Posted on Leave a comment

What are trichomes and why do they result in high-quality cannabis?

Macro of trichomes on a cannabis plant.

When it comes to cannabis, experienced growers prefer quality over quantity. The truth is, growers today want to produce bigger trichomes, not flowers. Unlike its flowers, cannabis trichomes hold a wealth of psychoactive, medicinal, and therapeutic properties. The market’s changed; instead of gigantic, dull cannabis buds, growers are far more interested in producing tight flowers, covered with a dense layer of crystalized trichomes.

Grow Trichomes with GreenPlanet Nutrients Rezin

What are Trichomes?

Trichomes are small, dome-like glands that coat the leaves and buds of mature cannabis plants. They are resinous and oily, but also have a glass, or crystal-like appearance. Trichomes also have functional properties. For example, experts argue that trichomes can mitigate leaf and flower temperature, leading to a stronger plant that’s more resistant to bouts of extreme heat or cold (Wagner, 1991).

Also, the hair-like structure of resin glands leads professionals to believe that trichomes can act as a pest-deterrent and defence mechanism via their oily nature and the production of chemical compounds (Wagner, 1991). Fruits, vegetables, and flowers produce trichomes across the plant kingdom. However, specific glands in cannabis have been praised for their unique psychoactive and medicinal compounds.

Trichomes are small, dome-like glands found on the buds of mature cannabis plants.

Important Compounds Found in Cannabis Trichomes

THC

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive compound found in cannabis. While perhaps the most prevalent, THC is one of at least 113 cannabinoids found in marijuana plant tissue. THC forms heavily in the lipid glands of exposed plant matter like flowers and leaves as an evolutionary defence response to stress, pests, and environmental conditions. 

Molecular chemical structure of cannabinoid THC Tetrahydrocannabinol
THC is one of at least 113 cannabinoids found in marijuana plant tissue.

When taken, tetrahydrocannabinol is absorbed into the bloodstream and travels to the brain, attaching itself to the naturally-occurring endocannabinoid receptors located in the brain. This attachment can distort and affect perception, pleasure, thinking, coordination, and movement. In short, THC is the compound in cannabis responsible for making the user feel “high”. However, there are also medicinal and therapeutic uses for THC. For instance, THC has had success in treating pain, discomfort, and bladder overactivity for people with multiple sclerosis. 

CBD

Cannabidiol or CBD is another immensely important compound found abundantly in cannabis. Also a primary active ingredient in hemp, CBD has been championed widely for its therapeutic and medicinal benefits. And unlike THC, CBD does not cause a “high” when ingested. Potential medicinal benefits are as follows: insomnia relief, acute and chronic pain assistance, inflammation ease, depression support, and arthritis aid (Perez, 2021, para. 1). 

Molecular chemical structure of cannabinoid CBD Cannabidiol
CBD/Cannabidiol is the most well-known and abundant non-psychoactive cannabinoid found within the cannabis plant. CBD has also been championed widely for its therapeutic and medicinal benefits.

CBD can be ingested in many forms, including oils, herbs, patches, capsules, lotions, sprays, and even bath bombs. Since CBD is a therapeutic compound without any psychoactive effects, individuals using or prescribed CBD may experience a more relaxed and regulated mood, reduced muscle pain, and low fatigue. 

THCA

Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), the precursor of THC, is also found in the resinous glands of cannabis plants. Unlike the smaller molecular compound THC, THCA’s chemical composition is too large to fit into the endocannabinoid receptors in the brain, making it a non-intoxicating active ingredient. In order for a cannabinoid compound to become intoxicating (like THC), the molecule must be small enough to attach itself to a type-1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1). The shape and size of the THCA molecule, however, is too large to make this CB1 to cannabinoid connection. 

Molecular chemical structure of cannabinoid THCA Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid
THCA’s chemical composition is a non-intoxicating active ingredient.

Remember, THCA is the precursor to the intoxicating compound THC. The chemical conversion comes from a simple process called decarboxylation, or the rapid application of heat and light. Heat removes the carboxylic acid group from THCA, altering the THC chemical structure. This makes it the perfect shape to fit into the endocannabinoid system. But like other compounds found in trichomes, THCA alone has amazing health benefits. For example, recent studies have shown that THCA can promote dietary and immune system recovery and function (Ruhaak, 2011). 

CBN

Cannabinol (CBN) comes from the breakdown of THC in mature cannabis plants. CBN isn’t as psychoactive as THC, but it can still produce a calming, therapeutic effect after consumption. Since CBN doesn’t necessarily produce a “high”, it’s often overlooked as an unimportant cannabinoid. However, there are several benefits of CBN being examined in recent studies. For instance, studies have shown that concentrations of CBN have antibacterial, neuroprotectant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Cannabinol also has a minor sedative effect, leading researchers to believe that future studies will yield further medicinal evidence for the use of CBN.

Molecular chemical structure of cannabinoid Cannabinol CBN
CBN, or Cannabinol, has antibacterial, neuroprotectant, and anti-inflammatory properties.

What’s most interesting about CBN is its interaction with other cannabinoids. Dr. Ethan Russo, a neurologist responsible for popularizing the “entourage effect”, says CBN itself isn’t a sedative (Rahn, 2020, para. 5). But when combined with other cannabinoids like THC and CBD, cannabinol can work synergistically to influence certain therapeutic effects.

Grow Trichomes – Not Flowers

Cannabis buds are valued on much more than size – strain, terpene concentration and cannabinoid content all play an essential role in determining the value of raw flower. But how do we grow trichomes? 

GreenPlanet product aficionado, Sonny, is here to give you all the info on Rezin.

Enhance Trichomes with Rezin

Bring fire to your crop with Rezin, our trichome, flavor, and aroma enhancer. Formulated with trace amounts of molybdenum and vitamin B1, Rezin can be used in both the flowering and flushing periods of growth to boost essential oil, trichome, and resin content.

Rezin contains no plant growth regulators (PGRs), artificial coloring, or dyes. And, since it contains only a trace amount of a single micronutrient, Rezin will not impact the EC/PPM of your nutrient solution. Rezin will help promote aromas and flavors to bring out the best qualities of your plants in both the late-stage and flushing period.

Rezin is the answer to ensure your flowers are covered in beautiful, frosty trichomes.

Remember, to enhance the smell and taste of cannabis, grow trichomes, not flowers! For more information on the products or information mentioned in this article, contact your GreenPlanet representative directly, or your local garden supply store. 

Works Cited 

  • Rahn, B. (2020). The entourage effect: How cannabis compounds may be working together. Retrieved December 1st, 2021 from Leafly
  • Ruhaak, L. (2011). Evaluation of the cyclooxygenase inhibiting effects of six major cannabinoids isolated from cannabis sativa. Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin. Retrieved December 1st, 2021 from J-Stage
  • Perez, L. (2021). 9 science-backed benefits of CDB oil. Retrieved December 1st, 2021 from Forbes Health 
  • Wagner, G.J. (1991) Secreting glandular trichomes: More than just hairs. Plant Physiology. Retrieved December 1st, 2021 from National Library of Medicine

Check out our Resource Center for more product information

Read More

Posted on 1 Comment

Enhance the Smell and Taste of Cannabis with 3 Simple Supplements

There is no greater shame than harvesting a beautiful crop, only to have it dried, stale and tasteless, soft, squishy, and smelling of hay. The look of growers during this revelation is daunting. Some may be indifferent about the result, saying, “oh, well, it’s not that bad”, while others’ disappointment can only be measured by the critical scowl following the ol’ squeeze and sniff technique. While environmental issues are largely responsible for the texture and rigidity of cannabis flowers, there are several supplements that growers can rely on to provide them with sugar-coated buds, teaming with overpowering and pungent aromas. Below, we’ll discuss common terpene and flavonoid compounds, followed by three simple ways to enhance the smell and taste of your crop.

Why Do Cannabis Plants Smell?

Cannabis plants encompass some of the world’s most interesting and complex aromas. But makes cannabis plants smell? Well, here’s the answer: cannabis flowers’ unique flavors and aromas are governed by a combination of special hydrocarbons called terpenes. Existing in over 30,000 forms, terpenes are responsible for determining the unique aroma and taste of a variety of flora including, lavender, rosemary, basil, and of course, cannabis. 

A wide spectrum of terpenes can be found throughout the industry’s most popular genetics. However, much like naturally occurring fruit and flowers in our environment, terpenes can do more than just produce pleasant smells – they can also perpetuate feelings of well-being, promote energy, or induce relaxation and meditation.

Examples of some Cannabis Terpenes profiles

Learn more about these Common Terpene Profiles in Cannabis Flower

Enhance the Smell and Taste of Cannabis with 3 Simple Supplements 

The majority of cannabis terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoids are held within the trichomes heads of marijuana flowers. So, if you’re looking to enhance the smell and taste of your cannabis plants, start by increasing the size and density of your trichomes. Below are three supplements from GreenPlanet Nutrients that can be included alongside any base nutrient program to enhance the smell and taste of cannabis.

Rezin

Bring fire to your crop with GreenPlanet’s trichome, flavor, and aroma enhancer. Formulated with trace amounts of molybdenum and vitamin B1, Rezin can be used in both the flowering and flushing periods of growth to boost essential oil, trichome, and resin content. Rezin contains no plant growth regulators (PGR’s), artificial coloring, or dyes. And, since it contains only a trace amount of a single micronutrient, Rezin will not impact the EC/PPM of your nutrient solution. Rezin will help promote aromas and flavors to bring out the best qualities of your plants in both the late-stage and flushing period.

Root Builder 

Root Builder is GreenPlanet’s microbial supplement that promotes root growth, nutrient uptake, and enhances trichome size and density. Formulated with two sources of bacteria, Bacillus Licheniformis and Bacillus Subtilis, Root Builder can quickly increase microbial activity in the root zone, allowing for increased uptake, yield, and trichome formulation. Experts agree that adding a source of microbes to the root zone can be extremely beneficial. For example, in an article published in Industrial Crops and Products (2018), the authors argue that supplying industrial cannabis with a source of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) can drastically increase the size and availability of trichomes (Pagnani et al, p. 75). 

Liquid Weight

Plants use an amazing amount of energy converting fertilizer into energy. They also rely on microbes, or beneficial bacteria to speed up the processes of elemental conversion. These bacteria feed on an array of sugary carbohydrates to maintain colonies of microbes in all stages of plant growth, but especially during the later stages of flower. So, for a consistent supply of carbohydrates, try GreenPlanet’s Liquid Weight. It’s designed to increase and maintain microbial colonies, which aids in crop progression, flower formation, trichome expression, and nutrient and fluid uptake. If you’re looking to get the most out of your garden, Liquid Weight is the perfect supplement. 

Remember, to enhance the smell and taste of cannabis, grow trichomes, not flowers! For more information on the products or information mentioned in this article, contact your GreenPlanet representative directly, or your local garden supply store. 

Work Cited

  • Pagnani, G. (2018). Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) in Cannabis sativa ‘Finola’ cultivation: An alternative fertilization strategy to improve plant growth and quality characteristics. Industrial Crops and Products. Retrieved November 9th, 2021 from ResearchGate.net

Check out our Resource Centre for more product information

Read More


Posted on 1 Comment

Enhance Your Crop with Flowering Supplements and Additives

In any environmental setting, plants have distinct dietary requirements. Like people, there are only certain elements that plants can readily absorb in order to maintain healthy bouts of new, disease-free growth. In total, there are 16 essential elements necessary for healthy and deficient-free plant growth. These elements are separated into two categories, macro and micronutrients, and are typically combined at an adequate rate within liquid, powdered or granular nutrient supplements called “base nutrients”, or, at higher levels in varying ratios in fertilizers called “additives”.

Base nutrient supplements can be seen as your plant’s source of “meat and potatoes”, essential elements necessary for growing healthy crops. Additives on the other hand, if we stick with food analogies, can be described as a plant’s “dessert”, something that is not essential for survival, but if supplemented appropriately, can ultimately enhance the potential for size, flavour and appeal during flower. While the importance of base nutrients supplements is unparalleled in the lifecycle of a plant, additives also have an important role to play. By combining additives and supplements during the flowering period, growers can ensure their crop will be pushed to its genetic limits. Follow the passages below to find out more about the flowering supplements and additives available at GreenPlanet Nutrients. 

Nutrient Requirements During Flower

As mentioned above, there are 16 essential plant nutrients that are needed to maintain healthy patterns of growth. During the periods of early, late and middle flower, however, some of these elements, most notably phosphorus and potassium, are needed in greater quantities to help support the development of fully established and sugar-coated flowers. Although, other elements and minerals can also support and enhance the generation of trichomes, cannabinoids, terpenes and flavours.

Follow the passages below for a look at bloom boosting supplements that can help your crop reach its full potential in all stages of the flowering period:

Bloom Boosting Additives 

PK Spike 

Depending on the genetic characteristics of your crop, plants will typically begin to exhibit the signs of flower sites 10-14 days in an environment with a 12-hour darkness photoperiod. During this stage of early flower, gardeners will be able to make out a female plant’s elongated pistils, or maybe even the first formation of flower sites. To speed up this transition phase and to help encourage the formation of new, developing flower sites, gardeners can include a heavy phosphorus and potassium supplement into their established feeding routine. GreenPlanet Nutrients PK Spike, for example, is an excellent source of clean and quality sourced phosphorus and potassium; and, if used in conjunction with a base nutrient regime, PK Spike can quickly increase root-mass, speed up the production of flower sites and strengthen a plants cell walls for the later support of heavy flowers. 

Massive Bloom Formulation 

The middle of flower is an extremely important period of growth for plants. At this stage, a plant’s metabolism has completely committed itself to the process of converting elements into energy, which it then sends to the formation of large, developing flowers. With this process moving quickly along through weeks 3-5 of the flowering period, cannabis plants, while still needing adequate amounts of (N), (P) and (K), often become deficient in starches that are used in the conversion of elements into useable energy. To combat this issue and to assist your crop in producing its highest potential output, consider using a well-rounded and tested bloom booster that is accompanied by an array of simple sugars. Massive Bloom Formulation is a good example of a product that contains a solid blooming N-P-K of 1-2-3, as well as carbohydrates derived from yucca and molasses extract.

Horti-rawK

Between the flowering weeks 5-7, your main bud sites and colas should have taken on their finishing shape and size. However, what might be missing in the late stages of flower development is hardness, weight and density. If the environmental conditions of a garden are less than ideal, for example, if temperatures or humidity percentages reach inadequate levels for extended periods, mature flowers can begin to wilt, lose rigidity, or become soft and sponge-like. To increase late-flower hardiness, consider adding a high potassium supplement like Horti-rawk to your existing feeding schedule. Horti-rawk will assist in providing your plants with the potential to redirect energy at the cellular level, leading to increased tightness and weight in the final weeks before harvest. 

Carbohydrate and Trichome Supplements 

Liquid Weight 

Liquid Weight contains an array of simple sugars like dextrose, sucrose and fructose. To encourage the rapid growth of healthy bacteria, fungi and protozoa in your root zone, pairing your regular feeding program with a surgery carbohydrate supplement will help to speed up the growth rate of beneficial microbes. Plants spend an amazing amount of energy-releasing sugars like cellulose into the root zone; so, by supplementing your plant’s expenditures with additional carbs, you can be sure the beneficial microbes in your soil will be plentifully fed, which in turn will support the cultivation and growth of your living medium. Adding a liquid carbohydrate supplement to your feeding program during the flowering phase will encourage your plants to feed heavier, increase output, enhance yields, and lead to more desirable flavours, pigmentation, terpene density and trichome expansion. 

Karbo Boost 

Karbo Boost is our powdered carbohydrate supplement. Accompanying all the benefits of Liquid Weight, Karbo Boost is the economic and long-lasting choice for gardeners outside of hydroponic mediums and contains all the necessary elements to increase microbial growth, nutrient absorption and fluid uptake. The end result of using Karbo Boost is a significant increase in flower weight, taste, and overall yield. If your goal is getting the most out of your garden, investing in Karbo Boost is a good place to start. 

Rezin

Rezin is our flowering additive formulated to enhance the natural processes within flowering plants that produce flavour and aroma. Growers can begin using Rezin at any time during the flowering period to encourage plants to express and expand terpenes and trichomes in flowers and across “sugar-leaves”. However, adding Rezin during the last week of the vegetative stage has shown to increase the availability of potential terpenes that will be ready for full expression in the later stages of flower. The formula does not contain any plant growth regulators (PGRs), artificial colouring or dyes, and can be used until the final day before harvest. 

Whatever your style of garden, chances are, GreenPlanet has the best fertilizer to get you started. To access the products available at GreenPlanet Wholesale, contact a member of the GreenPlanet sales team, or your local garden supply store for product information and purchasing inquiries. 

Check out our Resource Centre for more product information

Read More