Having moldy weed is no joke. The effects of smoking moldy weed can be very negative to your health. Mold releases harmful and toxic chemicals into your system known as mycotoxins.
You probably already know that you shouldn’t store your weed in a humid place or leave it out in the open where it can get wet. In fact, as any seasoned stoner will tell you, even small amounts of moisture and humidity are likely to ruin your weed.
Common side effects from these chemicals are lung infections and allergic reactions.
Stay away from moldy weed is a necessity when smoking pot. These are a few ways to inspect your herb for any mold.
Moldy Weed – What to Look For
1. Colour
The first thing to look for is obvious signs of mold on the bud. Sprinkles of white. These powdery substances and grey and green fuzz are definite signs of mold. This mold can appear almost black in color and have a fuzzy texture.
For plants being grown at home, it’s extremely important to keep an eye on mold and mildew. Caught early enough and your crop can be saved from mold overgrow.
Mold spores can travel by air and spread onto other flowers and plants. Then growing into fungus if the right conditions are met.
You can also break off a bud and inspect the inside; if it’s covered in black fuzz and has a strong smell, it’s definitely moldy weed.
2. Scent
The marijuana plant already has a very strong musky scent in general. Although an overly, wet, damp, and sweet smell could mean your cannabis has mold.
For dryer nugs that have a fresh-cut grass smell, this could be a sign of molding. This could be in part due to a lack or improper cure.
Curing your flowers properly will help keep them fresh and safe from molding. Bacteria need to break down the remaining chlorophyll in the plant material.
3. Chest pain
Any smoke going into your lungs may leave a bit of a burn on the lungs. However, if you’re experiencing tightness or pain in the chest area, this could be a sign that you have moldy weed.
If you have suspected that you’ve been smoking moldy cannabis and your chest hurts contact your doctor. These types of problems can persist if not taken care of immediately.
4. Allergies
Allergies such as eye inflammation, mucus, or an itchy throat or mouth can be a sign of an allergic reaction to mycotoxin exposure. If the allergic reaction is bad enough, it is important to visit a doctor.
However, if this a new reaction to cannabis, it is possible that mold, mildew, or a residual contaminant might be to blame.
What do I do if I Smoke Moldy Weed?
Every person can have a different reaction to mold and mildew exposure. Those with compromised immune systems may need to visit a doctor if they are concerned with how the exposure will affect their illness.
Signs of mold exposure include:
- Cough
- Nose bleeds
- Chest pain
- Dizziness, loss of coordination
- Fever
- General malaise
Otherwise, it is important to pay attention to symptoms as and if they present themselves. Contact a health professional if symptoms escalate or you are concerned about consuming moldy products.
Final Words – Moldy Weed
Mold is a common issue that plagues many cannabis flower users. It is important to remember that moldy weed will not do you any good, so it is best to get rid of it.
You can keep your weed mold-free if you keep the humidity low, store it properly and check it regularly for mold. If you believe you might have smoked moldy weed and you have a fever, you should see a doctor immediately.
Keep in mind that it’s not always possible to get rid of all the mold spores. If you see any mold on your weed, you need to take action right away or else it will spread quickly.