Trichomes are external, delicate structures on the cannabis plant that produce secondary metabolites. They arise from a series of anticlinal and periclinal divisions of epidermal cells to form globular and non-glandular appendages which protect the leaf from UV, water loss, and insect or animal destruction. Though many compounds are produced in this structure, the ones most valued in the cannabis industry are terpenes and cannabinoids. Terpenes are highly volatile organic compounds found in various plants that lend aroma and flavor. Mechanical handling and drying conditions in post-harvest can heavily impact trichome cuticle integrity. Trichome Integrity refers to the preservation and protection of trichomes. Maintaining trichome integrity is crucial throughout the cultivation, harvesting, and processing stages to ensure the quality and potency of the final product. When trichomes remain intact, they can better protect the valuable compounds within from degradation and loss.
Vaportrol Technology is proven to preserve trichome structure better than traditional post harvest methods, leading to cannabis with higher terpene retention.
A trichome head can be theorized to be similar to a balloon. The problem arises when the drying environment isn’t stable. Imagine a room where the air conditioner kicks on, dropping the temperature and dew point, and then the dehumidifier roars to life, drastically changing the humidity. This constant fluctuation in the environment creates a roller coaster for the trichomes. They’re constantly being stressed as their cuticles expand and contract in response to the shifting vapor pressure. As pressure is manipulated in the drying environment by a change in dew point, the cuticle will expand and contract. This constant movement (dictated by the drying environment setpoints and equipment capabilities) alongside the rapid drop in water content can cause rupture of the cuticle, and when the cuticle breaks, it’s like popping that balloon. The terpenes, responsible for the aroma and flavor, start to evaporate and are lost. Cannabinoids, like THC and CBD, can also degrade, diminishing the potency and altering the desired effects.
Essentially, you’re losing the very compounds that make your cannabis special. When the trichome head properly cures in a consistent, equalized environment, the cuticle has time to stabilize and thicken.
The images below taken by the Cannabis Research Coalition, demonstrate that 20-30% of the trichomes are ruptured during traditional post harvest processing, while the trichomes in the Cannatrol system show only 1-2% damage. These ruptured trichomes ‘leak’ terpenes and volatize before they can be consumed.
The image on the left is of a ruptured trichome from flower that was dried and cured in a traditional 60/60 room. The image on the right shows an undamaged trichome from a Cannatrol system.
Cannatrol Systems literally seal in terpenes.
If you’re serious about growing or processing cannabis, pay close attention to your drying environment. Avoid large swings in temperature and humidity. Strive for a consistent, equalized environment that allows the trichomes to cure while preserving their precious cargo and ensuring a high-quality final product. Don’t let your trichomes burst like a balloon – nurture them through a gentle and stable drying process to unlock their full potential!
