The Risks of Consuming Mold-Infested Cannabis

 

Is Mold on Weed Dangerous?

Smoking moldy weed can be hazardous to your health. With combustion comes the release of spores and the risk of allergic and adverse reactions.

Keep reading for more info on the dangers of moldy cannabis, plus the answers to some commonly asked questions.

 

What Happens if You Smoke Moldy Weed?

Smoking moldy marijuana can cause severe symptoms, particularly in immunocompromised individuals, asthmatics, and people with allergies.

These symptoms include:

• Upper respiratory distress
• Wheezing
• Lethargy
• Brain fog
• Fatigue
• Coughing
• Chest pain
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Lung infection
• Brain infection
• Sinus pain

Therefore, it’s recommended not to smoke any cannabis with mold on or in it. While the risk of adverse symptoms is low for healthy individuals, those with undiagnosed allergies or immunodeficiencies could experience more severe side effects.

 

Can You Cook With It?

It’s generally not a good idea to cook with moldy cannabis or marijuana-infused products. Doing so could inadvertently release thousands of mold spores and toxins that are harmful to your health.

 

Do Vapes Get Moldy?

Yes, vape pens can grow mold on the insides of their tanks. At that point, they aren’t safe to use. Vaping requires heating cannabis flower or oil, which can release spores that can be toxic and lead to lung infections or worse when inhaled.

 

How to Identify Moldy Weed

Marijuana plants come in various colors, so it can be challenging for the untrained eye to tell the difference between healthy buds and moldy ones. Sometimes, a plant’s “trichomes” — the small hairs that grow on buds and leaves — even look like mold to the naked eye.

But if you know how to recognize the telltale signs of mold, you’ll be able to spot it when it appears.

 

What Does Moldy Weed Look Like?

The mold that grows on marijuana tends to have a white or grayish appearance, sometimes with dark spots. You might also see a white, brown, or black fuzz growing inside the buds.

The easiest way to tell the difference between mold and trichomes is to look at whether the fuzz changes color on different parts of the plant. Trichomes almost always have a uniform color across the plant, while mold does not.

Mold can grow on edible products like gummies and cookies, too. It usually comes in the form of a white, powdery substance, similar to the mold that grows on other foods. Moldy edibles like candy, brownies, etc., are not safe for ingestion.

 

What Does Moldy Weed Smell Like?

It tends to have an odd, funky, and somewhat offensive odor. Some describe the smell as musty, old, and mildewy, while others compare it to urine, sweat, or wet hay.

The smell is so distinct that many people use it to determine whether their weed is moldy or not. However, it’s important to note that weed can have a normal smell and be contaminated with mold or mildew, as certain types of mold do not produce odors until the advanced stages of development.

 

What Does Moldy Weed Taste Like?

Moldy marijuana has a metallic, chemical, and bitter taste that many find unappealing. In some cases, it may have a rotten taste to it.

 

How to Avoid Buying Moldy Weed

Always get your marijuana from a credible source, like your favorite cannabis dispensary. Verify the smell and appearance of any cannabis flower before purchase.

Even if you’re not sure, ask. Budtenders are knowledgeable about the various types of cannabis products available at their location. Most have no problem allowing patients and recreational users to verify the quality of their buds.

 

 

How to Choose the Right Dispensary

With new dispensaries popping up almost daily in some areas, it can be confusing to know which you can rely on for the marijuana treatments and products you desire. Regardless of the number of cannabis dispensaries near you, it’s best to do some research to ensure you don’t end up with poor-quality or moldy weed.

When it comes to choosing a marijuana dispensary or cannabis treatment center, it’s essential to consider the following factors:

• Customer reviews can help you save time, money, and headaches when trying to find a credible dispensary. Go online and ask friends, colleagues, and fellow customers about their experiences at different locations and keep their input in mind as you make your decision.
• Location is incredibly important. Whether you use cannabis to manage your health or to simply chill, it’s nice to be able to visit a dispensary nearby.
• Product quality varies among dispensaries. Some places have a great product selection, while others may leave much to be desired. Don’t settle for places that offer low-quality products because they have a good mix of your favorite items. Any dispensary worth your time and money should carry a diverse selection of high-quality marijuana products.
• Helpful staff: Budtenders or cannabis pharmacists should know the types of products offered at their dispensaries. Before purchasing anything, ask questions to determine the freshness, potency, grower, and strain benefits and risks. They should be able to provide clear and full details about all cultivation practices used for their products, regardless of manufacturer.

 

How to Prevent Mold from Growing on Your Weed

Here are a few steps you can take to prevent your marijuana from growing mold or mildew:

Store it in airtight containers: When choosing storage containers for your cannabis, it’s imperative to use canisters that are resistant to heat, water, and air. Mason jars are one good option. If you’re not sure how to store cannabis, don’t hesitate to ask your caregiver or friendly budtender.

Regulate the temperature: The optimal temperature range to prevent mold growth is below 80℉. Mold and mildew thrive in environments with >80℉ temperatures, so keeping your storage space cooler than that can help to prevent fungus.

Keep it in a dry place: Mold needs a humidity level of no less than 15 percent in order to survive on a cannabis plant or in just about any other environment. If you can’t control the relative humidity level in your storage area, airtight storage containers and humidity packs can prevent moisture from reaching the buds.

Does Light Prevent Mold from Growing on Weed?

Surprisingly, mold only requires moisture and oxygen to thrive. It doesn’t really matter what type of light environment you store your cannabis in; mold and mildew can still grow.

That said, it’s best to keep your stash in the darkest place possible to prevent it from losing its potency and freshness.

 

Can You Fix Moldy Weed or Salvage It?

There really isn’t anything you can do to salvage moldy weed. Your first thought may be to remove the moldy portions so you can use the rest, but doing so is risky and can be hazardous to your health.

Does Decarboxylating Kill the Mold that Grows on Marijuana?

Decarboxylating can kill mold, but it does not eliminate the risks associated with moldy weed. Heating mold releases carcinogenic mycotoxins that can be very hazardous to the human body, so this is not recommended as a way to salvage a stash.

The same goes for microwaving; it is not an effective way to treat mold or mildew contamination on marijuana.

Conclusion

You should always try to avoid smoking mold-infested weed that has become infested with mold, especially if you use medical marijuana. The health risks are simply too great, particularly if you suffer from any sort of allergies, respiratory issues, or if you have a weakened immune system.

Instead, make sure to take the following precautions:

• Only buy from trusted dispensaries
• Inspect all marijuana products before you buy them
• Don’t be afraid to ask the budtender any questions about the quality of the product
• Regulate the temperature and humidity of your storage space to prevent the growth of mold and mildew

While you shouldn’t let a fear of cannabis mold prevent you from enjoying marijuana, you should take steps to stay safe!

No information on MarijuanaDoctors.com should be used to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease or condition. You can view our Full Disclaimer here.