Trichomes are fine outgrowths or appendages on plants, algae, lichens, and certain protists. They are of diverse structure and function, and examples include hairs, glandular hairs, scales, and papillae. Trichomes can be unicellular or multicellular, straight, spiral, or hooked, and they can have one or several layers of cells.
Trichomes are found on the surface of many plant species and can provide a variety of functions and benefits to the plant. For example, they can affect leaf temperature and photosynthesis, or they can deter herbivore attacks via physical and/or chemical means. In cannabis plants, trichomes are resin glands that decorate the surface of marijuana leaves and flower buds. They produce cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids that contribute to the entourage effect, which describes the way that all three of these molecules and compounds work together in the human body and with the endocannabinoid system to produce the experience when consuming marijuana.
Trichomes can be damaged or destroyed by physical contact or agitation, heat, light, oxygen, and time. Experienced cannabis farmers aim to preserve trichomes to produce high-quality cannabis.
