Cannabis Plant Anatomy and The Stages of Cannabis Growth

Do you want to learn about the structure and growth of the marijuana plant?

This understanding is necessary for boosting the plant's growth, wellness, and total output.

The Life Cycle of a Cannabis Plant

A marijuana plant's life cycle has four stages:

• Germination Stage: (3-10 Days) Where seeds start to germinate and grow into seedlings
• Seedling Stage: (2-3 Weeks) The Birth of a Cannabis Plant
• Vegetative Stage: (3-16 Weeks) A Period of Rapid Growth
• Flowering Stage: (8-11 Weeks) The Culmination of Growth

Anatomy Structure of a Cannabis Plant

Cannabis plants have a unique anatomy. It has three main parts: roots, buds/flowers, and leaves. These parts ensure the plant's health and growth.

Seeds – Where It All Begins

A cannabis plant begins its life as a seed. Each seed can grow into a whole plant. So, it is very valuable.

As it grows, new leaves emerge from the stem. They photosynthesize to supply energy for the plant's growth and development.

Stems – The Branches Of Life

The stem of a cannabis plant supports all above-ground parts. It carries water and nutrients up from the roots to feed all other parts of the plant.

Stems can be very thin and delicate or thick and sturdy. It depends on the strain, age, and other factors.

Roots – The Cannabis Plants Anchor

The roots anchor the plant in the soil or grow medium. They also support its structure. The main root grows downward. It branches off to form a web-like structure that absorbs water and nutrients from the soil.

Roots are vital for cannabis plants. They supply minerals for photosynthesis. The plant relies on these nutrients to survive, and without them, it cannot absorb them.

Buds/Flowers – Where THC is Produced

Cannabis buds grow at nodes, where leaves attach to the stem. Their size, color, and smell vary by strain. Trichomes are small glands that produce cannabinoids and terpenes. They produce THC and are the most crucial part of a cannabis bud.

Leaves – The Cannabis Plants Food Factory

Cannabis leaves are large and serrated. They are dark to light green, depending on the strain. Leaves are like solar panels. They collect light for photosynthesis. This process makes glucose, which fuels the plant.

Leaves help regulate temperature. They release water vapor when it gets too hot. They take up water when it gets too cold. Without healthy leaves, photosynthesis would be poor. The plant would then grow poorly and be unhealthy.

Parts of Cannabis Flower

The cannabis flower has various parts. They are the pistils, bracts, calyxes, trichomes, and resin.

Stigma and Pistil

The stigma and pistil are the reproductive parts of the cannabis flower. The stigma is a stalk-like structure at the flower's center. The pistil is a long, slender filament. It extends from the stigma's base to pollinate other flowers.

Trichomes and Resin

Trichomes are small hairlike fibers found on cannabis buds, stems, leaves, and roots. Trichomes have high levels of cannabinoids, including THC and CBD. They also contain terpenes, which produce unique scents and flavors. Resin is a sticky substance secreted by trichomes. It's what makes marijuana sticky to touch.

Bract and Calyx

The bract is a modified leaf that encases the cannabis flower. It's often confused with the calyx. The calyx is a small cup-like structure at the base of the pistil. It's where flowers develop and pollen accumulates.

Both parts are vital for reproduction. They protect the plant from harsh climates and pathogens. They also give us an indication of when marijuana plants are ready for harvest.

How to See if Your Cannabis Plant is Female or Male

To tell if your cannabis plant is male or female, look at the nodes on its stem.

Female plants have two thin hairs (stigmas) from a tear-shaped bulb (bract). Male plants have two to three pollen sacs surrounded by flowers (no stigmas). By 8 to 10 weeks after germination, the sex should be obvious and the flowering stage should be underway.

Plants can show both male and female signs. They are then called hermaphrodites. This can be due to genetics or stress during flowering. To lower the risk, it is best to choose a feminized autoflowering strain.

Female Cannabis Plant

The most valued cannabis plants are female. They produce the most potent buds. They have high levels of cannabinoids and terpenes. 

The regular and feminized seeds can be used to grow them. But, it’s crucial to keep a close eye on the plants when growing with regular seeds. This is because it may be necessary to remove any male plants to avoid pollination.

Female cannabis plants reach peak maturity at 8 to 10 weeks. They need good light, airflow, water, and nutrients to produce quality flowers.

To grow and produce buds, female cannabis plants do not need pollen from male plants. Growers need both male and female plants to crossbreed and create new strains.

Male Marijuana Plants: How to Use Them

Male cannabis plants are an important part of the cannabis life cycle. They produce pollen to fertilize female plants and propagate the species. Male weed plants have thicker stalks and fewer leaves. Their flowers are small, dangling, bell-shaped clusters. 

Some say male weed plants may create enjoyable effects. But researchers need to conduct more research to confirm this. Many things can use male marijuana plants. They can propagate the species, produce hemp fiber, and make hash and concentrates. They can also create edibles and cannabis juice/tea.

They can also use their seeds and roots. Thus, male cannabis plants are vital to the industry. They boost the longevity and growth of the entire plant community.

By-products of Cannabis Plants

We must study cannabis by-products to fully understand marijuana's anatomy and life cycles.

• Cannabis Buds: The bud, or cannabis bud, is the plant's reproductive organ. It is rich in cannabinoids, including THC and CBD.
• Cannabis Flower: The cannabis flower, a product of the flowering stage, is where the buds form. It is often used raw or as an ingredient in cannabis products.
• Cannabis Products: The cannabis plant offers much. Its oils are for medicine, and its edibles are for recreation. Each has unique benefits and uses.

A significant component of the cannabis plant’s allure is its unique, often pungent aroma. This smell comes from the aromatic oils or terpenes produced in the plant’s resin glands.

Conclusion

Cannabis is not just a plant. It has a diverse ecosystem. Cannabis offers many advantages. These include medical applications and involvement in multiple industries.

Growers who understand the structure and life processes of this plant can produce healthier crops. This leads to higher-grade cannabis products.