It is not clear why predominantly female plants produce glandular trichomes within their inflorescence structures. Illuminating the genetic underpinnings of this sexual dimorphism remains a challenge for further research. Glandular trichomes also develop on male flowers (Leme et al., 2020), albeit at lower density and probably with less phytocannabinoids. Understanding which genetic factors restrict the development of glandular trichomes largely to female inflorescences during flower development would provide a valuable resource for an increase of phytocannabinoid production.

5. The battle of the sexes: Sex determination in Cannabis