Modern Marijuana Cultivars Have Larger, More Productive Trichomes Than Traditional Strains, Study Finds

Conducted by researchers at Southern Cross University, the study examined high-THC or CBD modern drug cultivars alongside traditional landrace strains. The analysis utilized fluorescent light microscopy, targeted metabolite profiling, and quantitative proteomics to assess differences in trichome morphology and metabolic function. Results showed that modern cultivars produce larger trichomes with more secretory cells, which correlates with their higher concentrations of cannabinoids like THC and CBD, as well as terpenes. Proteomic analysis revealed that these modern trichomes exhibit greater metabolic activity, especially in pathways linked to lipid metabolism and energy production—key factors in the biosynthesis of phytocannabinoids.

Using Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA), the researchers also identified several key hub proteins associated with high levels of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA). These include histone H2A (H2AXA), a protein involved in DNA repair; Regulator of Fatty-Acid Composition 3 (RFC3), related to plastid development; and olivetolic acid cyclase (OAC), which plays a direct role in cannabinoid biosynthesis.

The findings suggest that the drive for more potent marijuana cultivars has led to selection for trichome traits that directly support higher cannabinoid output. The authors say these insights could help guide future breeding and biotechnological efforts to further enhance cannabinoid production in commercial marijuana strains.