Is It Safe to Smoke Moldy Weed? Here’s Why It’s a Bad Idea

We’ve all been there. It’s late, you’re high, and there’s nothing in the fridge except some cheese that’s just a little past the expiration date. No one’s around, so you cut the moldy part off and pretend nothing happened. We get it. Don’t worry; your act of munchie desperation is safe with us!

However, moldy weed might not be as forgiving. Gross-out factor aside, there can be real negative consequences for sparking up mildew-covered marijuana. After all, cannabis connoisseurs love knowing the type of strains they ingest—why ruin that by adding uninvited fungi?

Put down the questionable leftovers so we can investigate the risks involved in smoking moldy weed. Once we can identify it, we’ll share tips for keeping your stash of green from growing the wrong type of green.

Is Moldy Weed Common?

Depending on where you get your cannabis, mold can be an all too common part of the deal. According to a recent scientific review, 13 of 14 samples of cannabis purchased outside of dispensaries contained mold.

Buying marijuana from a licensed dispensary ensures that you purchase products that undergo rigorous regulatory procedures. These regulations are in place for your safety and help cannabis consumers avoid smoking moldy weed or ingesting other contaminated products.

How to Identify Moldy Weed

Identifying weed that’s grown mold can be tricky. The difficulty comes in determining the difference between trichomes and mold. Unfortunately, these are often confused due to their similar appearance.

Cannabis trichomes are the white, hair-like filaments found on buds. They contain cannabinoids and terpenes. Mold often has a white powdery appearance as well. The difference is trichomes have a crystalline, shimmering appearance. Mold has a matte white appearance, like flour.

The smell can also give moldy weed away. If you notice a musty smell usually associated with old gym shoes and not your favorite weed strain, that’s a tell-tale sign that mildew has taken root.

Why Does Weed Get Moldy?

Mold spores prefer damp and humid conditions. Whenever you’re exposing cannabis to high levels of humidity, it becomes an easy target. Making matters worse are all the nooks and crannies nugs have for mold to grow. It’s a feast for fungi!

Often, we don’t even realize how much exposure our cannabis has to moisture. A naturally humid environment, condensation from improper storage, and water vapor from the bathroom or kitchen can all cause mold.

Improperly cured cannabis can also grow mold. Curing is the process of aging the cannabis and adjusting the moisture content.

Dangers of Smoking Moldy Weed

Just like the effects of cannabis vary between users, so do the dangers of smoking moldy weed. For some, the reaction to smoking mold causes throat irritation, coughing, nausea, or vomiting.

In others, the reaction can be worse. Fungal infections can develop in the throat or lungs. Scientists have found that moldy cannabis can contain fungi strains that cause fatal infections—especially in those with mold allergies or compromised immune systems.

A recent study by the CDC showed that invasive fungal infections are more prevalent among cannabis smokers. Because mold can grow quickly on cannabis, it’s crucial to check your stash before loading your bowl.

How Much Moldy Weed Does It Take to Hurt You?

There is no magic number of nugs when it comes to the harm done by smoking moldy weed. Some smokers will feel the irritating effects right away. Others might take bong rips for years before an infection settles in.

However, it’s hard to deny the growing amount of data that points to the dangers of ingesting mildew-covered cannabis. Even if you aren’t immunocompromised, the risk of fungal infections is too significant to make a moldy toke worth it.

How to Tell If You’re Smoking Moldy Weed

Identifying moldy weed by sight or smell is an effective tactic. Just be sure not to confuse mold with trichomes. The difference between mildew and trichomes can be challenging to establish.

Mold has a familiar, funky smell that’s even worse on cannabis. Many smokers say this mold smells like urine. However, not every smoker has a great sense of smell, even if moldy marijuana does reek to high heaven.

Fortunately, there’s another way to discern whether your stash is compromised: UV light. Dust off the black lights from your grandpa’s 1970s smoke sessions and hold your nugs under it. Under black light, mold will appear fluorescent while the rest of the plant will remain dark.

Tips For Avoiding Moldy Weed

There’s nothing sadder than dumping a moldy stash of cannabis. Proper storage is essential to conserve your weed and protect your health.

Keep your product in airtight containers made of dark-colored glass. This dark, sealed environment will minimize air and humidity exposure. Ensure the container remains in a cool, dry place around 77 degrees.

Always buy your cannabis from a dispensary. Regulated cannabis sales generally require microbial lab testing. This state-run quality control is your first line of defense against moldy weed.

When you buy cannabis products from a dispensary, you’ll find helpful expiration dates on the packaging. If something seems off about your weed and you’re at or near the expiration date— don’t risk it. Toss the weed and live to smoke another day!

Moldy Weed is a Harsh Toke

Smoking moldy weed isn’t worth the risk. It ruins all the magnificent aromas and flavors of a well-cultivated strain while seriously risking your health. If you suspect your cannabis has grown mold, always err on the side of caution and throw it away.

Of course, the best way to ensure your weed isn’t moldy is by purchasing it from a licensed dispensary. Our Westwood dispensary is always freshly stocked with expertly cured cannabis. Visit with one of our expert budtenders and let them show you our unbeatable daily deals!