Most CBD users know that CBD is derived from hemp, but few know exactly which part of the plant produces it. The answer lies in tiny structures called trichomes. Understanding trichomes can provide useful insight into how hemp produces and stores many of its most well-known compounds. With this insight, you can better understand where the CBD extracts in your favourite products come from. This article breaks down what trichomes are, what they do, and what they contain, as well as their significance to the production of CBD products.
What are trichomes?
Trichomes are tiny structures that are common across many plant species. There are two main types of trichomes; non-glandular and glandular. Non-glandular trichomes are hair-like structures that mainly provide physical protection. Glandular trichomes are bulbous structures that produce, store, and secrete plant compounds. Both types are tiny and can be found on the surface of hemp plants, particularly around the upper leaves and flowering parts of the plant. Their small size does not correlate to their importance, as trichomes play a crucial role in hemp’s biology and are often considered one of its most distinctive visual features. As hemp matures, these microscopic structures create the frosty, sparkling, crystal-like appearance often associated with the plant.
What do trichomes do?
Trichomes act as a natural defence system for the hemp plant (and other plant species), helping to protect it from environmental stressors. Their sticky surface helps deter insects and other pests from eating the plant. They can also aid in shielding hemp from harsh environmental conditions, ranging from severe temperature fluctuations to intense sun exposure. Essentially, trichomes are hemp’s natural bodyguards, playing a protective role that helps the plant survive and thrive as it grows and matures.
What do trichomes contain?
Glandular trichomes both produce and store various key compounds in hemp. For example, CBD and other cannabinoids like CBG and CBC are all found in trichomes. They are also home to terpenes, which are aromatic compounds that contribute to the plant’s natural aroma and flavour profile. Trichomes even contain some of the plant’s flavonoids, which are antioxidant compounds that impact the colour, flavour, and overall chemical composition of the plant. Within trichomes, resin helps carry and protect these compounds.
From trichomes to CBD products
During extraction, manufacturers seek to capture the compounds contained within trichomes. This is why the upper leaves and flowering parts of the plant, the main homes of trichomes, are the key focus of CBD extraction practices. These full-spectrum extracts can then be further processed if necessary, such as removing THC for broad spectrum products and further purification and refinement steps for CBD isolate products. Popular types of CBD products like gummies, oils, SoftGels, topicals, and patches are all created using these extracts, meaning the products you use in your CBD routine all root back to the important work of tiny trichomes.
Key takeaways
- There are two main types of trichomes, glandular (produce, secrete, and store plant compounds) and non-glandular (mainly protective).
- Trichomes may be tiny, but they play a major role in the hemp plant.
- Trichomes are primarily found on the upper leaves and flowering parts of the hemp plant.
- Glandular trichomes are the source of many of the compounds that make hemp unique, including CBD.
- For the creation of CBD products, manufacturers focus on trichomes as the source of cannabinoid-rich extracts.
- Trichomes play an important role in plant protection across many species, not just hemp.
- Understanding trichomes can help you better understand the plant behind your favourite CBD products.
