Moldy Weed Guide

All gardeners fear the destruction of their entire yield due to moldy buds. It can happen at any moment, wiping out a whole crop in an instant. No cultivator would ever want to end up selling contaminated marijuana, while even those properly dried may develop unexpected fungus.

Have you ever heard of moldy weed? But what are the risks if you should use it, and how can you recognize it? Read on to find out more about identifying this type of marijuana, as well as some advice on avoiding purchasing or smoking contaminated cannabis.

How Does Weed Get Moldy

All mold desires for its growth is moisture and poor ventilation. Through the generation of airborne spores, it can adhere to any moist surface with ease. From there, Mold will proliferate quickly and continue its growth cycle at an exponential rate for certain varieties. The key reasons why mold develops in a cultivation environment are humid conditions, inadequate air flow, high humidity levels, and improper storage techniques. If the climate is damp enough then it’s possible that Mold could form on living plants quite rapidly; however trimming buds can also be affected as well!

What Does Moldy Weed Look Like

Have you ever heard of moldy weed? If not, that’s understandable. It can be difficult to recognize if you’re unfamiliar with the medical cannabis industry. Fortunately, high-end buds glisten due to their trichomes – crystals on the plant which supply an aroma unique to each strain. Unfortunately, there are three types of mold prone in affecting a marijuana crop growth, and it doesn’t sparkle like glitter; rather it takes different shapes depending on its type.

• Powdery mildew: Splotches of grayish-white powder, resembling flour almost to the touch, will ensue when powdery mildew has found its way onto your plants’ leaves and flowers.
• Botrytis (bud rot): When it comes to weed carrying bud rot, the infection starts from within the flowers and can generally be recognized as either gray or brown. If you attempt to hold these buds in your hand, they will crumble through your fingertips without much effort.
• Sooty mold: For cannabis plants, Sooty Mold is an unmistakable hint of a severe bug infestation. These small blackish patches appear on the fan leaves and look like soot sprinkled all over them. Unfortunately, even though it’s caused by fungus, this isn’t something to take lightly!

How to Tell if Weed Is Moldy

If you observe any white powder, black spots, or dark grayish clumps of fuzz on your weed, it’s most likely a sign that the herb has been taken over by mold. Apart from visual cues, there are some other approaches to determine if your marijuana is no longer suitable for use. Moldy buds often emit a musty and damp scent–similar to wet hay or mildewing towels.

If you don’t detect the presence of mold with your senses, its distinctive flavor may warn you to the problem.

What Does Moldy Weed Taste Like

Nobody wants to ingest moldy marijuana, so if you ever come across an unfamiliar strain that doesn’t taste as expected, it could be a sign of mold. Mold gives off a flavour like no other in the cannabis world – unmistakable and unpleasant. The ideal way to avoid this troublesome situation is to only get your herb from reliable dispensaries who have clean and organic weed of the highest quality.

The flavor of moldy cannabis is simple to explain: exactly like the taste of mold itself. Just like bleu cheese, which gets its blue veins from a type of safe-to-consume fungus, mustiness has a clear and identifiable tang.

Another telltale sign of moldy weed is its unmistakable smell. It’s often described as a combination of human sweat and urine, becoming more pungent when it’s lit up.

What Happens if You Smoke Moldy Weed

It’s completely understandable to be concerned about the safety of consuming moldy weed – after all, inhaling spores from cannabis could lead to significant health risks in the future. Therefore, it is essential that you remain vigilant when inspecting your marijuana for signs of fungal growth or contamination.

Mycotoxins are toxic chemicals released by mold spores and can be detrimental – even fatal – to individuals with weakened immune systems. These toxins typically target the sinuses and lungs, resulting in inflammation that leads to coughing, sneezing, rhinitis and other pulmonary issues. Smoking mold is particularly hazardous as it increases one’s risk of developing these dangerous respiratory problems exponentially.

Prolonged exposure to moldy weed can cause pulmonary fibrosis, a dangerous condition that results in the formation of scar tissue in the lungs. To avoid this risk, do not smoke tainted cannabis.

Best Practices to Avoid Moldy Weed

Preserve the freshness of your weed by properly storing it in an airtight and resealable glass jar, kept away from light sources or areas with temperatures above 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Doing so will ensure that you avoid moldy weed!

Don’t let the rumors fool you – storing herbs in the refrigerator or freezer is simply not necessary. In fact, it could be detrimental by introducing additional moisture and potentially increasing mold exposure! Instead of leaving them out in direct sunlight, consider a drawer or dark cabinet to maintain ideal humidity levels between 59-63%. For those living in high humidity areas, throw in a humidity pack every couple months as an extra precautionary measure against unwanted dampness.

Always be prepared to check your weed for mold before consuming it by carrying a mini magnifying glass with you.