Consuming moldy cannabis presents a genuine health concern and can indeed make you ill. Mold is a type of fungus that thrives on the cannabis flower, primarily when the product has been improperly dried, cured, or stored in overly humid conditions. When mold colonization occurs, it introduces fungal spores and potentially harmful compounds into the product. Inhaling or ingesting these biological contaminants poses risks that range from uncomfortable allergic reactions to serious respiratory infections.
Identifying Contamination in Cannabis
Determining if a product is contaminated requires a careful sensory inspection, as mold is not always immediately obvious. The most reliable indicator is a visual check for physical signs of fungal growth on the flower. Look closely for patches that appear fuzzy, powdery, or cotton-like, often in shades of white, gray, or blue-green. These are distinctly different from the crystalline, stalked appearance of healthy trichomes. You may also notice dark, irregularly shaped spots or a cobweb-like structure, particularly near the stem or within the denser parts of the bud.
Your sense of smell offers another defense, as moldy cannabis often loses its natural, complex aroma and takes on an unpleasant odor. A compromised product may smell musty, damp, or like mildew, sometimes resembling a wet basement or stale hay. In severe cases, certain molds can produce a sharp, ammonia-like scent. Finally, the texture can be a giveaway; if the cannabis feels overly damp, slimy, or fails to break apart easily, it suggests excessive moisture content that encourages mold proliferation.
Specific Health Hazards Posed by Moldy Cannabis
Consuming moldy cannabis, especially through inhalation, exposes the respiratory system directly to fungal spores, leading to several health hazards. For many people, the immediate risk is an allergic reaction, which manifests as symptoms including:
- A persistent cough.
- Wheezing.
- Throat irritation.
- A runny nose.
These reactions are the body’s response to the foreign fungal material and can be severe for individuals with pre-existing conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Beyond allergies, inhaling mold spores can introduce the risk of severe respiratory infections. The fungus Aspergillus is a common contaminant found on cannabis that can cause a condition called aspergillosis. While healthy individuals may clear the spores without issue, those with compromised immune systems face a higher danger of developing invasive aspergillosis. This is a life-threatening infection where the fungus spreads throughout the body, most often affecting the lungs. People undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, or those with underlying lung diseases are among the most vulnerable populations.
Certain molds also produce toxic compounds known as mycotoxins, which do not break down when the product is combusted or vaporized. Exposure to these toxins can lead to systemic issues, including persistent headaches, dizziness, nausea, and a general weakening of the immune system over time. The presence of mycotoxins in contaminated cannabis makes the product unsafe regardless of the consumption method.
Immediate Action and Safe Disposal
If you suspect or confirm that your product is moldy, avoid consumption entirely. Attempts to “clean” or salvage the flower, such as scraping off visible mold, washing it, or exposing it to heat, are ineffective and dangerous. Visible mold is only a fraction of the contamination, and microscopic fungal filaments penetrate deep into the bud structure. Mycotoxins are highly resilient and will remain present even if the visible mold appears to be removed or destroyed by heat.
Disposing of the contaminated product safely is the only appropriate course of action. Place the moldy cannabis in a sealed plastic bag or an airtight container before discarding it in the regular trash. To ensure the material is not accidentally retrieved or consumed, it is recommended to mix it with an undesirable substance, such as coffee grounds or cat litter, before sealing the container.
You should monitor yourself for lingering symptoms if you have been exposed. While mild irritation may resolve quickly, seeking medical consultation is advisable if you experience persistent coughing, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or fever. These symptoms may indicate a serious respiratory reaction or infection that requires professional medical attention.
Preventing Future Mold Growth
The primary strategy for preventing mold growth is maintaining strict control over the storage environment. Mold thrives in warm, humid conditions, so regulating the relative humidity (RH) is paramount. The ideal humidity range for storing cannabis flower to preserve quality and inhibit fungal growth is between 55% and 63% RH. Humidity control packets placed inside the storage container are a reliable method for actively maintaining this moisture level.
Temperature and light also play a significant role in long-term preservation. Cannabis should be stored in a cool, dark location, ideally at temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures exceeding this range can accelerate the degradation of beneficial cannabinoids and create conditions conducive to mold development. Avoid storing containers near heat sources or in direct sunlight, which can quickly destabilize the environment.
The choice of storage vessel directly impacts the flower’s longevity and susceptibility to contamination. Airtight glass jars, such as mason jars, are highly recommended because they seal effectively and do not leach chemicals or odors. Conversely, storing cannabis in plastic bags or unsealed containers can trap moisture, promote stagnation, and increase the risk of mold colonization. Ensuring proper air circulation within the storage space also helps prevent pockets of high humidity from forming around the flower.