Moldy Weed: What You Should Know

Moldy Weed: What You Should Know and What to Do

Modly weed has been hitting the cannabis headlines recently due to an incident with some cannabis influencers. Eric Khan and Pine Park partnered with Bay Smokes for a cannabis giveaway. The unfortunate winner discovered that the weed they received from the giveaway was moldy, and after smoking it, they became ill. Moldy cannabis is serious and potentially very dangerous.

To keep yourself safe you should know how to spot moldy weed and what steps to take if you notice mold on your stash. So, let's explore the dangers and how to address this situation if it happens to you.

What Causes Modly Weed?

Moldy weed is caused by excessive moisture and humidity, which create the perfect environment for mold spores to grow. Cannabis needs to be stored in a dry, cool place, as high humidity (over 65%) can cause mold to develop. Poor storage, such as keeping cannabis in damp rooms or in containers exposed to sunlight, can lead to condensation and mold growth.

Improper curing of weed is a major cause of moldy weed.

If the cannabis isn't dried thoroughly after harvest, it will retain moisture, which makes the weed vulnerable to mold.

When the weed is under-cured, packed away wet, or in a humid environment, mold can easily grow on it.

Even handling cannabis with wet hands or dirty tools can introduce moisture and bacteria, which can then cause mold contamination.

Cannabis grown outdoors in humid climates is also at a higher risk of developing mold, especially if it is exposed to rain during the growing process. To prevent moldy weed, proper drying, storage, and handling are all important.

Can Smoking Moldy Weed Make You Ill?

Yes, smoking moldy weed can make you very ill. The severity depends on various factors. Moldy cannabis can cause mild symptoms like nausea, coughing, or headaches, but in more serious cases, it can lead to respiratory infections or lung complications, especially in people with weakened immune systems. Some types of mold, such as Aspergillus and Penicillium, produce harmful spores that, when inhaled, can cause dangerous lung infections. In extreme cases, mold exposure can be life-threatening and damage organs.

What Does Moldy Weed Look and Smell Like?

Mold can be tricky to spot. It typically appears as white or grayish powdery spots or fuzzy patches, but it can sometimes blend in with the trichomes—the natural crystals on the cannabis buds. The easiest way to differentiate them is by their appearance: trichomes are shiny and glittery, while mold looks dull and matte, similar to dust or flour.

Moldy weed often has a musty, stale smell, like damp hay or mildew. If your cannabis smells off or has a strange odor, it's best not to risk it—toss it out immediately.

What Should You Do If Your Weed Is Moldy?

If you discover mold on your cannabis, the safest option is to throw it away. Some people might be tempted to scrape off the visible mold or cut away the infected parts, but mold spores can penetrate deep into the bud, making it impossible to fully remove the contamination. Even if the mold isn't visible on the surface, it could still be present in areas you can't see.

Smoking or vaping moldy weed is not worth the risk to your health, so it's always better to be safe than sorry. Discard the moldy weed and prevent further health issues.

How to Prevent Mold on Your Cannabis

Moldy weed is not only harmful but also disappointing when you realize your stash is ruined. The best way to avoid this situation is by taking proper storage precautions to prevent mold growth:

1. Use Airtight Containers: Store your cannabis in airtight containers, such as mason jars, to limit its exposure to air and moisture.
2. Control Humidity: Mold thrives in humid environments. Keeping your cannabis at the ideal relative humidity (55%-65%) helps prevent mold. Consider using humidity control packs in your containers to maintain the perfect balance.
3. Store in a Cool, Dark Place: Don't expose your cannabis to direct sunlight or warm, humid areas like bathrooms. Keeping weed stored in cool, dark storage conditions will keep mold at bay.
4. Proper Curing: If you're storing homegrown weed, make sure it's been properly cured. Poorly cured cannabis is more prone to mold growth.
5. Handle with Care: When handling weed, use latex gloves or ensure your hands are clean and dry. The same goes for any tools you use to handle the cannabis.

Final Thoughts: Moldy Weed is Dangerous—Don't Take the Risk

While moldy cannabis doesn't always lead to severe illness, the risks shouldn't be ignored. If your cannabis has any signs of mold, don't take the risk; dispose of it immediately, and don't risk trying to salvage it. Make sure you store and handle your cannabis correctly, which will help keep it fresh and mold-free, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience every time.

In conclusion, smoking moldy weed is not worth the health risks, and the best course of action is to discard any contaminated stash and take steps to store your cannabis correctly to prevent future issues.

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