Fresh cannabis is plant material that has been freshly harvested and not yet dried or cured. While technically possible to ignite and inhale the smoke from fresh cannabis, doing so is highly ineffective and results in an extremely unpleasant experience. This practice is avoided by consumers and cultivators because the raw material lacks the desired psychoactive effects and presents significant physical and health challenges.
The Chemical Barrier Why Fresh Cannabis Lacks Potency
The primary reason fresh cannabis does not produce the expected effects lies in its chemical composition. Raw, freshly harvested cannabis contains a high concentration of Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid (THCA). THCA is the precursor to the psychoactive component, Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The THCA molecule has an extra carboxyl group that prevents it from binding effectively with the body’s cannabinoid receptors, making it non-intoxicating in its raw form.
For THCA to convert into psychoactive THC, it must undergo decarboxylation. This chemical reaction removes the carboxyl group from the molecule, typically achieved through the application of heat. The heat applied during smoking is intended to trigger this conversion, making the compounds active for inhalation.
When smoking fresh cannabis, the extensive moisture content absorbs much of the heat energy. This heat is used to boil off the water instead of reaching the temperatures necessary for efficient decarboxylation. Consequently, insufficient conversion of THCA to THC occurs, and the resulting smoke contains a significantly reduced level of the psychoactive compound.
Physical Challenges and Experience
Attempting to smoke plant material with high moisture content presents immediate physical challenges. Freshly harvested cannabis can be composed of up to 75% water, which hinders the ability to ignite and maintain combustion. The user must apply a continuous flame and will likely experience the material extinguishing repeatedly.
The smoke produced from this inefficient combustion is often thick, heavy, and harsh. Much of the heat is consumed turning internal moisture into steam, which mixes with the plant smoke. Inhaling this hot, humid vapor is highly irritating to the throat and lungs, contributing to coughing and discomfort.
The experience is characterized by a poor taste, often described as earthy, grassy, or hay-like, contrasting sharply with dried and cured cannabis. The effort required to keep the material burning and the harshness of the vapor make the process inefficient.
Safety and Health Concerns of Smoking Wet Plant Material
The most significant concerns regarding smoking fresh plant material are the potential health risks associated with inhaling contaminants. Freshly harvested, high-moisture cannabis is an ideal environment for the growth of molds, mildew, and various fungal species. These microorganisms thrive in the damp, dense structure of the flower buds.
When a person smokes this wet material, they are inhaling not only plant matter but also mold spores, fungal elements, and mycotoxins produced by the fungi. While the high heat of combustion can destroy some microorganisms, it is not guaranteed to eliminate all spores or the toxins they produce. Inhaling these contaminants can lead to respiratory irritation, allergic reactions, and, in more severe cases, serious lung infections. Individuals with compromised immune systems are particularly vulnerable to conditions like aspergillosis, which is a severe fungal infection of the lungs.
The high water content also exacerbates respiratory irritation by creating excessive water vapor mixed with the smoke. Inhaling this hot steam can irritate the bronchial passages and lungs more severely than dry smoke, potentially causing inflammation and increasing the risk of chronic respiratory issues. The moisture also concentrates any residual chemicals present in the plant matter.
Pesticides and fungicides, such as myclobutanil, which are sometimes used during cultivation, can leave residues on the flower. When these chemicals are combusted, they can break down into highly toxic byproducts, such as hydrogen cyanide, which are then delivered directly into the lungs. This direct inhalation of combusted chemical residues poses a serious threat to health.