You’ve just got your hands on a nice stash of weed, but when you go to smoke it, you realize that there’s a BIG PATCH of mold on it. Mold can ruin weed, making it unusable and unsafe to smoke.
If you’re lucky, you may be able to get rid of small patches of mold yourself. However, if the mold is widespread or thick, you’ll need to take more drastic measures.
Mold can form on weed for a number of reasons. It may have been stored in an environment that’s too humid, or it may have been exposed to moisture or water.
Mold can also form if the weed isn’t dried properly after harvesting. If the cannabis is stored in an airtight container, the lack of oxygen can also lead to mold growth.
If you suspect that your weed is contaminated with mold, there are a few things you can do. You can look for visible signs of mold as well as smell it. Moldy weed has an off aroma that is distinct.
If you see any signs of mold, don’t smoke the weed. Trying to get rid of mold on weed won’t be worth it if you end up getting sick from smoking it.
This article will teach you how to get rid of mold on your weed, as well as how to prevent it from happening in the first place, so you can save your stash and enjoy it safely.
How to Get Rid of Mold on Weed
If you catch the mold on your weed early, you can try to treat it with an all-natural fungicide. There are a few different types of fungicides that you can use, but we recommend using a product called hydrogen peroxide.
Hydrogen peroxide is a natural disinfectant that will kill the mold and stop it from spreading. You can buy hydrogen peroxide at most drug stores or grocery stores.
To treat the mold, you’ll need to dilute the hydrogen peroxide with water. The ratio should be one part hydrogen peroxide to three parts water.
Soak the weed in the solution for about 30 minutes, and then rinse it off with fresh water. Repeat this process until the weed is free of mold.
However, we really would suggest just throwing out the buds and smoking some fresh ones. Even if you cut the mold off, it can still impact the taste and smell of your weed. Not to mention, moldy weed has the potential to make you sick. In reality, prevention is key.
How to Spot Mold on Your Weed
When it comes to mold, the earlier you catch it, the better. The sooner you spot mold on your weed, the easier it will be to get rid of it.
Here are a few signs that your weed may be moldy:
- The weed is discolored or has white patches
- The weed feels wet or damp
- The weed has a musty or mildewy smell
- The weed is starting to crumble
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to take a closer look at your weed. Use a magnifying glass to get a better view, and look for any fuzzy or slimy growths. These are usually the first signs of mold.
Usually, the coating on moldy week is a gray-ish white, and it can be very easy to mistake these for trichomas – the crystals that give cannabis its unmistakable aroma (it really does smell).
It might also come in the form of powdery mildew spores, and infected plants will almost always have a funky smell because of the fungal spores.
If you see mold on your weed, it’s important to take action right away. The longer you wait, the more time the mold has to spread. And, as we mentioned before, moldy weed can make you sick.
Is it Safe to Smoke Moldy Weed?
No, it’s not safe to smoke weed that’s moldy. In fact, it can be downright DANGEROUS.
When you smoke weed that’s moldy, you’re inhaling mold spores. These can cause all sorts of respiratory problems, including lung infections.
While a healthy person is unlikely to suffer from any effects, those who are allergic to mold should stay away.
Some of the symptoms you might experience if you smoke moldy cannabis and have an allergy to mold:
- Sinus pain
- Drainage
- Congestion
- Wheezing
What Other Risks Come with Smoking Moldy Weed?
Well, if you have a compromised immune system there are other serious risks to consider when you find mold on weed nugs. Aspergillus mold on weed is particularly dangerous, alongside Mucor and Cryptococcus.
These molds can cause serious infections in the lungs, ones which are so dangerous they have the potential to be fatal. They can also cause infections in the central nervous system and brain, and studies have shown that these forms of mold can be present in cannabis buds.
How Can You Prevent Mold on Weed?
Storage is everything with weed, and if you want to try and protect your stash from fungal growth, there are a few things you can do.
Let’s take a closer look so that you can take advantage of our excellent storage tricks to prevent powdery mildew from ruining your marijuana plants.
Don’t Use the Fridge or Freezer
You might think that using airtight weed containers and storing them in the fridge or freezer will help to prevent mold, but this is actually one of the worst things you can do.
When the cannabis plant is stored in a fridge or freezer, the buds will go through a process known as condensation. This happens when the weed is taken out of the cold environment and brought back to room temperature.
The weed will start to sweat, and this trapped moisture is the perfect breeding ground for mold.
Pro Tip – If you live in a humid environment, then storing weed in the fridge or freezer is an even worse idea.
Make Sure You Use the Right Container
When weed is stored in an airtight container, it won’t be able to breathe. This can cause the weed to start growing mold, as there’s too much moisture present.
Your weed needs to be stored in a container that allows it to breathe, such as a glass jar (think mason jars) with a lid that’s not completely airtight.
You could also use a paper bag, as this will allow your weed to breathe without risking exposure to too much light or air.
Keep Weed in the Dark (and Dry)
Cannabis plants that are exposed to too much light are more likely to dry out, and this can make them more susceptible to mold.
That’s why it’s important to store weed in a DARK place, like a cupboard or drawer. If you can, try to keep weed in a cool place too.
You should also make sure that your weed is completely dry before you store it, as any moisture present will make it more likely to grow mold.
Pro Tip – If your weed is too moist, you can dry it out by placing it on a piece of paper towel and putting it in the oven on low heat for 10 minutes or so.
Watch Out for Humidity
You might not be able to see mold, but you can usually tell if weed is too humid by looking at the buds. If they look SHINY or DAMP, this is a sign that they’re too humid.
The ideal level of relative humidity for marijuana is between 59% and 63%. Weed that is kept in conditions that are too humid is more likely to grow mold, so it’s important to try and keep the humidity levels down.
You can do this by using a dehumidifier or by keeping weed in a dry place. This means definitely keeping it out of steamy kitchens and bathrooms as the steam from cooking or bathing definitely counts as humidity.
How to Stop Mold on Drying Buds
If you’re in the process of drying weed plants, it’s important to keep an eye on the humidity levels. You can do this by using a hygrometer, which is a tool that measures humidity.
If the humidity levels are too high, it’s important to take action to reduce them. This can be done by opening a window or using a fan to circulate the air.
You should also make sure that the weed is stored in a dry place while it’s drying.
To Conclude
Mold is a big problem when it comes to weed, as it can ruin the buds and make them unusable. However, by taking the right precautions, you can prevent weed from growing mold.
Make sure to store weed in a cool, dark, and dry place, and use a container that allows the weed to breathe. If you’re drying weed, keep an eye on the humidity levels and take action to reduce them if necessary.
By following these tips, you can help to keep your weed mold-free. We hope this guide has been able to help you out and that your weed journey goes smoothly (without any mold).
Sources:
https://www.clinicalmicrobiologyandinfection.com/article/S1198-743X(16)30605-X/fulltext
https://ocs.ca/blogs/cannabis-how-tos/how-to-properly-store-cannabis