Moldy Weed: Is It Safe To Consume?

Mold is easy to spot, at least in food. But what about grass? If you find an old joint under the couch, should you throw it away? Are there any risks in smoking moldy weed?

Unfortunately, no matter how badly you want the weed, it’s never good to breathe mold. While it probably won’t kill you, inhaling mold can present some health hazards to your lungs, increase your chances of coughing, and then developing a lung infection.

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Photo by Cambridge Jenkins IV via Unsplash

In people who are allergic to mold, smoking can lead to inflamed sinuses and lungs. These conditions can lead to symptoms such as sinus pain, wheezing, and constipation. In rare cases, people who are sensitive to mold may develop a fungal infection in the lungs or throat, which can be fatal, especially if the person is immunocompromised.

RELATED: Cannabis 101: How To Tell If Your Marijuana Is Moldy

Identifying mold in grass is not as easy as it is in food. On marijuana, mold usually looks like a grayish or white coating that can easily be mistaken for trichomes. Upon closer inspection, mold can look like fluff, stains, or even slime.

Photo by Flickr user Thomas Bresson

For all users, the easiest way to tell if your weed is moldy is to smell it. Mold has a distinctive odor that tarnishes the natural aroma of marijuana. It’ll smell musty and unpleasant, unlike skunky marijuana that hasn’t expired.

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The best way to avoid moldy weed is to buy your products from a certified pharmacy and always check the expiration date if there is one. The closer the weed is to that date, the more likely it is that it will be contaminated by mold. To avoid mold, storage is key. Keep your cannabis sealed in an airtight container in a cool and dark place.