If you’re a marijuana user, you would likely recognize the symbol of a cannabis leaf anywhere. Its points and stems are distinct and have been used to symbolize the cannabis community for decades. If you’re an avid marijuana enthusiast, you may even know that the flower is the part of the plant most people refer to when they talk about smoking or indulging in cannabis. However, several other parts of the plant play a crucial role in creating the bud you enjoy in your marijuana product. Here’s an overview of these different cannabis plant parts:
Seeds are a product of female cannabis plants. They contain the genetic code of both female and male plants and can be used to grow new plants and develop cannabis strains.
Once the seed germinates, it will grow a taproot. This root will become the main base of the plant. Like other flora, it absorbs water and oxygen so the cannabis can grow healthy and strong.
As the plant grows, a stalk will push through the soil and grow upwards. This stem supports all branches and gives the plant its structure and stability. It’s common for growers to cut off the top of the stem after five nodes (explained later) have formed. Topping off the plant ensures the branches grow out laterally, allowing for more bud sites.
The cannabis stem may be used to create hemp products such as yarn or twine. It may also be ground up and used in cannabis products, such as hash and cannabutter.
A node is the part of the cannabis plant where a branch forms off the main stem (or one branch grows from another). You may also see fan leaves and buds growing from some nodes. Growers trying to determine the sex of the cannabis plant will look for male and female reproductive parts (or pre-flowers) at these nodes. For example, male cannabis plants will grow sacks at these junctions, while female plants will grow flowers with pistils.
Fan leaves are the part of the cannabis plant that users and non-users recognize. These large leaves capture light to aid in photosynthesis. They are often removed from the final product and not smoked.
Sugar leaves are the smaller leaves found on cannabis plants, typically around flowers. These leaves get trimmed before harvest, but they are often saved for use in pre-rolls, extracts, and other products because they are covered in trichomes.
The flowers are the parts of the cannabis plant growers are after. These buds contain terpenes and the cannabinoids needed to get you high and provide health benefits. It’s important to note that only female cannabis plants produce flowers.
Cola describes a cluster of buds growing closely together. Growers can find several colas throughout a single plant, but there’s only one primary cola (the apical bud), which forms at the top of the plant.
Bracts are small leaves that protect the female plant’s reproductive parts. They are covered in resin glands and contain high concentrations of cannabinoids. Many seasoned marijuana users enjoy smoking the bract because it is highly potent.
The pistil is the reproductive part of the flower, while the stigmas are hair-like strands that cover the pistil. The stigmas collect pollen from male plants. These parts of the weed plant are crucial to its growth, but they have little impact on the flower’s taste and potency.
A weed plant is covered in trichomes, which protect the plant from the elements and tiny pests. These trichomes contain the majority of the plant’s cannabinoids, specifically THC, CBD, and terpenes. Trichomes are smoked and add to the product’s flavor and potency.
If this mini-botany lesson has piqued your interest in marijuana, turn to Good Tree. We offer California residents an array of cannabis products, including pre-rolls, vapes, and edibles! We even make it convenient to get the products you know and love without leaving your home. Schedule a cannabis flower delivery or wax online delivery today!
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