When growing cannabis, it’s crucial to differentiate between male and female plants. Male plants produce pollen that can fertilize female plants, resulting in the formation of seeds. This can be undesirable, particularly for growers aiming to produce sinsemilla, which are unfertilized female flowers with higher levels of cannabinoids. Distinguishing between male and female plants early on allows growers to remove males promptly, preventing pollination and ensuring a higher yield of potent buds.
Several key characteristics can help differentiate male from female cannabis plants. During the vegetative stage, male plants tend to grow taller and have longer internodal spacing, giving them a more stretched-out appearance. Female plants, on the other hand, are typically shorter and bushier, with shorter internodal spacing.