Moldy cannabis is one of a grower's worst nightmares. It can happen to anyone, at any moment, and rapidly devastate an otherwise lovely harvest. Of course, any reputable cultivator would never offer mouldy weed, but even perfectly dried buds can harbour a strange fungus.
What happens when weed molds, and what happens if you smoke it?
Continue reading to learn how to identify mouldy marijuana and how to avoid it.
Mold is a fungus that may develop on both outdoor and indoor crops, wreaking havoc on cannabis harvests in a variety of temperatures and conditions. Mold need only moisture and restricted airflow to thrive. Mold creates mycelium, which produces microscopic airborne spores. These spores connect to a damp surface and begin to multiply, perpetuating the growth cycle. Mold growth can be rapid in some cases. Wet surroundings, a lack of sufficient airflow, high humidity, and incorrect storage are the most typical causes of mold in a grow site. Mold can grow quickly on a live plant in a humid area, but it can also be found on pruned buds.
If you've never thought about moldy weed before, you might be wondering: what does moldy weed look like? Cannabis can be difficult to identify at first if you are new to it. High-quality buds frequently gleam with trichomes, the glossy crystals on cannabis plants that are responsible for the strain's distinct scent. Mold, on the other hand, is not as shiny as glitter and can take on a variety of appearances depending on the type of mold. Molds that influence cannabis are classified into three kinds.
Look for the visual clues mentioned above. Mold is most likely seen as white powder, black patches, or dark greyish fuzzy chunks. If you are unsure, there are a few other ways to detect moldy weed besides visual signals. There is a distinct and easily identifiable fragrance. Mold has a musty odour, similar to a wet hay bundle. It can also smell mildew, like a pile of wet towels that never made it to the washing machine.
If you aren't instantly alerted to mold by sight or smell, you might be able to detect it by taste.
You should never smoke moldy pot, but if you get a puff of anything strange that doesn't taste like a recognizable strain, it could be mold. Mold, unlike other cannabis flavours, has a distinct flavour. The easiest method to avoid moldy cannabis is to get clean, organic cannabis from a trusted dispensary.
How does moldy weed taste? To put it simply, it tastes like mold. For example, the blue veins marbled throughout a wedge of blue cheese is, in fact, mold. Don't worry, the mould in this case is safe to eat. That musty flavour is distinct.
Another distinguishing moldy odour is that of human sweat or urine. When the bud is smoked, this aroma may be released.
Of course, no one reaches for a jar of mildew-covered cannabis on purpose. Even so, you might not see the signs before packing a bowl of rotten bud. Is it safe to smoke moldy cannabis? Is it deadly?
Mycotoxins are poisonous compounds found in mold spores. When these compounds are breathed, they can be dangerous to immunocompromised people. Some mycotoxins, such as aspergillus, can be lethal. Furthermore, the effects are directed at the sinuses and lungs, generating severe inflammation. It can induce severe coughing, wheezing, rhinitis, sneezing, and other lung difficulties if smoked.
If smoked for an extended period of time or in large quantities, moldy weed can cause scar tissue to develop in the lungs, leading to pulmonary fibrosis. Knowing this, it's essential to avoid smoking moldy marijuana at all costs.
Aside from shopping at high-quality retailers, the greatest approach to avoid moldy cannabis is to store it properly. The best choice is to use airtight, resealable glass jars. When not in use, keep the jars in a cool, dark place that is not exposed to temperatures exceeding 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
Despite what you may have heard, there is no need to store jars in the refrigerator or freezer. Mold growth can be aided by increased moisture exposure. Keep clear of direct sunlight and instead use a drawer or dark cabinet.
The optimal humidity level is between 59 and 63%. Moisture levels are a fertile habitat for all sorts of mold at any higher level. If you live in a humid environment, a humidity pack might be really beneficial. To keep your herb dry, add one to your container and replace it every couple of months.
If you want to be extra cautious about mold, keep a small magnifying glass on hand and inspect your bud before smoking it.
