Distinguishing the sex of a cannabis plant is a critical step in successful cultivation. This process relies on identifying pre-flowers, the earliest indicators of a plant’s gender, which emerge at the nodes where branches meet the main stem. Male plants will exhibit small, pollen-filled sacs, whereas female plants will display wispy, white pistils (stigmas) emerging from a small, teardrop-shaped calyx.
Accurate sex determination prevents unwanted pollination. When male plants pollinate female plants, the females dedicate their energy to seed production rather than bud development, significantly reducing the yield and potency of the harvest. Historically, cultivators relied on observation during the flowering stage, but identifying pre-flowers allows for early removal of male plants, conserving resources and maximizing the production of high-quality, seedless buds.