Cannabis trichomes: Produce active substances such as THC, CBD in the flower of the cannabis plant

Trichomes are a central component of the cannabis plant and are crucial for the effect of cannabis flowers. They produce cannabinoids such as THC and CBD as well as terpenes, which determine the aroma and effects. If you want to understand cannabis flowers, you need to know the function and significance of trichomes.

Trichome cannabis explained simply

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Trichomes are microscopic resin glands on the surface of the cannabis plant. They are mainly found on the flowers and to a lesser extent on the sugar leaves. Their main task is to produce and store active substances such as THC, CBD and other cannabinoids. At the same time, trichomes protect the plant from UV radiation, pests and environmental influences.

3 facts about trichomes:

1. Resin glands of the plant
2. Seat on cannabis flowers
3. Produce cannabinoids

Infografik: Pistillen, Trichome und Terpene

Trichome function in cannabis flowers

In the cannabis flower, trichomes are the place where the most important active ingredients are produced. They form a sticky resin that contains cannabinoids and terpenes. The denser and more mature the trichome layer, the higher the quality and potency of the cannabis flower. This is why heavily “frosted” flowers are considered to be particularly rich in active ingredients.

• Production of active ingredients
• Resin formation on flowers
• Quality feature for cannabis

The quality factor for the harvest time in cannabis cultivation :

THC formation in trichomes

THC is initially produced in the trichomes in its precursor THCA. THCA is only converted into THC through drying, storage or heating. The quantity and maturity of the trichomes therefore directly influence the THC content of a cannabis flower and thus its psychoactive effect.

Quite simply:

• THCA Precursor of THC
• Conversion through heat
• Maturity determines potency

CBD production in trichomes

CBD is also formed in the trichomes of the cannabis plant, also initially as CBDA. The CBD content of a flower depends on the genetics of the plant and the number of active trichomes. CBD has a non-intoxicating effect and plays a particularly important role in medicinal cannabis flowers.

• CBDA as a preliminary stage
• Non-psychoactive effect
• Genetics decisive for content

Other active ingredients from trichomes

In addition to THC and CBD, trichomes produce numerous other cannabinoids such as CBG, CBN and CBC. Terpenes are also produced, which influence the smell, taste and effect. The interaction of these substances is known as the entourage effect and makes every cannabis flower unique.

• CBG CBN CBC
• Terpenes for aroma
• Entourage effect decisive

Trichomes Maturity and harvest time

The color and structure of the trichomes indicate the optimum harvest time. Clear trichomes indicate unripe flowers, milky trichomes indicate maximum production of active ingredients and amber-colored trichomes indicate the beginning of the transformation process. The degree of ripeness influences the effect, strength and character of the cannabis flower.

• Clear immature trichomes
• Milky maximum potency
• Amber maturity phase

Trichomes Significance for medicine?

Trichomes play a central role in medical applications, as they form the active ingredient basis of every cannabis flower. The quality, consistency and active profile of medicinal cannabis flowers depend directly on trichome density and maturity. This is why medicinal flowers are specifically analysed and standardized. Here you can find current cannabis studies.

• Basis of medical effect
• Quality through trichomes
• Standardization in pharmacies

Learn more about the: Cannabis flower.