Stamen

Each stamen consists of a filament (stalk) and an anther (the pollen-containing sac at the tip). Male cannabis plants develop clusters of stamens at their nodes, which mature and open over a period of days to weeks. When the anthers split open, they release clouds of fine, powdery pollen into the air. This pollen can travel considerable distances on wind currents, which is why a single overlooked male plant can pollinate females across an entire grow room or outdoor garden.

For consumers and flower growers, stamens represent a concern rather than a benefit. Pollen from stamens fertilizes female flowers, causing them to produce seeds instead of concentrating energy on resin production. This results in seeded buds with lower cannabinoid content and a harsher, less pleasant smoking experience. This is why growers remove male plants (identified by their stamen clusters) as early as possible. Breeders, however, carefully preserve selected male plants for their stamens, using their pollen to create new crosses and develop new genetics.