Cannabis flower refers to the harvested and cured buds of the female cannabis plant—the beautiful and unique part of the plant that is most consumed for its psychotropic and therapeutic effects.
Cannabis flower contains plant compounds including cannabinoids and terpenes.
Cannabinoids are naturally occurring chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant that produce effects in our bodies. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the primary psychotropic compound that causes a “high.” CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive compound with potential therapeutic benefits. Other cannabinoids such as CBG, CBC, and CBN, may have their own effects and functions.
Terpenes are organic compounds responsible for the unique smells, effects, and tastes associated with different cannabis strains. Cannabis flower terpenes and cannabinoids interact with each other to create truly unique strains. Even different phenotypes of the same strain can vary what cannabinoids and terpenes are dominant in the final product. For example, when taking clones (the most common method of large-scale production) and the genetics are identical to the parent, growers see a variation in terp expression in the same strain due to environmental conditions.
Common forms of consuming cannabis flower are smoking, vaporizing, edibles that are infused with cannabis, tinctures, and topicals.
Cannabis flower comes in different strains that are often categorized into sativa, indica or hybrid depending on their effects, smells and appearances.
Landrace strains are naturally occurring strains that have undergone selective breeding and have been crossed with other strains for their desired effects or appearances. So, most cannabis strains today are hybrids that lean sativa or indica dominant.
Cannabis flower usually appears as dense, sticky buds that are clusters of small, individual flowers. The surface of these flowers is covered in trichomes. These tiny crystal-like structures contain cannabinoids and terpenes. Flower buds also contain stigmas. These resemble small hairs and have an orange or reddish color when they mature. The rest of the flower is typically green and or purple, making for a complex and colorful appearance.
In addition, there are differences in appearance between cannabis strains of sativa and indica plants that can be quite noticeable, especially when the plants are fully grown. These differences are largely due to their genetics and the environments in which they originally evolved.
Regardless of strain, the anatomy of a female cannabis plant includes several distinct parts. Understanding these parts is helpful whether you’re a grower, consumer, or just curious about how the plant works.
1. Cola
The cola is the cluster of buds (flower) that forms at the top of the main stem and branches. The main cola–also called the apical bud– forms at the very top and tends to be the largest and most resinous buds. The buds are the part of the female plant that are harvested, dried, and consumed.
2. Sugar Leaves
These are small leaves that grow out of the buds. They are coated in trichomes and are often trimmed off during harvest but can be used to make edibles or concentrates.
3. Pistils and Stigmas
Pistils are the female reproductive structures of a flower. They contain stigmas which are hair-like structures found on top of the cannabis flower. They start white and turn orange/red/brown as the plant matures. They collect pollen from male plants during reproduction, but in sinsemilla (seedless) cultivation, they remain unfertilized.
4. Trichomes
Trichomes are tiny, crystal-like glands that cover the buds, leaves, and stems. They contain the majority of the plant’s cannabinoids and terpenes. They appear as a frosty coating and are responsible for the plant’s stickiness and potency.
5. Calyx
The outer layer of the bud, made up of small, tear-shaped nodules, the calyx contains most of the plant’s trichomes and is the main structure of the flower.
6. Fan Leaves
Large, broad leaves with the iconic “marijuana leaf” shape, are essential for photosynthesis but contain very few cannabinoids. They are not consumed for psychoactive effects but are useful in identifying plant health.
7. Stem and Branches
The Stem or stalk is the central support structure of the plant. It transports water, nutrients, and sugars between the roots and other parts of the plant. Branches extend from the main stem and support colas and fan leaves.
8. Nodes & Internodes
Nodes are points where branches, leaves, or buds grow from the stem. Internodes are the spaces between nodes. Shorter internodes often mean denser bud growth. Buds form at nodes along the branches and main stem.
9. Roots
Roots absorb water and nutrients from the soil. They also anchor the plant and support overall growth and health. Healthy roots mean healthy buds!
Male cannabis plants are called hemp that do not produce cannabis flower and differ structurally and in what they are used for. Cannabis flower is found only in the female version of the plant.
Cannabis flower is the top-selling cannabis product in many legal states for a reason, because it is effective and not to mention attractive! Flower is also the source material used to safely manufacture and produce other cannabis products consumers want like edibles, concentrates, and cannabis oil for vapes.
If you are interested in trying Bud & Mary’s cannabis flower products, shop our cannabis strains available in Colorado or Michigan including Bud & Mary’s Curated flower. Or, if you are a purchaser or owner of a shop interested in carrying Bud & Mary’s flower, contact us to learn more.
