Trichomes on cannabis are mostly not visible to the unaided eye . Many inexperienced growers incorrectly identify the hair-like strands that are found on the calyxes of flowering female cannabis plants as trichomes . There are , however , three distinct types of cannabis trichomes that can be seen and identified under magnification , or even under careful scrutiny to the trained eye . Learning some of the characteristics of them can be helpful to knowing when the ideal times for certain tasks are , such as harvesting . The smallest cannabis trichomes are bulbous trichomes . They can be found all over the plant and are only 10-15 micrometers in size . The second-most commonly found group are the capitate sessile trichomes . There are more of these on cannabis than the bulbous type and are slightly larger . The biggest are the capitate-stalked trichomes and these are sometime large enough to be seen without magnification . They range in size between 50-100 micrometers wide . Cannabinoids and terpenoids are synthesized in the heads of these trichomes . The capitatestalked ones are found on and near the calyxes of the flower buds and contain high amounts of essential oils .
“ Proper trimming , drying , and curing techniques must be observed to retain the integrity of all the cannabinoids and terpenes within .”
As cannabis plants begin to transition from their vegetative stage to their flowering stage , cannabinoid synthesis in the trichomes begins in earnest . Trichomes start to appear more abundant and do the work of transporting materials that will eventually become cannabinoids . A range of factors dictate how quickly and to what extent each plant produces trichomes . Genetics and environment play a role . The amount and type of light affects trichome development and productivity greatly . Plants that are exposed to the fullest spectrum of light will typically produce cannabinoids of the highest concentrations , limited , of course , by the genetics of the individual strain . As trichomes continue to develop , their lifecycle mirrors that of the plant itself . The maturity of trichomes can be determined by their color in many cases . They begin translucent in appearance , then transition to a cloudy white color , finally ending in a near amber tone . Once the trichomes have turned amber , it is time to harvest the cannabis flower . At this point , the trichomes are at their peak and if the flowers are not harvested in time , the trichomes will begin to degrade and their potency will diminish with it . This is an oversimplification , but generally holds true . There are some variations in strains , but as a rule , the color of the trichome can be used as a harbinger of when to harvest cannabis flowers .
Protecting Trichomes
Trichomes do so much to protect cannabis , but they are themselves quite vulnerable to damage . This is especially true during the post-harvest phase , even while still attached to a fully intact plant . They are prone to degradation by heat , light , and oxygen , but especially by physical contact .
Left alone , time will eventually do them in to the point where they will offer very little to no cannabinoids or terpenoids . It is important to protect the trichomes and the essential oils within them at all stages of growth , harvest , and postharvest . This is primarily done by limiting any unnecessary contact or agitation of the flowers . Proper trimming , drying , and curing techniques must be observed to retain the integrity of all the cannabinoids and terpenes within .
Those looking to preserve trichomes beyond the life of the plant will need to engage in some form of extraction . This can be done in ways ranging from dry-sifting flower to produce kief , or chemically extracting the trichomes to create hash oil . With all the benefits that the tiny , fragile trichomes offer , it is worth the effort to save them whenever possible .
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