Trichrome Color and the Effect on High - Legend, Myth, or Fact?

Hey ya'll

So I've been seeing this topic come up time and time again in this Harvest thread about the trichrome colors. I know there are advocates out there who don't believe the trichrome color has any effect at all on the type of high, and that the type of high is purely off of the genetics of the plant (indica vs sativa).

Being a student, I wanted to find some concrete information regarding this topic. I went and searched the internet, and every result without flaw suggests that trichrome color does effect the type of high, suggesting more cloudy will be more of a head high, psychoactive type deal, and more amber will result in a more couch-lock effect. The problem is they didn't seem like sincere articles (more like a copy paste change a few things), BUT, they were on reputable websites and forums as well.

So lets put this to an end once and for all. Opinions are fine, but I'm looking for more cold hard facts.

Does the maturity/color of trichromes have an effect on the resulting high?

Please link your sources, I would love to read them and I'm sure others will as well.

Thanks!

A sativa leaning plant will be more head hi

A inidca leaning plant will be more couch lock body hi.

Letting a plant mature for an extra 2 weeks will never change the final product from one to the other.

Will there be a slight different yes...enough to notice probably not.

Basically it is down to genetics.

If you want anxiety medicine buy sativa strains..

If you want body and pain meds...get indicas.

Its bro science like flushing, chopping an Indica early doesn't give you a Sativa high and chopping a Sativa late doesn't give you an Indica high.

Sqwee said:

Its bro science like flushing, chopping an Indica early doesn't give you a Sativa high and chopping a Sativa late doesn't give you an Indica high.

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Although there are changes in the high from aging cannabinoids, Indicas and Sativas are decidedly different, in my experience.

Yes, the Sativa vs. Indica I am well aware of.

As we all know, there is a plethora of bro science out there. I appreciate the replies, but I was looking more for supporting evidence rather than just taking someone's word for it. Not that I don't trust the lovely members here, but there has to be scientific documentation out there regarding the subject since its a commonly disputed one.

Does anyone have any links to any reputable source that confirms or denies these claims? As mentioned, the only documentation I can find supports the what is claimed to be bro science.

Thanks guys/gal!

curious2garden said:

Although there are changes in the high from aging cannabinoids, Indicas and Sativas are decidedly different, in my experience.

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Yea I agree with that. Harvesting Indicas early usually gives me a very short lived high and not the strong body effect I want in an Indica so I can see where the idea came from but taking Sativas until they're 30%+ amber doesn't result in couch lock for me, I feel more narcotic/trippy vs uplifted/artistic both are sativa qualities.

Not denying trichome age plays a role in the high, just don't agree with the whole "harvest early for more uplifting" idea that's been spread around. It results in a bunch of people harvesting unripe flowers IMO.

If its true I'm definitely doing this wrong, I should just grow Indicas and harvest at 6 weeks.

@Sqwee Thanks for the reply mate. I'm essentially looking for some sort of article or paper that goes in depth. I'm a proponent of "it doesn't effect the high" but I want to see documentation supporting that, if that makes sense?

I'd also be open to book recommendations as well.


For example, here are some sources stating that trich maturity DOES influence the high. A few sources are reputable seed banks, so it would be frightening to see them support bro sciences. Although I guess one way you could look at it is - if people who buy our seeds harvest 2 weeks early every time, we'll make an additional sale every 'x' amount of grows. Just like how nutrient suppliers suggest running at 2.8 EC so you use more product.

Lagged said:

Hey ya'll

So I've been seeing this topic come up time and time again in this Harvest thread about the trichrome colors. I know there are advocates out there who don't believe the trichrome color has any effect at all on the type of high, and that the type of high is purely off of the genetics of the plant (indica vs sativa).

Being a student, I wanted to find some concrete information regarding this topic. I went and searched the internet, and every result without flaw suggests that trichrome color does effect the type of high, suggesting more cloudy will be more of a head high, psychoactive type deal, and more amber will result in a more couch-lock effect. The problem is they didn't seem like sincere articles (more like a copy paste change a few things), BUT, they were on reputable websites and forums as well.

So lets put this to an end once and for all. Opinions are fine, but I'm looking for more cold hard facts.

Does the maturity/color of trichromes have an effect on the resulting high?

Please link your sources, I would love to read them and I'm sure others will as well.

Thanks!

Click to expand...

the answer to this question(and 98% of all the questions asked on this forum) is nobody really knows!!! pretty much all available "eveidence" is anecdotal. due to cannabis being a schedule 1 drug, very little real scientific studies have been performed on the therapeutic benefits let alone growing characteristics. all modalities associated with cannabis are mere bro science that is widely agreed upon. even dr. bruce bugbees published studies are one sided and contain inconsistent assays. dr. bugbee only originates the theorys studied and scientific methodologies, his students are the ones mixing growing mediums and nutrients. his experiments are rarely, if ever, replicated to ensure results or peer reviewed from opposing viewpoints. north carolina state university are the only ones coming close to his research and they grow industrial hemp for fibers, not flowers, not oils,not cannabinoids,not terpenes etc. im not saying bugbee is wrong, in fact i use a peat/ vermiculite/perlite medium and loosely follow his vpd and dli suggestions. what i am saying is that we are lacking in hard scientific facts and overflowing with opinion, bro science, short sightedness, bad advise and flat out wrong information. ill be looking forward to being an old man and looking back on the foolishness that is for now the best available information...sorry to bootleg your thread... the OPs question is actually a pretty good one. i just cant stand the unending plethora of stpid fucking questions on here... whats the best flimflam...how much will this yeild....is it a boy or girl....why it looks like that. i mean if youre gonna grow weed then u need to do your own research and find your own answers and make your own decisions and be willing to fail and try things and spend some time and search to see if your stupid fucking question about your pathetic fucking plant in your cheap ass 2x2x5 tent under your janky ass qb fixture has been asked and answered 17 times already before u ask again

Lagged said:

@Sqwee Thanks for the reply mate. I'm essentially looking for some sort of article or paper that goes in depth. I'm a proponent of "it doesn't effect the high" but I want to see documentation supporting that, if that makes sense?

I'd also be open to book recommendations as well.


For example, here are some sources stating that trich maturity DOES influence the high. A few sources are reputable seed banks, so it would be frightening to see them support bro sciences. Although I guess one way you could look at it is - if people who buy our seeds harvest 2 weeks early every time, we'll make an additional sale every 'x' amount of grows. Just like how nutrient suppliers suggest running at 2.8 EC so you use more product.

The Different Stages of Trichome Development | CenturionPro Solutions

Each stage of trichome development has various consequences on the strain effects, and can be great indicators of when to harvest!

cprosolutions.com

Milky vs Amber Trichomes - Cannabisgourmet.net

You’ve likely heard people referring to weed as “sticky” or “resin-ey” before. This is one of the most common quality indicators of cannabis – and for good reason. Trichomes are the tiny “crystals” on the surface of the buds and sugar leaves (small leaves that grow out of the bud sites on a...

cannabisgourmet.net

Cannabis Trichomes Importance - RQS Blog

Let's talk about cannabis resin and discover exactly why trichomes are so important to weed. Love sticky weed and hash? It's all thanks to trichs.

www.royalqueenseeds.com

The Potency Puzzle: Decoding the Role of Trichomes in Cannabis

Ever wonder how and why cannabinoids like THC and CBD are formed in cannabis? The answer is in the trichomes. Learn how trichomes control cananbis potency.

www.veriheal.com

When and How to Harvest Cannabis Plants for Beginners

It can be hard to determine when to harvest your cannabis plants. Read our guide to learn when to harvest marijuana in 2022.

www.ilovegrowingmarijuana.com

When to harvest marijuana plants according to trichome ripeness

Here you have a translation of an article from TGA Subcool about the harvest of cannabis plants. Both the effect and taste of marijuana are directly related to its harvesting time. How to know which is the perfect time for harvest? What are trichomes and how to harvest plants depending on their...

www.alchimiaweb.com

Goodbye from Maximum Yield

In print and online, Maximum Yield is your source for cannabis and cultivation knowledge, with informative grow articles and tips to enhance your life with mmj.

www.maximumyield.com

Click to expand...

There's a lot of broscience and mythology about Cannabis on the web. We need actual primary research from Universities. Until then it's mostly people with skin in the game and those tend to be the least reliable sources. Good luck in your search. I'd love to see real research on that, so if you find it please post it. Thank you.

again not at all directed at the OP

Lagged said:

@Sqwee Thanks for the reply mate. I'm essentially looking for some sort of article or paper that goes in depth. I'm a proponent of "it doesn't effect the high" but I want to see documentation supporting that, if that makes sense?

I'd also be open to book recommendations as well.


For example, here are some sources stating that trich maturity DOES influence the high. A few sources are reputable seed banks, so it would be frightening to see them support bro sciences. Although I guess one way you could look at it is - if people who buy our seeds harvest 2 weeks early every time, we'll make an additional sale every 'x' amount of grows. Just like how nutrient suppliers suggest running at 2.8 EC so you use more product.

The Different Stages of Trichome Development | CenturionPro Solutions

Each stage of trichome development has various consequences on the strain effects, and can be great indicators of when to harvest!

cprosolutions.com

Milky vs Amber Trichomes - Cannabisgourmet.net

You’ve likely heard people referring to weed as “sticky” or “resin-ey” before. This is one of the most common quality indicators of cannabis – and for good reason. Trichomes are the tiny “crystals” on the surface of the buds and sugar leaves (small leaves that grow out of the bud sites on a...

cannabisgourmet.net

Cannabis Trichomes Importance - RQS Blog

Let's talk about cannabis resin and discover exactly why trichomes are so important to weed. Love sticky weed and hash? It's all thanks to trichs.

www.royalqueenseeds.com

The Potency Puzzle: Decoding the Role of Trichomes in Cannabis

Ever wonder how and why cannabinoids like THC and CBD are formed in cannabis? The answer is in the trichomes. Learn how trichomes control cananbis potency.

www.veriheal.com

When and How to Harvest Cannabis Plants for Beginners

It can be hard to determine when to harvest your cannabis plants. Read our guide to learn when to harvest marijuana in 2022.

www.ilovegrowingmarijuana.com

When to harvest marijuana plants according to trichome ripeness

Here you have a translation of an article from TGA Subcool about the harvest of cannabis plants. Both the effect and taste of marijuana are directly related to its harvesting time. How to know which is the perfect time for harvest? What are trichomes and how to harvest plants depending on their...

www.alchimiaweb.com

Goodbye from Maximum Yield

In print and online, Maximum Yield is your source for cannabis and cultivation knowledge, with informative grow articles and tips to enhance your life with mmj.

www.maximumyield.com

Click to expand...

I've seen all these articles before and I can provide you the same type of "evidence" for flushing, bro science.

Have you found any actual studies that compare the cannabinoid profiles of clear, milky and amber trichs between Indica and Sativa strains? I'm not aware of any but would love to give that a read if there was one.

What is the point of a long flowering Sativa if I can get the same effects from prematurely harvesting an Indica?

gas house said:

the answer to this question(and 98% of all the questions asked on this forum) is nobody really knows!!! pretty much all available "eveidence" ....

Click to expand...

Dude, no offense taken! Thanks so much for your reply. I just want to note that I did explore the forums here, and as you can see have done my own research. Your explanation makes a ton of sense and kind of answers my question - there's just not enough data.

My goal here was to start an intellectual thread to see if anyone could find any data other than what I found (when I say 'data' in reference to what I found, I am using that term VERY lightly). The SAME websites I listed above also say you can harvest your plant with 40% white pistils, so obviously taking everything with a grain of salt.

@curious2garden I will continue my search as I am very interested in the subject. Super frustrating that the 'bro science' has taken a front seat on data exposure.

@Sqwee On the flushing - yeah I see a ton of that crap too, even on some of the links I posted. I am searching for studies that you've mentioned, and was the purpose of this thread - to see if anyone had any. Agreed on the Sativa thing too. As mentioned, I'll continue my search and share anything I deem useful. The links I provided above were not given as a "See, look what they say, they're right" thing, more of a demonstration of the data available out there.


Thanks everyone for your replies!

Lagged said:

Dude, no offense taken! Thanks so much for your reply. I just want to note that I did explore the forums here, and as you can see have done my own research. Your explanation makes a ton of sense and kind of answers my question - there's just not enough data.

My goal here was to start an intellectual thread to see if anyone could find any data other than what I found (when I say 'data' in reference to what I found, I am using that term VERY lightly). The SAME websites I listed above also say you can harvest your plant with 40% white pistils, so obviously taking everything with a grain of salt.

@curious2garden I will continue my search as I am very interested in the subject. Super frustrating that the 'bro science' has taken a front seat on data exposure.

@Sqwee On the flushing - yeah I see a ton of that crap too, even on some of the links I posted. I am searching for studies that you've mentioned, and was the purpose of this thread - to see if anyone had any. Agreed on the Sativa thing too. As mentioned, I'll continue my search and share anything I deem useful. The links I provided above were not given as a "See, look what they say, they're right" thing, more of a demonstration of the data available out there.


Thanks everyone for your replies!

Click to expand...

Sorry if my posts came off as aggressive, I didn't take the links as you trying to prove my opinion wrong and I'm not trying to derail your thread. This topic just tends to annoy me more than the flushing arguement.

I've tried to find actual studies that prove this theory right but have never had any luck, I just come across the same articles aimed at new growers which leads to all these "is my plant ready?!" threads where the posters plant clearly has weeks left but they're obsessed with hovering over their plants with a loupe "omg is that amber!?!"

Until there are actual studies done on this like what was done with flushing all we can do is test these theories ourselves and form our own conclusions.

@Sqwee Not at all brother, no worries!

The first source I found is from a publication from August 2014 called the Handbook of Cannabis by author Roger G Pertwee (Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, UK) published by OUP Oxford :
https://www.google.com/books/edition/Handbook_of_Cannabis/uu5wBAAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=Trichome+color+cannabis+harvest&pg=PA71&printsec=frontcover

On page 71, the author states "Many guides in the gray literature advise that cannabis plants are at peak potency and ready for harvest on when the capitate stalked trichomes are at the milky white stage. However, a study of over 300 dry cannabis samples indicated minimal correlation between trichome color and potency, except in relation to dark brown samples, which are clearly past the peak potency."

It seems as though the percentage of amber is less about the effect it has on the high and more as a precursor to know you are around the maximum/optimal amount of cloudy trich heads and minimal amount of clear possibly?

I will continue my search and let you know if I find any other papers.

Lagged said:

...snip......
@curious2garden I will continue my search as I am very interested in the subject. Super frustrating that the 'bro science' has taken a front seat on data exposure.

@Sqwee On the flushing - yeah I see a ton of that crap too, even on some of the links I posted. I am searching for studies that you've mentioned, and was the purpose of this thread - to see if anyone had any. Agreed on the Sativa thing too. As mentioned, I'll continue my search and share anything I deem useful. The links I provided above were not given as a "See, look what they say, they're right" thing, more of a demonstration of the data available out there.


Thanks everyone for your replies!

Click to expand...

Me too! Actually I'm very interested in a lot more actual research instead of those with vested interest publishing pieces without exposing data, if there was any. I hope the end of the prohibition culture is on the horizon and can move to seeing actual science done on this.

I'm glad you're continuing the search, thanks!

Lagged said:

@Sqwee Not at all brother, no worries!

The first source I found is from a publication from August 2014 called the Handbook of Cannabis by author Roger G Pertwee (Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, UK) published by OUP Oxford :
https://www.google.com/books/edition/Handbook_of_Cannabis/uu5wBAAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=Trichome+color+cannabis+harvest&pg=PA71&printsec=frontcover

On page 71, the author states "Many guides in the gray literature advise that cannabis plants are at peak potency and ready for harvest on when the capitate stalked trichomes are at the milky white stage. However, a study of over 300 dry cannabis samples indicated minimal correlation between trichome color and potency, except in relation to dark brown samples, which are clearly past the peak potency."

It seems as though the percentage of amber is less about the effect it has on the high and more as a precursor to know you are around the maximum/optimal amount of cloudy trich heads and minimal amount of clear possibly?

I will continue my search and let you know if I find any other papers.

Click to expand...

Nice find, thats similar to my experience. Trichomes are an indicator of ripeness but not an overall sign of potency or effects, I don't even bother looking at mine until calyxes swell and pistils retract.

Couple questions to ponder:
Your lower buds are less mature than the tops, do lowers from an Indica make you feel uplifted or do they give the same body effect as the uppers? How about hash or concentrates made from your popcorn buds?

If amber trichs is THC degrading is that really the be all end all of potency? What about the 100 other cannabinoids or entourage effects? People are chasing high THC numbers now but I don't find them to be any stronger than some of the strains I was smoking on 20 years ago that come in around 15%.

Sqwee said:

I've seen all these articles before and I can provide you the same type of "evidence" for flushing, bro science.

Have you found any actual studies that compare the cannabinoid profiles of clear, milky and amber trichs between Indica and Sativa strains? I'm not aware of any but would love to give that a read if there was one.

What is the point of a long flowering Sativa if I can get the same effects from prematurely harvesting an Indica?

Click to expand...

You can't get the same effect that you get from a long flowering sativa by harvesting an indica early.

Also, the current cannabis taxonomy many go by is disputed by many. Some have started grouping what most refer to as sativa as indica and what most refer to as indica as Afghanica.

xtsho said:

You can't get the same effect that you get from a long flowering sativa by harvesting an indica early.

Also, the current cannabis taxonomy many go by is disputed by many. Some have started grouping what most refer to as sativa as indica and what most refer to as indica as Afghanica.

(PDF) Cannabis Taxonomy: The "sativa" vs. "indica" debate

PDF | On Jan 30, 2018, Robert C. Clarke and Mark D. Merlin published Cannabis Taxonomy: The "sativa" vs. "indica" debate | Find, read and cite all the research you need on ResearchGate

www.researchgate.net

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Yea that's what I was getting at, the theory that harvesting an Indica when its clear/milky is going to be uplifting is a myth. Its just a crappy short lived high from a premature plant.

I read an article a few years ago that was saying that THC and CBD levels can be the same in two strains but still provide different effects because its actually CBC and CBN levels that are doing the heavy lifting.

I've never seen that taxonomy chart before, thanks. I had seen studies about how rampant crossing and misclasficiation has caused less genetic devirsty in strains today. They tested Jamaicans Lamb Bread which people think is a Sativa and found it was nearly identical to a plant from Afghanistan labeled as an Indica.

Sqwee said:

Couple questions to ponder:
Your lower buds are less mature than the tops, do lowers from an Indica make you feel uplifted or do they give the same body effect as the uppers? How about hash or concentrates made from your popcorn buds?

Click to expand...

This is a good question. Really, I think this points to discovering the origin and how we have arrived at the whole "wait until x-30% amber before harvesting". One would think that in testing, there had been multiple blunts, joints, bongs, dabs, etc to collect data on how someone "feels". Additionally, were they only smoking tops or the nugs they measured - most likely not. Perhaps, then, this points to an overall ripeness of the ENTIRE plant, taking an average of peak ripeness across the entire plant, from tops to larf.

I know there are growers out there who harvest the tops first and let the bottom buds mature before harvesting them - I wonder if they have different preferences.

@xtsho Interesting chart! Sqwee was saying just about that. I did read in my various articles and books the past few days where 2 or 3 sources claimed that harvesting an "indica" a little later and more on the amber side will elevate the indica effects, but harvesting a sativa early will not elevate the sativa effects.

Elephant in the room ….

Terpene profile of strain will dictate the “ high” … triches are merely an indication of maturity of thc elements ( cloudy - peak ) .