Finding bugs in cannabis can be unsettling, but it’s a common issue. Cannabis, like any agricultural product, can encounter pests during its growth and storage. Understanding why they appear, how to identify them, and what steps to take can help address this common issue. This article will guide you through the various aspects of bugs in cannabis, from their origins to prevention.
Understanding Why Bugs Appear
Bugs can appear in cannabis due to cultivation practices and storage conditions. Cannabis plants, grown in various environments, are susceptible to pests during their life cycle. Even with meticulous cultivation, pests can find their way to plants. Growers sometimes use natural pest control methods, which may involve beneficial insects.
Improper storage after harvest also creates an inviting environment for pests. High humidity levels, exposure to air, and inconsistent temperatures can attract common household pests. These conditions can also lead to mold growth, which some pests feed on. Proper environmental control during both cultivation and storage minimizes pest issues.
Common Bugs You Might Encounter
Several types of small insects and mites can be found in cannabis. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects, often found in colonies on the undersides of leaves and stems. They can vary in color. Spider mites are tiny arachnids, typically tan, green, or red, and are identified by fine webbing on the undersides of leaves or across buds, especially in heavy infestations.
Fungus gnats resemble tiny flies, buzzing around the soil surface. They are small, grey or black, with long legs and antennae, and their larvae live in the top layers of moist soil. Thrips are very small insects, typically 1.2 to 1.5 mm long, with elongated bodies. They can be dark-colored, yellow, or transparent, and their feeding leaves silvery or bronze spots on leaves. Ladybugs are beneficial insects often introduced by growers to control pests like aphids and spider mites.
Health and Safety Implications
A primary concern for consumers is whether finding bugs in cannabis poses a health risk. Most common cannabis pests are not inherently harmful to humans if consumed in small, accidental quantities. These insects are plant-specific and do not carry diseases transferable to humans.
However, large quantities of insect matter might cause respiratory irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Pest infestations can also lead to secondary issues, such as the development of mold or fungi, particularly from the sticky “honeydew” excreted by pests. Inhaling mold spores can lead to respiratory problems or allergic responses. Proper inspection and cleaning of cannabis can mitigate these concerns.
What to Do When You Find Bugs
Upon discovering bugs, a careful visual inspection is the first step. Use a magnifying glass to assess the infestation’s extent and identify pest types. This can reveal tiny eggs, larvae, or webbing.
If only a few bugs are present, gentle methods can be used for removal. Shaking the cannabis can dislodge insects, or tweezers can remove individual pests. For extensive infestations, particularly with webbing or significant insect matter, discard the product. Heavily infested cannabis can also be washed gently with water to remove bugs and powdery mildew. This process minimizes unwanted residues, though it may slightly reduce potency.
Preventing Bugs in Your Cannabis
To minimize future infestations, proper storage and handling are important. Store cannabis in airtight containers, such as glass jars, to deter pests. Opaque or dark-tinted containers are preferable as they block UV light, which degrades cannabinoids and terpenes.
Maintain optimal temperature and humidity levels for prevention. Cannabis should be stored at 60-70°F (15-21°C) and 59-63% relative humidity. Temperatures above 77°F encourage mold, while low humidity dries the product. Keep storage areas clean and isolate new purchases until inspected to reduce pest establishment.