The Cannabis Plant

Sexes

High quality male plants play an important role in cannabis breeding. Males are also a great source of hemp fibre and can be used as a natural pesticide and repellent against pests.
Females are the stars of breeding successful cannabis strains. Once fully grown, they flower with cannabis buds which are then taken through the drying process to prepare for the market.

Cola (Terminal Bud)

The cola refers to a cluster of buds that grow tightly together, the largest one located on the top of the adult female plant. The plant may also contain smaller cola's down the stem but the main one is at the top.

Bract and Calyx

A bract contains the female's reproductive parts, appearing as tiny leaves called sugar leaves covered in resin glands that produce the highest concentration of cannabinoids. Enclosed by these bractsis the calyx, referring to a translucent layer over the ovule at the flower's base.

Stigma and Pisitl

The stigmas of the pistil begin as white then gradually darken to a yelow, orange, red, or brown colour as the plant matures. The pistil contains the reproductive parts of the flower and the stigmas are the vibrant, hairlike strands that are connected to the bud. Stigmas serve to collect pollen from males.

Trichome

Trichomes originally developed in order to protect the plant against predators and Earth's elements. This resin (or kief when dried) is secreted through translucent mushroom-shapred glands on the leaves, stems and calyxes. These clear bulbous globes secrete oils called terpenes as well as cannabinoids (like THC and CBD).
Hash production depends on these trichomes and their sugar-like resin.