact.

For example, keeping your buds in direct contact with sunlight for a prolonged period of time causes them to degrade at a quick rate.

After harvest, cannabis growers may dry and cure the product in a climate-controlled facility to remove moisture without degrading too many of the plant’s trichomes.

In some cases, growers may choose to immediately freeze their buds after harvest to preserve their freshness. Fresh-frozen cannabis can be used to make high-terpene products like live resin.

Extracting Cannabis Trichomes

Cannabis trichomes can undergo solvent-based or solventless extraction methods to separate the trichomes from the rest of the plant matter.

Extraction methods range from closed-loop extraction using butane, propane, ethanol, or supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) to dry sifting or rosing pressing that do not use solvents.

Extracted cannabis oils can be purified to remove everything but the plant’s cannabinoids or preserve the terpenes and flavonoids.

The post-processing technique depends on the desired end products, which include concentrates, vape cartridges, infused pre-rolls, edibles, topicals, and more.

Become a Master of Cannabis

Are you ready to level up your cannabis knowledge? Enroll in CTU’s online Master of Cannabis training to learn everything you need to know about the cannabis plant and how to start a career or business in this blossoming industry. Enroll today!