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Glossary

Bulbous trichomes

Bulbous trichomes are the smallest of the three types of trichomes produced by cannabis plants. They contain cannabinoids, terpenes, and other therapeutically active compounds.

Bulbous trichomes are the smallest of the three types of cannabis trichomes, measuring just 0.2 mm tall. Invisible to the naked eye, bulbous trichomes are found all over the plant, but in the highest concentrations on the flowers and 'sugar' leaves. 

 

What are trichomes?

 

Trichomes are the microscopic, crystal like resinous glands that cover the surface of a cannabis plant, mostly on the flowers and small sugar leaves. They contain high levels of cannabinoids, including THC, CBD, and other compounds that give cannabis its unique therapeutic properties.

  

What are the three types of trichomes?

Cannabis Sativa L. plants produce bulbous, capitate-sessile and capitate-stalked trichome.

Bulbous trichomes are the smallest, measuring just 0.2 mm tall. Capitate-sessile trichomes are medium-sized and have a mushroom-like shape, while capitate-stalked trichomes are the largest, standing at around 3-5 mm high. 

 

What compounds other than cannabinoids are found in trichomes?

  

Apart from cannabinoids, trichomes also contain terpenes, flavonoids, and other plant compounds that contribute to the unique aromas and flavours of different cannabis strains.

Terpenes are responsible for the plant's distinctive and multifaceted aroma and can enhance therapeutic benefits, while flavonoids add to the plant's colour and may also offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Together, these compounds work with cannabinoids in what’s known as the entourage effect, a widely accepted theory stating that the combination of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids produces more significant therapeutic effects than the individual compounds alone.

To find out if you are eligible for medical cannabis treatment in the UK, check out our fast and free medical cannabis eligibility checker.

If you would like to learn more about medical cannabis in the UK, Releaf is here to help. In addition to this medical cannabis glossary, we have an extensive blog and education hub to explore, both filled with resources that UK medical cannabis patients, prescribers, and educators have been asking for.