Single trichome phytocannabinomics of two different cannabis varieties

Area of Science:

• Plant Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Pharmacognosy

Background:

• Cannabis sativa L. produces a complex array of phytocannabinoids within glandular trichomes.
• Previous studies often analyzed pooled trichome fractions, limiting single-unit chemical profiling.
• Understanding cannabinoid distribution at the cellular level is crucial for cannabis research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate phytocannabinoid profiles at the single glandular trichome level in Cannabis sativa L.
• To compare single-trichome profiles with whole inflorescence profiles.
• To identify and quantify cannabinoids and flavonoids in individual trichomes.

Main Methods:

• Untargeted metabolomics (phytocannabinomics) applied to individual glandular trichomes.
• Analysis of both a medicinal cannabis variety (FM2) and a high-CBD hemp variety.
• Comparison with analysis of whole inflorescence samples.

Main Results:

• Identification of nearly 70 phytocannabinoids in single trichomes, a significant advancement.
• Similar cannabinoid profiles (number and distribution) observed in single trichomes and whole inflorescences.
• Consistent CBD to THC ratios across both sample types, indicating genetic control.
• Discovery of characteristic cannabis flavonoids (cannflavin A, B, C) within isolated trichomes.

Conclusions:

• Single-trichome analysis provides unprecedented insights into cannabis chemical diversity.
• Cannabinoid profiles are largely dictated by genetic chemotype, with minor variations due to biological factors.
• The presence of bioactive flavonoids in trichomes expands understanding of cannabis metabolite distribution.