Have You Been Smoking Moldy Weed?
A recent study conducted by scientists at the University of California – Davis discovered that some samples of medical marijuana contain mold and microbes. The news prompted those in the cannabis community to reexamine the type and quality of grass being consumed.
Can You Smoke Moldy Marijuana? (and what to do it you did!) from CannabisNet on Vimeo.
Not all marijuana is created the same, and smoking clean, quality bud is something that many in the community take for granted. It’s important to pay attention to the quality of the bud you are smoking because if you are using it for medicinal purposes especially for a life-threatening condition, the presence of mold and microbes can exacerbate the condition.
Causes of Moldy Weed
Mold thrives where air can’t circulate where, and they love moisture. This is why most grow rooms utilize fans because not only do these help to strengthen the stems but they also deter insects from landing on the bud while preventing molds from making their way to the plant. Seasoned and smart growers will know that part of the process is discarding plants that he/she thinks may have been exposed to mold prior to harvest.
Most usually accumulates after harvesting. Sometimes, the drying process occurs in places where there is too much moisture, creating the perfect environment for it to grow. Some growers resort to using fruit peels to add flavor or increase moisture for dry pot, without realizing that they are actually causing the bud to be infected with spores.
It’s not uncommon for black market dealers to add moisture to the pot for it to weigh more, but then they’ll keep it in airtight containers – again creating the perfect breeding ground for mold. This is another reason why you should stop spending your hard-earned money on black market dealers and go straight to dispensaries because they do the necessary inspection for all the bud they sell using microscopes and laboratory tests.
Remember, no weed is always better than moldy weed!!
How To Detect Moldy Marijuana
Color: Examining the color of your bud is the easiest way to check for growth of mold. If you see white powdery compounds, black or white webs forming, or a green fuzz with a tinge of gray, these are signs that mold or mildew could be growing. Checking for the presence of these contaminants is also important if you are growing your own marijuana.
Detecting a mold problem early on will give you enough time to address it and save the crop; otherwise you may have to say goodbye to the entire plant if it’s been infected. Particles in the air can transport spores to other marijuana plants, which will then grow into fungus once the conditions are right. If you have dried bud that already has mold, throw it and all the other bud it’s touched. The most effective way to inspect your plants is by using a magnifying glass and a bright light – these tools can make it easier to identify mold even if it’s just starting to form.
Smell: Most strains smell musky or even sweet. If your bud has a smell that’s either too sweet like lavender, smells like urine, damp (that locker room smell!) or weird in any way, you should be suspicious. Sometimes, bud that smells like freshly cut grass also means that mold and mildew may already be forming.
The smell of grass could be a telltale sign that the plant didn’t go through the proper drying and curing process, which will make it more vulnerable to mold especially if you don’t store it properly.
What Happens When You Smoke Moldy Weed
You should never, ever smoke moldy weed. Extreme chest pain is a common side effect of smoking moldy weed. Allergies are also common, manifested through a runny nose, red eyes, or an itchy throat. This happens because you can be allergic to the mycotoxins; sometimes the allergies can get so severe that you will need to see a doctor. Other signs that you may have been exposed to moldy weed include nose bleed, dizziness, fever, loss of coordination, and coughing.
People will react differently when exposed to moldy weed, but this is something that you should not ever risk. It could be much more serious if you already have an existing immune condition, or are sick in any way.
Have you ever smoked moly weed before? Share your story with us in the comments below!
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