Pistil
Pistils are the reproductive organs of female cannabis plants, and play a crucial role in the plant's reproductive cycle. Each pistil consists of a stigma, style, and ovary. The stigma, typically hair-like and often vibrant in colour, is responsible for catching pollen from male plants. This pollen travels down the stigma to fertilise the ovary, which contains the female plant's genetic material. Once this process is complete, a seed will develop holding the genetic makeup of both the male and female plants.
In recreational cannabis cultivation, the terms pistil and stigma are often used interchangeably, although technically, the pistil refers to the entire structure while the stigma is just the hair-like growth.
Can you see the pistils on dried medical cannabis flower?
Yes, pistils can still be visible on dried medical cannabis flower.
They also serve as the first visual indicators of the plant's sex, maturity and readiness for harvest. Only female plants produce pistils, with male plants producing small pollen sacs. Once the flowers are harvested, dried, cured, and sent to the patient, the pistils may appear to be slightly shrivelled or discoloured compared to fresh flowers, but that is not a sign of poor quality.
Can the state of the pistils fully determine when the plant should be harvested?
No, while they do serve as a great initial indicator that the plant is coming to the end of its life cycle, they cannot solely determine when the plant should be harvested. The only way to really know when a plant is ready for harvest is to monitor the trichomes, which are tiny resin glands that produce cannabinoids and terpenes. These begin clear, but slowly change to 'cloudy' or 'milky', and then amber.
Is it safe to vaporise pistils as part of medical cannabis treatment?
Yes, as long as the medical cannabis has been prescribed by a specialist doctor listed on the General Medical Council Specialist Register. The pistils, along with the rest of the female cannabis flower, may contain high levels of cannabinoids and terpenes, so it is essential to follow the dosage and usage guidelines provided by your prescribing specialist.
To find out if you are eligible for medical cannabis treatment in the UK, check out our fast and free medical cannabis eligibility checker.
If you would like to learn more about medical cannabis in the UK, Releaf is here to help. In addition to this medical cannabis glossary, we have an extensive blog and education hub to explore, both filled with resources that UK medical cannabis patients, prescribers, and educators have been asking for.