Mold On Weed: What to Look for and How to Handle It

Got mold on the weed, and not sure if it is really a fungus. 

Often, it is easy to identify mold on other food items, such as cheese or bread, but recognizing it precisely on weed is a little tricky. Before we delve further, let’s understand mold and how it develops on food items.

Mold is a fungus that grows in multicellular filaments called hyphae (1). They spread easily and have the ability to break down dead organic matter. Even though mold is ubiquitous, when it grows indoors, especially on clothes and food items, things get problematic. 

How to Identify Mold on Weed

As already mentioned, mold develops in humid environments. If your weed is at a place that has the chance to get damp, it will develop mold over time (2).

Moldy weed not only tastes unpleasant, but it is also toxic and dangerous to health as well. It can cause mild to severe side effects and is extremely risky. 

Mold appears grayish or whitish whenever it grows on anything. Moreover, you may observe a webby coating on which the mold is growing. Usually, it develops as a coating over the weed; however, in most cases, the filaments may start sweeping inside and make the entire product infected. 

When you look at a weed and notice something unusual growing on it, do not hesitate to look out for mold. Besides watching, smelling can also help you give certain clues about mold developing on weed. 

Mold On Weed- Is It Safe To Smoke?

Smoking weed comes with a set of drawbacks, and when it combines with mold, the problem worsens (3). While it’s a big NO to smoke moldy weed if done mistakenly, here are the things that you should be aware of-

Smoking moldy weed will give an unpleasant taste and smell. If you experience it, stop right there. It will prevent you from getting affected by the spore’s inhalation, which may cause sudden coughing and nausea. 

People who are allergic to mold can get more severe symptoms. When the mold spores are inhaled, they reach the respiratory system and attack the lungs and sinuses. It can immediately result in chronic conditions like asthma, congestion, and acute sinus pain.  

Which Mold Is Dangerous On Weed?

Different types of fungus can develop on weed, wherein some may not cause any adverse effect while others may lead to chronic infections. Some major problematic fungi on weed include the following-

1. Cryptococcus
2. Mucor
3. Aspergillus

These types of fungus are known to cause extreme health issues such as chest pain, bloody sputum, difficulty breathing, and fever. They can also cause lung infections and severe respiratory problems.

How Does Moldy Weed Taste?

Since you have weed, we expect that you are familiar with its normal taste. 

Take a little amount of suspected weed in your mouth and check. If it doesn’t seem pleasant or what it used to taste before, there are chances of mold development. You may even experience taking a mouth full of mildew at one point. 

Can I Fix Mold On Weed?

Weed could be precious to many; however, getting mold on it may seem intimidating. If you are thinking of fixing your moldy weed, there’s not much you can do about it.

While some people remove the parts that seem moldy and smoke the rest, it is still questionable. Since mold spreads through spores and grows frequently, there is a high chance that its filaments are in the weed, though appearing less. 

Although what appears to be a white or gray powdery cluster has been removed, the microscopic spores that are invisible to the naked eye are hard to find. So, it becomes very difficult to understand which parts are free of mold. 

Therefore, throwing away the entire stock is beneficial. 

Preventing Mold On Weed

While it is difficult to distinguish between moldy weed and mold-free weed and fix it, taking certain measures can prevent its development altogether. 

Here are the tips to prevent mold on weeds-

1. Avoid Extreme Temperatures 

The most favorable temperature for mold growth is between 10 to 25 degrees Celsius. So, if you are thinking of keeping it inside the refrigerator or freezer, stop immediately. Such temperature conditions are conducive to mold growth. 

Similarly, avoid keeping weeds outdoors in the cold or heat for long hours. 

2. Check the level of Humidity 

Controlled humid conditions ensure that mold will not develop on weeds. The humidity of the room should be between 55 and 65% because, below and above this range, the chances of mold development are unusually high. The weed may appear dry and crumby in such situations.

3. Use a Suitable Container 

Now that you have purchased weed in bulk, it is essential to store it in a container meant for storage. A glass jar with a tight lid is the right storage container for weed. At the same time, make sure to keep the container in proper condition where light, humidity, air, and everything is under control. 

Thus, in a nutshell, mold on weed can be prevented by the following-

• Store properly and keep it away from wet and damp areas. 
• Control moisture in the storage room as mold develops rapidly there.
• Storage containers should be kept in a well-ventilated area that receives proper light. 

Conclusion 

Mold on weed could be disheartening. It can be identified by looking, smelling, and tasting. However, using preventive measures can ensure that mold doesn’t develop in your stock, and you can enjoy your marijuana anytime.

Make sure you double-check weed before buying and using it to prevent health complications that may arise as a result of mold on weed consumption.  

Image Source : freepik

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