How To Look For Moldy Weed

Did you just buy some cannabis and suspect it might be contaminated with mold? Or maybe you’ve stored your stash for a while and want to make sure it’s still good before smoking?

Smoking moldy weed is not only unpleasant but also unsafe, and that’s why knowing how to spot it in the first place is crucial.

In this article, we’ll show you how to identify moldy weed, explain the risks, and share tips for keeping your stash fresh and safe in the future. Let’s dive in!

WHAT DOES MOLD ON CANNABIS LOOK LIKE?

Mold on cannabis flower can appear in different forms, depending on the types of mold involved. Generally, mold on weed looks like a grayish-white powdery or fuzzy coating. The presence of mold might also appear as dark spots on the buds, especially in the early stages of formation.

The three main types of mold that attack the cannabis plant include Bud Rot (Botrytis), Aspergillus, and Powdery Mildew.

Bud Rot (Botrytis)

Bud rot, also known as botrytis is a type of mold that usually takes hold during the weed cultivation stage, especially with conditions like poor air circulation and excess moisture.

It starts at the center of the cannabis buds, spreading out and rotting the entire bud. If you pull the bud apart, you’ll see cobwebs of white, gray, or brown mushy mold from near the stem all the way up.

Bud rot spreads fast, so if you see it, get rid of the moldy plant immediately to prevent it from spreading to the other plants nearby.

Aspergillus

Aspergillus is another fungus that loves damp spots. It looks like a dense matte of white, gray, yellow, or black spores.

Aspergillus mold is risky because if a contaminated nug is smoked, it can cause a lung infection known as aspergillosis, especially in people with compromised immune systems. It also releases highly carcinogenic mycotoxins when smoked, so be very cautious.

Powdery Mildew

Powdery mildew has a musty, powdery appearance which can be white, yellow or gray. It grows on the leaves or buds, making them look dusty hence the name. Some people mistake it for trichomes because both can be white but trichomes are sparkly or crystalline and powdery mildew is dull and fuzzy.

HOW TO SPOT MOLD GROWTH

If you buy your cannabis products from licensed shops that perform lab tests for mold and other contaminants, then you already have people watching out for you. But here is the thing: Even tested weed can grow mold later if it’s stored or handled poorly. That’s why it’s so important to know how to identify moldy weed yourself.

Here are some telltale signs and quick checks you can do at home and hopefully help you identify that nasty pack that you should probably say no to:

Visual Inspection

Mold in its advanced stage is easily visible to the naked eye. Under good lighting, inspect for odd colors that don’t match the rest of the bud, like:

• White, fuzzy patches that appear cotton-like.
• Grayish spots with a dull, web-like texture
• Black or brown blotches
• Spores (small black spots)
• Deformed and abnormal bud leaves
• Yellowish film that looks powdery or dusty

A Pro Tip: Zoom in with your phone or use a cheap magnifying lens (like a jeweler’s loop). If it looks dull and dusty instead of sparkly, that might be mold.

Smelling the weed

Healthy bud often smells earthy, skunky, or pleasantly herbal (thanks to its terpenes). If you take a whiff and your weed gives off a musty or stale odor or it smells like a damp basement, it might be harboring mildew.

This is a big red flag and one of the easiest signs of mold to notice. Some folks even say it can smell like ammonia or an off-putting “human piss” odor.

Feeling the texture

Take a small piece of the bud and gently squeeze. Cannabis buds should be slightly sticky and crumble easily but not wet or soggy. If it feels too moist and slimy or you notice a powder coming off when you pinch it, that can be mold contamination.

The “Snap” Test

Under a bright light (or your phone flashlight), gently snap the bud in half. If you see a soft “cloud” of smoke-like dust streaming off it for more than a second or two, you’re looking at mold spores.

And here is a golden rule: if it’s smoking before you smoke it, you don’t want to smoke it!

WHAT CAUSES MOLDY WEED?

Wondering why mold shows up in the first place? One main reason is improper storage. Mold likes excess moisture, so weed stored in humid places or in non-airtight containers can develop fungus.

Another cause is poor airflow. If your buds can’t “breathe” or if there’s no air circulation, moisture can get trapped.

Sometimes, growers who rush the drying or curing process end up with moldy cannabis. High humidity levels in the grow room can also encourage mold. Even the best cultivation practices can fail if the buds aren’t stored well after harvest. Once mold spores find a friendly environment, they can grow fast and ruin your entire stash.

HOW TO PREVENT MOLD FROM GROWING ON YOUR WEED

Is there a secret to keeping your weed mold-free? It all comes down to proper storage. But even with the best storage, always inspect your cannabis for mold before using it. Here are some storage tips for you:

1. AVOID REFRIGERATOR OR FREEZER

Your buddies might have told you to store your weed in the freezer or refrigerator, but that’s not a great idea. These environments are damp, and when you take your cannabis out, it can quickly attract moisture from the air. This excess moisture is basically an open invitation for mold growth.

2. CONTROL HUMIDITY AND TEMPERATURE

Aim for 59-63% relative humidity and 60-70°F (15-21°C). That’s the sweet spot where your buds won’t dry out or get too moist. The ideal temperature range prevents both drying and moisture build-up.

3. ENSURE GOOD AIR CIRCULATION

Stagnant air is mold’s best friend. Make sure your storage spot has good air circulation. Good airflow helps maintain consistent humidity and temperature and reduces the risk of mold growth.

4. STORE IN AIRTIGHT CONTAINERS IN A DRY PLACE

Keep your weed safe by storing it in glass jars with tight lids. Mason jars work perfectly, but some dispensaries sell containers specifically for weed. Make sure whatever you use is clean and dry before putting your stash in.

Now, find a cool, dry spot for your container. A dark closet or drawer is perfect. Avoid direct sunlight and damp areas—those can encourage mold growth. When you open that jar weeks later, your weed will be mold-free; you’ll be glad you took these steps to protect it.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND MOLDY WEED?

So you’ve identified moldy cannabis. What next? It’s simple: discard it. Smoking moldy weed can cause health problems such as respiratory issues, chest pain, or even fungal infections in people with weaker immune systems. It’s never worth the risk.

Also, mold spreads quickly through mold spores, which can jump from one bud to another. So keep moldy buds separated from any good buds you have, and if they were in the same staff, discard all.

If you just bought your stash from a dispensary, let them know. You might save someone else from buying a moldy bud, and you could get a replacement or refund.

After that, review your storage habits. Ask yourself: did I keep my weed in an airtight container? Was it in a dry place with good airflow? These questions will help you avoid the same problem next time.

4 TIPS FOR AVOIDING BUD ROT IN THE FUTURE

1. Buy from reputable sources: Licensed dispensaries are required to test their cannabis products for mold and other contaminants.
2. Check the packaging date: Fresher is usually better when avoiding mold.
3. Inspect before you buy: If possible, look closely at the weed before purchasing it. Most dispensaries let you see and smell the product.
4. Always ask: Talk to the budtender about their quality control methods to ensure you're buying the best product."

CAN YOU SMOKE MOLDY WEED?

No, pleaseee don’t do it!!

Smoking moldy weed is not recommended. Plus, it won’t taste good anyway.

But why exactly is it so bad? Well, when you light up, you’re not just burning the weed—you’re also burning the mold. This releases mold spores into the air, which you then inhale directly into your lungs. This can cause respiratory issues and allergic reactions, which we’ll go into more detail in the next section, so keep reading.

HEALTH RISKS OF SMOKING MOLDY WEED

So, coming back to the potential health issues that come with smoking moldy weed, let’s explore the most common and why it’s a bad idea:

• Respiratory issues:Smoking moldy weed can irritate your lungs and airways, making it hard to catch your breath. Think coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
• Allergic reactions:Some people are more sensitive to mold than others and might experience allergy-like symptoms. These include Itchy eyes, runny nose, and even sinus pain.
• Long-term problems: For folks with compromised immune systems, some types of mold, like Aspergillus, can cause severe lung infections, such as aspergillosis. Dun, Dun, Dun...This is a potentially life-threatening condition that can spread from the lungs to other parts of the body.
• Headaches and nausea: Even if you don’t have a full-blown allergic reaction, moldy weed can still make you feel pretty crummy.

BOTTOM LINE

To conclude, Moldy cannabis usually looks, smells, or tastes off. Always give your stash a quick check before you light up. This simple habit can save you a lot of trouble.

Now, one last thing to consider: Sometimes, even if you’re careful, you might miss moldy weed, especially if it’s just starting to form. As you’ve seen, smoking moldy weed can cause serious health issues like breathing problems, allergic reactions, and potential lung issues.

The best way to stay safe when smoking weed is to use an advanced weed filter like those from  MooseLabs. These filters can catch harmful stuff like mold spores before they reach your lungs. Remember, this is not an invitation to smoke moldy weed but a precautionary step for when mold might slip past your inspection.

FAQ:

CAN YOU WASH MOLD OFF A BUD?

No, you can’t. Water won’t remove mold spores completely, and you risk adding even more excess moisture that helps mold grow. Once mold is present, the bud is compromised, and it’s best to toss it.

HOW TO TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MOLD AND TRICHOMES?

It’s easy to mistake mold for trichomes or vice versa. Trichomes have a sparkly or crystalline appearance. They often glisten under light and feel sticky to the touch. Mold, on the other hand, looks dull, fuzzy, or powdery.

If you’re unsure, inspect your bud under a bright light or with a magnifying glass. If you see tiny mushrooms or hairs with heads, it's trichomes, but if you see a fuzzy coating or cobwebs that don’t sparkle, it's likely mold.

CAN I SMOKE BUDS WITH POWDERY MILDEW?

No. You should never ever smoke buds with powdery mildew. Powdery mildew can irritate your lungs, and smoking it may lead to health issues like coughing or even infections.

HOW TO PROPERLY DISPOSE OF MOLDY CANNABIS?

Place it in a sealed bag and throw it in the trash somewhere it can’t contaminate other items. Don’t compost it. You don’t want mold spores spreading anywhere else.

IS MOLDY WEED EDIBLE?

No, moldy weed is not edible!! Eating mold spores Is harmful.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU SMOKE MOLDY WEED?

Smoking moldy weed can cause coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, sinus pain, and respiratory system inflammation. In some cases, it can also trigger an allergic reaction or aspergillosis, a lung infection caused by inhaling mold spores.