By Luke Sumpter


How would you feel if you entered your grow room one morning and noticed that most of your colas had turned bright white? Would you be worried and concerned about the health of your plants? Or would you see it as a cause for celebration?

Here at Royal Queen Seeds, we often become elated when our customers send us pictures of their white-tipped buds. Of course, some cultivators ask us whether they should take immediate action to remedy this perceived issue.

That question isn’t totally strange, though. When thinking of health cannabis plants, most of us picture large and luscious fan leaves, thick health stems, and dark green or purple buds with spatters or trichomes and pistils. Considering that, seeing bright white tips form often raises the alarm. White tips have several causes. Sometimes the phenomenon indicates huge levels of desirable phytochemicals such as cannabinoids and terpenes. In other instances, white flowers are a sign of stress and damage.

Continue reading to discover the multiple root causes of white tips, when to celebrate, and when to take action.

White Tips May Possess Higher Levels of Trichomes

The emergence of white-tipped cannabis flowers appears to be a fairly recent phenomenon. Growers all over the world have cultivated the herb for decades without white tips being mentioned, and landrace strains seldom carry this trait.

So, why have bright white tips suddenly started popping up over the last few years? The answer seems to lie in new growing technologies that have managed to unlock this botanical trait. Although numerous growers have reported white tips, the occurrence started to enter the mainstream when a grower, photographer, and scientist joined forces to get to the bottom of it.

The Curious Story of Susan Gress

As a veteran cannabis cultivator, Susan Gress knew exactly what healthy and vibrant cannabis buds looked like. Typically, colas feature a bulbous bottom and a tapered top. They also feature dark green or purple tissue contrasted by evenly spread crystalline trichomes, and dark orange pistils. After bringing a routine cannabis crop into the late flowering stage, Gress noticed a strange happening that made her question the health of her crop—the tips of her colours were turning a brilliant white.

Baffled, Gress sought counsel from two experts for an explanation as to what could be causing the unusual aesthetic display. She called in her friend and photographer Bob Montoya to take a closer look. Armed with a powerful macro lens and professional camera, he snapped some close up images of the white tips.

White Tips May Possess Higher Levels of Trichomes

After reviewing the pictures, Montoya noticed that—despite their bright white appearance—both the buds and the plants as a whole looked healthy. He simply informed Gress that the colour seemed to be a result of a massive productive of trichomes—which stirred plenty of excitement!

Before settling for such a positive outcome, Gress decided to get a second opinion. Who better to analise the specimens, she thought, than neurologist and cannabis expert Dr Ethan Russo? Russo has published groundbreaking literature in the field of cannabis science, including works that broke down all of the major constituents of the cannabis plant[1] and changed the face of strain classification[2].

After inspecting the flowers, Russo reached a similar conclusion—the plants looked completely healthy. The odd aesthetics seemed to be a result of sky-high trichome production. These findings motivated Gress to bring a sample of the buds to a testing facility. The results showed significant concentrations of phytochemicals such as THC and terpenes, further evidence that trichomes were the cause.

What are Trichomes?

Why would a huge surge in trichome production be such a big deal? Well, trichomes underpin the cannabis experience. These structures churn out cannabinoids, like THC, and determine the potency and effects of cannabis strains. If researchers identify the mechanism behind increased production, it could change cannabis growing methods forever.

You’re probably familiar with the small crystal-like dots visible on the surface of cannabis flowers. These are the trichomes—small mushroom-shaped glands that exude a viscous resin. This substance contains a vast array of interesting chemicals, including cannabinoids and terpenes. In nature, these substances help plants to protect themselves against insects and extreme temperatures. For us humans, they serve as the source of chemicals that underpin enjoyable recreational highs and relief.

The more trichomes a flower possesses, the more resin it would exude and the more potent it will be—precisely why “sticky” flowers have gained a reputation in the world of cannabis.

White tips cannabis
White tips cannabis

What Causes Enhanced Trichome Production?

Are white-tipped flowers the result of rare and freaky genetic mutations? Or can environmentally factors be tweaked in order to increase the probability of development? Gress believes her white colas are the result of LED lighting.

LED lights are a relatively modern development in the world of cannabis cultivation. These light sources utilise specific spectrums of light aimed and optimising cannabis growth. Gress came to the conclusion that her new LED set up triggered white tips to form, and other growers that experience white tips report the same.

LED lights also offer a range of additional benefits, including:

  • Low heat
  • More efficient to run
  • Less stretching and more structurally sound plants

White Tips vs Heat Stress & Bleaching

Remember, whites tips aren’t always a sight to behold. Sometimes, they can indicate stress and damage. If colas are left to grow too close to a light source, they’ll be exposed to uncomfortable levels of heat. This can literally “burn” the tips and result in a white discolouration.

However, growers can easily differentiate heat-stressed buds from trichome-heavy tips. These flowers have a wilted look and will sit among yellow and curled sugar leaves and fan leaves. In contrast, buds with white tips maintain a healthy appearance and dark green foliage.

Although burned plants look dissimilar to true white-tipped specimens, bleached buds look much more alike. Bleaching also occurs due to heat stress, but flowers look much more healthy at first glance. Bleached buds also possess bright white tips, but not because of increased trichome production. Rather, the actual tissue of the flower turns bright white.

Bleached flowers take on their appearance due to physical damage, which also decreases terpene and trichome production. True white-tipped flowers still develop their unique colour when positioned a safe distance from a light source.

White Tips vs Albino Plants

Just like some animals and humans, also cannabis plants exhibit albinism. This trait rarely shows up, but when it does, it creates an absolutely beautiful sight in the grow room and garden. This stunning colour stems from a lack of the chlorophyll pigmentation that gives cannabis plants their green colour. Albinism results from a genetic mutation, whereas white-tipped buds emerged due to environmental factors.

You Should Be Excited About White Tips!

Do you have white tips developing in your grow room? Some growers would be jealous! After ruling about light stress, albinism, and bleaching, you should be proud of your achievement! If your plants are positioned at a safe distance from good-quality LED lights, chances are you’re in for a cannabinoid-rich treat!

External Resources:
  1. Cannabis Pharmacology: The Usual Suspects and a Few Promising Leads - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. The Cannabis sativa Versus Cannabis indica Debate: An Interview with Ethan Russo, MD https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources.

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Privacy Policy - Royal Queen Seeds

To ensure a safe online environment and guarantee adequate data protection, we strictly comply with all legal requirements. In this privacy statement, we provide information about how and for what purpose data is collected, safety measures, storage periods and contact details.


COMPANY NAME: SNORKEL SPAIN, SL (hereinafter ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS)

C/ Vilar d'Abdelà, 5 (nave 1) CP: 08170 de Montornès del Vallès

+34 937 379 846

support@royalqueenseeds.com


The present Privacy Policy sets out the terms on which we will treat personal data at ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS; this includes any personal data collected through our website https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/ as well as any other data we process in the course of our business activities.

ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS collects the following personal data for the purposes listed below:

SECTION 1 – PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT

1.1 Account purchases

Account purchases can only be made if you are in possession of a personal account. When you create an account or purchase something from our shop, as part of the buying and selling process we collect the following personal information that you provide to us:

This information is required for delivery. In addition, when you browse our shop, we automatically receive the Internet Protocol (IP) address of your computer. Based on this information, we can optimise your online experience and at the same time protect our online environment.

Purpose of data collection

We collect and store account-related data for the following purposes:

(a) to carry out obligations arising from any contracts between you and us, and to provide you with information, products and services that you may request from us;

(b) to set up, manage and communicate with you about your account and your orders;

(c) to conduct market research and analysis;

(d) to confirm your age and identity, and to detect and prevent fraud.

1.2 Newsletters

With your explicit permission, we may send you newsletters about our shop, new products and other updates. We send newsletters based on your explicit consent. In the event that you purchase a product, and in accordance with current regulations, we may send you commercial communications in accordance with the legitimate interest of our company, always about products or services similar to those you have purchased or contracted. In any case, you may exercise your right of opposition through the channels announced in this Privacy Policy. The following information is collected in relation to the newsletter:

We do not need to know the sex of the person in order to send the newsletter (data minimisation: by law we must ask for data that is strictly necessary to provide the service, and in this case knowing the sex is not necessary to send the newsletter).

Purpose of data collection

The data collected is used to:

(a) personalise our emails, including your name and gender;

(b) provide gender-specific content.

You can withdraw your consent at any time by using the link provided in the newsletter or the contact information provided in section 2.

1.3 Customer service and contact form

In order to provide appropriate support, our customer service employees have access to information related to the account. Consequently, their support will be highly effective and friendly. The data provided in our contact form is used by our CRM provider, SuperOffice. We will only use your details to respond to your message.

SECTION 2 – LEGITIMATE INTEREST

If you have purchased any of our products, please note that we may process your personal data for promotional purposes, based on Royal Queen Seeds' legitimate interest only to offer you products or services from our company and about products or services similar to those you have purchased. You may exercise your right to opt out of future messages by the means set out in this Privacy Policy or through any notification you receive.

2.1 How do you withdraw consent?

If you change your mind, you can withdraw your consent for us to contact you for the purpose of collecting, using, or disclosing your data at any time by reaching out to us at: support@royalqueenseeds.com.

SECTION 3 – DISCLOSURE

We may disclose your personal information if we are required to do so by law or if you breach our Terms of Service.

SECTION 4 – HOW LONG DO WE KEEP YOUR DATA?

At Royal Queen Seeds, we will not retain your data for longer than is necessary for the purposes described in this Policy. Different retention periods apply for different types of data; however, the longest period we will normally hold any personal data is 10 years.

4.1 Account information

Data relating to the account remains relevant for as long as the consumer is in possession of an account. Therefore, the data remains documented for as long as the account exists. When our customers delete an account, the associated data will be deleted within a reasonable period of time. Requests regarding the inspection or correction of stored personal data or the deletion of an account can be sent to support@royalqueenseeds.com.

4.2 Newsletters

In the event that you give us your consent to inform you about our products or services, we will keep your data until you express your wish not to receive any further communications from us. However, we regularly (every month) carry out a relevance check. Registered customers (and their personal information) will be deleted whenever customers do not reply to our request. In addition, our newsletter mailing has an opt-out feature. Consumers can withdraw their consent by using this opt-out feature.

SECTION 5 – COOKIES

Cookies are small information files that notify your computer of previous interactions with our website. These cookies are stored on your hard drive, not on our website. Essentially, when you use our website, your computer displays its cookies to us, informing our site that you have visited before. This allows our website to function more quickly and remember aspects related to your previous visits (such as your username), making your experience more convenient. At Royal Queen Seeds, we use two types of cookies: functional and analytical.

5.1 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies are used to enhance your online experience. Among other things, these cookies track what is added to your shopping cart. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

5.2 Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies are used for research and market analysis. The data collected with these analytical cookies is anonymous, making it unusable for third parties. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

SECTION 5 – THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Third-party services are required to conduct transactions and provide our services. In general, the third-party providers we use will only collect, use and disclose your information to the extent necessary to enable them to perform the services they provide to us.

However, certain third-party service providers, such as payment gateways and other payment transaction processors, have their own privacy policies regarding the information we must provide to them for your transactions.

We encourage you to read the privacy policies of these providers so that you can understand how these providers will handle your personal information.

In particular, certain suppliers may be located or have facilities located in a different jurisdiction than yours or ours. Therefore, if you choose to proceed with a transaction involving the services of a third party, your information may be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which that service provider or its facilities are located.

Once you leave our website or are redirected to a third-party website or application, you are no longer governed by this Privacy Policy or the Terms of Service of our website.

Web analytics service (anonymous data)

On this website we have integrated an element of a web analytics service (with anonymisation functionality). Web analytics can be defined as the gathering, processing and analysis of data about the behaviour of visitors to websites. An analytics service collects, among other things, data about which website a person came from (the so-called referrer), which sub-pages they visited or how often and for how long they visited a sub-page. Web analytics is mainly used for website optimisation and for a cost–benefit analysis of internet advertising.

Courier service

To complete deliveries we use a courier service. This courier service carries out the delivery between our company and the consumer's home. To complete these logistics, the company requires access to the consumer's name and address information.

Mailing service

Royal Queen Seeds uses a third-party mail service provider to send its newsletter. This provider has access to limited account information related to opt-in consent (e.g. email address).

Marketing services

Royal Queen Seeds has the support of a company that specialises in marketing and communication activities. Their access to personal information is very limited and mostly anonymous.

Payment services

At Royal Queen Seeds we use external payment services to handle our transactions (e.g. credit card payments).

SECTION 6 – SECURITY

To protect your personal information, we take reasonable precautions and follow industry standard best practices to ensure that it is not inappropriately lost, misused, accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed.

If you provide us with your credit card information, the information is encrypted using secure socket layer technology (SSL) and stored using AES-256 encryption. Although no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, we follow all PCI-DSS requirements and implement additional industry standards that are commonly accepted. Information related to the account is protected with a hashing method. This method transforms the information into a generated hash. As a result, confidential information is protected and invisible, even to us. In addition, our databases are exceptionally protected against unauthorised access. For example, access to the database is only possible and permitted via approved IP addresses (e.g. from Royal Queen Seeds headquarters). Other attempts and addresses are rejected at all times.

Furthermore, data is anonymised as much as possible, so it cannot be directly linked to a specific consumer. With this data, however, we may be able to carry out market research and analysis. In addition, the third parties concerned (e.g. mailing service) are examined prior to our collaboration, comply with the GDPR from the EU and receive a processing agreement. Within Royal Queen Seeds, employees are assigned different access permissions. Specific permission provides access only to information that is strictly required to perform a task. Digital security measures are subject to change and must meet high requirements to ensure the safety of online customers. That is why, at Royal Queen Seeds, we appoint a security officer. Regular verification and improvement of security measures (where necessary) are part of the role.

SECTION 7 – CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time, so please check back regularly. Changes and clarifications will be effective immediately upon being published on the Website. If we make substantial changes to this policy, we will notify you here that it has been updated so you will know what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances, if any, we use and/or disclose it.

SECTION 8 – YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: