Written by Joshua Sosin

Cannabis Sativa is one of the most recognizable and widely cultivated plants in the world.

With its iconic leaves, unique growth structure, and resinous buds, cannabis is definitely visually striking, but its appearance can change as it grows and develops.

Here's everything you need to know about what cannabis plants look like at different stages in their life cycle.

Table of Contents

• The Basic Structure of a Cannabis Plant

• Cannabis Cultivation Life Cycle

• Recognizing Male or Female Plants

• What Do Cannabis Leaves Look Like?

• The Appearance of Cannabis Buds

• What Do Trichomes Look Like?

• Final Thoughts

The Basic Structure of a Cannabis Plant

A plant in the hemp family has a few key components:

• Roots – Anchor the plant and absorb water and nutrients from the soil.

• Stem and Branches – Support the leaves and buds, transporting essential nutrients.

• Leaves – Fan-shaped and serrated, they help the plant photosynthesize.

• Nodes – Points where branches and leaves emerge from the main stem.

• Buds (Flowers) – The most sought-after part of the plant, containing cannabinoids like THC and CBD.

• Trichomes – Tiny, crystal-like structures covering the buds that produce resin and contribute to THC potency

The Life Cycle of a Cannabis Plant

Cannabis grows in distinct stages, and each stage changes the way the plant looks

• Seedling Stage (Week 1-3): A small, delicate sprout with its first set of leaves.

• Vegetative Growth Stage (Week 3-8+): The plant grows taller, producing more branches and iconic fan leaves.

• Pre-Flowering Stage (Week 8-10): The plant begins showing signs of sex, developing either pollen sacs (male) or pistils (female).

• Flowering Stage (Week 10+): Female plants develop buds covered in trichomes, while male plants produce pollen sacs.

• Harvest Stage: Mature cannabis plants have thick, resinous buds ready for trimming and curing.

Recognizing Male vs. Female Cannabis Plants

Even though they're technically the same plant, male and female cannabis flowers look different. Here are the main distinctions that set them apart:

• Male Plants: Produce small, round pollen sacs at the nodes; do not develop smokable buds.

• Female Plants: Grow white pistils (hair-like structures) that eventually turn into resinous buds.

• Hermaphrodites: Contain both male and female characteristics and can self-pollinate.

What Do Cannabis Leaves Look Like?

Cannabis leaves are one of the most iconic parts of the plant. Here's what they look like:

• Fan Leaves: Large, serrated, and typically with five to nine fingers.

• Sugar Leaves: Small leaves growing close to the buds, coated in trichomes.

• Color Variations: While typically green, some strains produce purple, blue, or red-tinged leaves.

What Do Cannabis Buds Look Like?

• Shape and Density: Buds vary in size and shape depending on the strain. Indica strains tend to produce dense, compact buds, while Sativa strains often have airy, elongated buds.

• Color: Buds can range from deep green to purple, orange, or even pink, often with vibrant pistils.

• Texture: Sticky to the touch due to trichomes.

What Do Trichomes Look Like?

Trichomes are microscopic, crystal-like glands covering the surface of the buds and sugar leaves:

• Clear Trichomes: Immature, not fully developed.

• Cloudy Trichomes: Indicate peak cannabinoid production, ideal for harvesting.

• Amber Trichomes: Signal that THC is degrading, leading to a more relaxing effect.

Find High-Quality Weed in the Mood Shop

Now that you know a bit more about what weed looks like throughout its natural life cycle, it's time to experience it for yourself.

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