Mold on Weed: How to Spot It, Avoid It, and properly store it
Spotting mold on vegetables or cheese is usually easy—but on weed? That's a bit trickier. If you've noticed fuzzy white or green spots on your bud and a musty smell, chances are you're dealing with moldy weed, and smoking it can be risky.
Knowing how to spot moldy weed, prevent it, and store it properly to keep your stash fresh and mold-free is crucial for protecting your health and ensuring the safety of cannabis consumption.
This article will explain what moldy weed looks and smells like, how to prevent mold growth, and how to store it properly. Let's get into it!
How does moldy weed look and smell?
Moldy weed has a grayish-white, powdery coating that's often mistakenly identified as trichomes, which are sticky, resinous glands on the buds and leaves. With a powdery coating, you will also find dark green or black splotches on the weed, depending on the type of mold, like aspergillus, powdery mildew, and grey mold (botrytis). Moldy weed has a mildew and mushy smell similar to hay or a damp basement.
How to spot moldy weed?
Identifying moldy weed is not easy, especially if you don't know what to look for. Mold can appear in different colors, textures, and forms, but there are certain signs of moldy weed you should look out for before buying or consuming it. Here's how to spot moldy weed:
Visual signs of mold on weed:
A gray and/or white coating
If you spot white fuzz or cobweb-like grey patches, it's a sign of moldy weed. This grayish-white coating often appears on the surface of buds, but in the case of dense nugs, it may be hidden inside.
Powdery mildew
A powdery mildew, characterized by a dusty, white coating on buds is also a type of mold that develops on weed and is potentially dangerous to consume.
Dark green spots or discoloration:
Another telltale sign of moldy weed is irregular, dark green or black spots on the bud, which often indicate mold or mildew growth. If your nugs look off-color, it can also be a sign of moldy weed.
A musty or mildew scent
If you open your stash jar and your nose is greeted with a whiff of damp hay and mildewy smell, it is a sign that your bud has passed its prime time.
A pungent taste
Wondering what moldy weed tastes like? Moldy weed has a sour, harsh, or earthy taste. If you accidentally smoke it, you'll notice a metallic taste as it progresses through the body.
Texture
Regular weed should be dry and slightly crispy. If you notice that your bud feels slimy or overly sticky, it may be best to discard it, as this is a common sign of mold.
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How to avoid mold on weed
To avoid mold on weed, it is recommended to purchase it from a reliable dispensary and store it properly to prevent mold growth. Below are some useful tips to avoid buying moldy weed:
As mentioned above, some visual signs can help you identify mold on weed. Whenever you buy weed, inspect it carefully before purchase. Examine the buds closely for changes in texture, discoloration, or signs of mold—such as a white powdery coating or dark green and black patches.
Fresh cannabis should have a strong, pleasant aroma. Your nose may detect mold before your eyes do—so always smell the buds before purchasing. If you notice an earthy or musty odor, it could indicate mold contamination.
It is best to purchase from a licensed dispensary in California as they are legally required to test their products for mold and other contaminants. Avoid buying cannabis from unlicensed sources since their handling processes and storage are not designed with optimum quality in mind.
You can also ask for a Certificate of Analysis (COA) before buying. This document confirms that the product meets industry standards for safety and quality, and is free from contaminants such as mold and pesticides.
How to store weed properly
While many search for how to get rid of mold on weed, the best approach is to prevent mold growth. To prevent moldy weed, it is essential to store it in a cool, dark, dry place because mold thrives in moist and a warm environment. Mold can start growing on weed in less than a day if you store it in a moist and warm environment. Here's how to keep your stash fresh and mold-free.
Keep your stash below 77°F (25°C) and in a less humid environment. The optimal humidity range is between 59–63%, which not only reduces the risk of mold growth but also helps preserve potency and flavor.
Store it in an airtight jar to prevent exposure to moisture-inducing conditions.
Avoid exposing your stash to direct sunlight, as it can generate heat and create humid conditions that promote mold growth.
Storing weed in a fridge or freezer is not a good idea as the low temperature and exposure to moisture can help develop mold.
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FAQs
Is it safe to smoke moldy weed?
No, consuming moldy weed is not safe because it can lead to allergic reactions, sinus issues, dizziness, fatigue, and other health complications.
Can you remove mold from the weed?
No, there is no way to remove mold from weeds as mold spreads microscopically. Some believe that cutting off the moldy bits and smoking the rest is a good idea, but that's not the case. Even if you cut away the moldy spots, spores are likely lurking in the rest of the bud.
What to Do If You Suspect Your Weed Has Mold?
If you suspect your weed is moldy, you're better off tossing it.
What happens if you smoke moldy weed?
Smoking moldy weed can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headaches, and respiratory issues. People allergic to mold may experience more severe health problems, such as lung or sinus inflammation, sinus pain, and other symptoms.
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Consuming moldy weed poses a serious health risk, so it is essential to always buy safe and lab-tested weed to enjoy your cannabis with peace of mind. At Smokeland, we partner with trusted cultivators in California to provide safe, potent, and lab-tested weed you can trust. Shop premium, lab-tested weed with same-day, weed delivery in Oakland, Sacramento, and San Jose and for a smooth cannabis experience every time!