A powdery substance produced by the reproductive organs of the male cannabis plant. Cannabis pollen contains the genetic matter necessary to fertilize the female cannabis plant, which allows them to produce seeds, which are essential to breeding and cultivating cannabis.
The anthers opened and released pollen from the marijuana pollen sacs, which had a dusty, powdery consistency.
The grower used the male cannabis pollen to fertilize his female plants—and grow a new batch of seeds in the process.
What does marijuana pollen look like?
Marijuana pollen has a dusty, powdery appearance of a fine consistency. The pollen may have a grainy or yellowish tint that resembles a lighter shade of cornmeal.
How is pollen transferred in marijuana plants?
When plants are kept outdoors, pollen spreads naturally through air and via animals — but indoor growers will need to deliberately catch pollen from the male plant and place it on the female stigmas in order to fertilize the female plant.
When do male cannabis plants release pollen?
Male cannabis plants release pollen approximately 4 to 5 weeks after flowering. At this point, the pollen is ready to fertilize the female marijuana plant.
Photo by: Gina Coleman/WeedmapsImage lightbox
Can you smoke pollen from male plants?
While you can technically smoke the pollen of a male plant, it contains much lower levels of the intoxicating cannabinoid THC. So, if you are seeking a psychoactive high, male pollen would not be the obvious choice.
How to collect pollen
Collecting cannabis pollen is a process that you should begin as soon as the sacs start to open up and flower. Take a whole male flower cluster and remove it from the plant, then keep it sealed in a storage container for several days.
How to store pollen
Storing cannabis pollen after the flower cluster has dried in your storage container requires a few more materials. Place your dry cluster over a micron screen with wax or parchment paper on the bottom to ensure that any excess moisture is absorbed. For long-term storage you might want to mix a little flour in with the pollen. The flour will help keep your pollen dry, as any moisture will damage the pollen's viability. Keep in a cold place, such as the freezer, in a sealed storage bag.