Cannabis seeds: Seeds are the foundation of the plant. They must be germinated to sprout and grow a taproot, which then becomes the main root that anchors the cannabis plant.
Roots: Roots are the lifelines of the cannabis plant. They pull in water and oxygen for the rest of the plant.
Cannabis flower: The most popular component of the cannabis plant, cannabis flowers are usually in the form of a dense nug, and covered with a frosty layer known as trichomes.
Trichomes: Trichomes protect the cannabis plant from stressors and contain resinous glands that create flavonoids, cannabinoids, and terpenes. They look like frost resting on top of the cannabis flower.
Cannabinoids: Cannabinoids include CBD, THC, CBG, CBN, and others. Cannabinoids are active compounds of the cannabis plant, responsible for the effects of consumed cannabis. There are actually cannabinoids in many plants, including clove, black pepper, Echinacea, broccoli, ginseng, and carrots. Fun fact: The human body produces cannabinoids as well through the endocannabinoid system.
Terpenes: Terpenes are the aromatic compounds that give cannabis different scents. Terpenes protect the plant from insects and also drive the effects of consumed cannabis.
Flavonoids: Flavonoids are pharmacologically active compounds in the cannabis plant that impact the pigmentation of the plant. They are also known to contribute to the effects of consumed cannabis.
Colas: Colas are the main body of the flowered cannabis plant where stems and leaves are attached.
Stem: The stem is the main support structure of the cannabis plant. It receives fluids and nutrients from the roots and then transports these out to the rest of the plant.
Bracts: Bracts are small leaves that protect the reproductive cells of the female plant by surrounding and shielding them. The best example: when a female plant is exposed to male pollen, the small leaves move in to surround and protect the cells.
Nodes: Nodes are where male plants grow their pollen sacs. They are located where the stem and leaf intersect.
Fan leaves: Fan leaves are essential to the plant because they enable the plant to receive light, which is essential to their growth and health.
Sugar leaves: Slightly different from fan leaves, sugar leaves are found throughout the colas. They’re typically trimmed off the cannabis flower, so they aren’t seen attached. They’re called sugar leaves because they capture trichomes which cover them up.
Pistil: The pistil contains the reproductive parts of the cannabis flower.
Stigmas: These are the hair-like strands of the pistil and serve to collect male pollen.
The entire cannabis plant — from seed to root to stems — serves a purpose for us as well as our environment. With a myriad of uses like medicine, housing, food and fuel, its value is boundless.