Moldy Weed: How to Identify Mold in your Cannabis Products

Spotting mold on a loaf of bread is pretty straight forward, but what about on cannabis products? Without the right knowledge, it can be difficult to know whether or not what you are seeing is mold on your weed or something else. 

Just like any other organic material, given enough time in the right environment, mold can accumulate on cannabis products. 

In an effort to help you identify whether or not you have mold on your pot, we’ve put together a comprehensive ‘moldy cannabis’ guide. There is a lot to cover, so let’s dive right in!

What Causes Mold on Cannabis Products?

If it’s exposed to the wrong combination of light, humidity, oxygen, and temperature, mold can grow on any cannabis product or plant. Plants are especially prone to mold. Leaving your plant exposed to humid conditions for too long, overwatering, and improper storage can all encourage the growth of mold. 

How to Identify Mold on Weed

Similar to the mold you might find on bread or cheese, moldy cannabis will take on a fuzzy grayish-white coating. It can also take the form of a fuzzy brown, black, or gray color. 

The biggest problem most people have in identifying moldy cannabis is confusing it with the bud’s trichomes. Trichomes are the sticky, shiny crystals on the leaves and buds of the plant. They are also responsible for giving cannabis it’s distinct weedy aroma. 

The difference between trichomes and mold are that trichomes take on an appearance of glittery hair like follicles. In contrast, mold will have a fuzzy, almost powdery appearance. 

Another way to identify mold is by smell. If mold is present in your cannabis, you should be able to recognize two distinct smells – the weedy smell of the cannabis and a musty/mildewy smell from the mold. 

Is Moldy Weed Safe to Smoke? 

The short answer is no, moldy weed is not safe to smoke. While it probably isn’t going to be fatal, smoking moldy weed can cause lung infections or a worse allergic reaction to the present bacteria. 

Healthier individuals are less likely to experience complications from smoking moldy weed. However, those with existing health complications are likely to experience extensive coughing, nausea, and vomiting. 

The Best Ways to Prevent Mold in Cannabis Products

When it comes to preventing mold in your weed related products, there is one aspect paramount to all others: storage. Where and how you store your cannabis will have a direct effect on how long it will last without accumulating bacteria. 

Glass Jar

The classic mason jar works for a reason. As most of them come with an imbedded rubber gasket, mason jars make for an ideal airtight weed storage container. 

A Dark, Dry Storage Space 

Whether you use a stash bag, mason jar, or some other container to store your weed, you also must consider where you store it. Moisture is the main culprit behind mold growing on your cannabis products. This makes it essential to find a dark and dry place to store your weed where moisture isn’t present. Everyone has their preferences, but moisture-free cabinets and closets do the trick for most people. 

Identifying mold in your cannabis products can be both tricky and frustrating. However, with the right storage practices, it’s more than possible to avoid moldy weed altogether. If you have any weed-related questions you need answers to, feel free to reach out to us at Weedgets. We’re happy to help!