Moldy Weed: Look, Taste, and What You Need to Know to Be Safe

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Health effects, how to prevent it, and how it compares to regular weed
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Moldy weed can be hard to spot, but not impossible. Its white and green spots and distinct smell can be a dead giveaway. But,if you’ve already grinded up your weed and started smoking, you may be on edge, and that’s okay. You’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about moldy weed, including what it looks and smells like, what happens if you smoke it, and how to prevent your weed from molding in the first place.

What happens if you smoke moldy weed?

If you smoke moldy weed, you will risk your health in the short and long term. In the short term, you may experience allergic reactions, sinus issues, fatigue, dizziness, and headaches. In the long term, your immune system will be weakened and you will be susceptible to respiratory issues and infection.

Section 1 of 7:

What does moldy weed look like?

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  1. Moldy weed has a gray and white powdery or fuzzy coating. The gray and white may be mushy, which is an indicator of bud rot. The leaves appear yellow and brown in the later stages of bud rot. You may also see dark green or brown spots and white fuzz. These are signs of mold. If you see a white powder, that may be a sign of powdery mildew, which is another type of mold that is dangerous to consume. [1]
    • Bud rot, or botrytis cinerea, is a type of mold and humidity related disease that is extremely dangerous to cannabis plants. It is usually only noticeable after the mold has begun breaking down the plant. [2]
    • Don’t confuse white powder with trichomes. Trichomes are tiny, crystallized structures on the surface of cannabis flowers that are responsible for their therapeutic and psychoactive effects. [3]
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Section 2 of 7:

What does moldy weed smell like?

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  1. Moldy weed smells like must and mildew, resembling a damp basement. If the mold is well developed, you may smell something similar to hay, pee, or sweat. The smell may seem off to your nose, especially compared to regular weed. Regular weed usually has an earthy, skunky aroma. If you open up a pack and your nose is greeted with a whiff of gym sweat, skunk, and morning mildew, it may be best to discard it. [4]
    • Inhaling mold can introduce harmful spores to your body, so it’s best not to take constant whiffs of moldy weed.
Section 3 of 7:

What does moldy weed taste like?

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  1. Moldy weed has a pungent, dirty taste. Mold has an earthy flavor that is similar to wet dirt. It may also leave an off or sour taste. Mold can leave a metallic taste in your mouth as it progresses through your body. This is a sign of damaged taste buds. While you may not notice much of a difference if you smoke moldy weed, consuming moldy weed in the form of homemade edibles or gummies will let you know that something’s up. [5] [6]
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Section 4 of 7:

Should you throw away moldy weed?

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  1. For the sake of your health, throw away moldy weed. You can’t always tell how much the mold has spread through your weed. Mold spores can be microscopic, which means they may be present in your weed even if you don’t see it. Even if you pick off the moldy chunk, you don’t know how much it has spread. So, if you notice signs of moldy weed in your stash or feel unsure about smoking it because of a weird smell or look, it’s best to get rid of it in favor of your health. [7]
Section 5 of 7:

Can you get rid of mold in weed?

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  1. You can’t fully get rid of mold in weed. Although decarboxylation (the process of heating weed to activate the THC compound) is rumored to get rid of mold in weed, there are species of mold that thrive in heat, like Aspergillus, that will still be present in your weed after the fact. Although you may be tempted to take the moldy chunk off of your weed and smoke the rest, this may not be safe, as mold spores can spread through the buds without being seen.To stay safe and healthy, it is best to not consume weed that has molded. [8]
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Section 6 of 7:

Effects of Moldy Weed

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  1. Moldy weed presents a host of health risks depending on your reaction to mold. If you are less sensitive to mold, a mild cough or throat irritation may be the limit to your symptoms. If you are sensitive or allergic to mold, you run the risk of a lung infection and a weakened immune system. Other serious signs of a bad reaction to the mold include chest pains, brain fog, congestion, and mold balls. [9] [10]
    • Mold balls are fibers of fungus that can get caught in your lungs. They are caused by Aspergillosis, which is a type of mold infection. [11]
    • Smoking moldy weed can cause Aspergillosis, which is more dangerous when smoked and inhaled. [12]
Section 7 of 7:

How to Prevent Moldy Weed

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  1. To prevent moldy weed, store your stash in the right conditions. Areas with high humidity and moisture are ideal for mold growth. To prevent your weed from being exposed to moisture-inducing conditions, keep it in an airtight container in a dry, dark area. Too much light exposure can degrade your weed or generate heat that leads to humid conditions, so don’t let it sit in the sun all day. Weed does best at 59 to 63 percent humidity, around room temperature conditions, so keep it around there to avoid mold growth. [13]
    EXPERT TIP

    Jamie Corroon, ND, MPH

    Medical Director of the Center for Medical Cannabis Education
    Dr. Jamie Corroon, ND, MPH is the founder and Medical Director of the Center for Medical Cannabis Education. Dr. Corroon is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor and clinical researcher. In addition to clinical practice, Dr. Corroon advises dietary supplement and cannabis companies regarding science, regulation, and product development. He is well published in the peer-review literature, with recent publications that investigate the clinical and public health implications of the broadening acceptance of cannabis in society. He earned a Masters in Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology from San Diego State University. He also earned a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree from Bastyr University, subsequently completed two years of residency at the Bastyr Center for Natural Health, and is a former adjunct professor at Bastyr University California.
    Jamie Corroon, ND, MPH
    Medical Director of the Center for Medical Cannabis Education

    It is best to buy your weed from a reputable, licensed dispensary. According to Jamie Carroon, "Licensed businesses must comply with regulations that promote safety and product quality. Dispensaries should display their license prominently in the dispensary and on their website."

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.questclimate.com/understanding-bud-rot/
      2. ↑ https://drygair.com/blog/botrytis-in-cannabis/#
      3. ↑ https://greenhealthdocs.com/what-are-trichomes/
      4. ↑ https://www.higherleaf.com/posts/how-to-tell-if-weed-is-moldy
      5. ↑ https://www.chowhound.com/1480398/what-to-do-accidentally-eat-mold/#
      6. ↑ https://www.floridamoldcourse.com/blog/10-warning-signs-of-mold-toxicity#
      7. ↑ https://evergreenpod.com/blogs/freshness/mold-on-weed?srsltid=AfmBOoo8P5QQhLZ2Y7JV5vzUPVFF13w1uBfBe9BLWH7He95XayuTKbBL
      8. ↑ https://www.clinicalmicrobiologyandinfection.com/article/S1198-743X(16)30605-X/fulltext
      9. ↑ https://weedmaps.com/learn/cannabis-and-your-body/smoking-moldy-weed
      1. ↑ https://www.onlinemedicalcard.com/everything-about-moldy-weed/#
      2. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/aspergillosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20369619#
      3. ↑ https://www.nuggmd.com/blog/all-you-need-to-know-about-moldy-weed
      4. ↑ https://www.maliecannabisclinic.com/guide-to-storing-cannabis

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