Sessile Vs Stalked Glands

Cannabis trichomes—the resin-producing glands covering flowers and leaves—exist in two primary morphological forms: sessile and stalked. Sessile glands sit directly on the plant surface without a stem, while stalked glands rest atop a cellular stalk or pedicel, elevating them above the epidermis. These structural differences affect trichome visibility, fragility, and resin accessibility during handling and processing. Lineage records and microscopy studies indicate that trichome morphology is heritable, with some cultivar families consistently expressing one form over the other. Breeders and researchers examining cannabinoid and terpene distribution have noted these glands may accumulate secondary metabolites differently based on their architecture.

Breeders working with hash production, full-spectrum extraction, and breeding for mechanical harvesting often consider trichome morphology as a selection trait, since stalked glands are typically more easily separated from plant material. Cultivar families with predominantly stalked trichomes have been preferred in certain hash-making and solventless extraction programs.