Why not smoke moldy weed - it's bad for your health!

In a desperate situation, desperate measures, right? If your herbage supply is running low and the only thing left is a slightly suspicious appearance and smell, chances are your beloved cannabis has gone moldy. Unlike a well-ripened cheese, Weed does not improve when bacteria are added to it.

SHOULD I SMOKE A MOOSE GRASS?

No.

Despite some popular misconceptions on the internet that encourage the cultivation of certain types of mold for better effect, this white down should be avoided at all costs. It does nothing to improve the quality of your herb and, in the worst-case scenarios, can cause you serious health problems because of mycotoxins.

In general, those with properly functioning immune systems passively (unknowingly) inhale mold spores into the environment. There is no reason to panic, however (unless you really want to wear a surgeon's mask), as these spores are generally safe.

Cannabis, on the other hand, especially if it shelters a significant amount of mold, will have a negative impact on your body. Health problems can range from a mild cough and flu symptoms to chest pain, allergic reactions, and breathing problems.

This is not about terrorizing you at all costs, but rather about giving a warning. When you have a choice between smoking good or moldy weed, the decision is simple. In fact, it is not even a choice.

WHAT MAKES BUD MOLD?

While the age or shelf life of your cannabis can contribute to the development of mold, the main contributor is humidity. Humidity is not always a good thing, especially in the storage of cannabis.

For many, the main mistake is to place the buds in jars immediately after harvest, without letting them dry enough. The moisture in the buds creates the perfect environment for mold to flourish and an entire crop can be ruined before you even realize it.

Fortunately, many growers and dispensaries will take the necessary precautionary measures to prevent moisture buildup.

SPOT MOLD

Fortunately, spotting mold is fairly straightforward. In some cases, first-time smokers could be wrong and feel that mold is actually a sign of a higher THC content.

No worries, this is a common confusion that we will help you identify. This is due to the fact that to the inexperienced observer, trichomes, these little white hairs like crystals, can look like mold, and vice versa. The easiest way to tell the two apart is to literally examine your weed.

Even though cannabis can take a variety of colors and give off a wide range of odors, a mold-infested herb is very distinct. Visually, unusual dark green spots combined with white powdery substance or gray down are obvious signs.

When it comes to the smell of a healthy herb, the aroma can be incredibly distinctive depending on the variety. However, the mold will be extremely musky or unpleasant. Trust your instincts: if you don't feel it, then chances are that drying and ripening have not been complete.

Finally, the ultimate mold test is done in blacklight. All mold spores present will take on a bright green color. For those of us who are not in the middle of the crowd and who do not have black light at hand, a simple visual and odor test should suffice.

PREVENT MOLD FROM DEVELOPING

If all of these spore hazards have made you paranoid, there are practical steps you can take to limit the risk of mold development. Above 50% RH (Relative Humidity), the environment becomes perfect for the propagation of mold.

Although it is impossible to determine the humidity with the naked eye, storing your herb in an airtight container once it is completely dry is a good place to start. It is also a good idea to store the container cool and in the dark.

There are many luxury containers on the internet, which promise humidity control and vacuum capabilities. This is the best option, but by following the steps presented above, your herb should remain in good condition.

For those who grow cannabis, giving your heads enough time to dry well in a dark, well-ventilated place will prevent the build-up of mold in the ripening jars.

THE GAME IS NOT WORTH THE CANDLE!

Ultimately, smoking moldy weed is simply not worth the risk. However, if this hopeless situation arises, the damage can be mitigated - to some degree. If there is a slight accumulation of mold, placing the herb in the oven on a baking sheet for 15 minutes at 150 ° C will burn the main strains of bacteria.

If you are unlucky enough to be affected by a weakened immune system or breathing problems, honestly, the best thing to do is to simply avoid any potentially contaminated herb.