Moldy cannabis typically presents as a grayish-white, powder-like film and gives off a musty or mildewy odor. While smoking moldy weed is unlikely to be fatal, it’s still inadvisable.
Often cannabis covered in mold will have that telltale gray-white bloom. If you’re not experienced with consuming or cultivating cannabis, it’s easy to confuse mold with trichomes.
Trichomes are the sticky, shimmering glandular crystals on buds and leaves that contribute to cannabis’ scent and potency.
Unlike trichomes, which look like tiny hair-like structures that almost sparkle, mold appears as a powdery gray or white substance.
Mold also tends to have a distinctive smell, so your sense of smell may detect the issue before you notice it visually. Moldy weed usually smells musty or like damp hay.
Is it safe to smoke moldy cannabis?
It probably won’t kill you, but it’s still not something you should do.
For generally healthy individuals, smoking moldy cannabis is unlikely to cause severe harm beyond the usual risks related to inhaling smoke.
If you consume moldy weed, you may experience unpleasant symptoms such as coughing, nausea, or vomiting, which are typically more uncomfortable than life-threatening.
However, if you’re allergic to mold, you could develop inflammation in your sinuses or lungs and symptoms like:
- sinus pain
- postnasal drainage
- congestion
- wheezing
For people with weakened immune systems or chronic lung illnesses, inhaling smoke from cannabis contaminated with certain molds can have serious consequences.
Fungal species such as Aspergillus, Mucor, and Cryptococcus are capable of causing severe — sometimes fatal — infections in the lungs, central nervous system, and brain among immunocompromised individuals.
A UC Davis study detected these and other potentially dangerous fungi on cannabis samples obtained from dispensaries and growers in Northern California.
Can you remove the mold?
Not effectively. You might be tempted to cut away visibly moldy parts and use the rest, but that’s not advisable. Life’s too short for subpar bud.
If you spot mold or mildew, it’s best to discard the cannabis. It won’t smell or taste good and could make you ill.
How to prevent mold
Proper storage is crucial to preventing mold. Exposure to incorrect temperature, light, humidity, and oxygen levels encourages mold growth. Keep the following tips in mind.
Avoid refrigeration or freezing
Ignore any advice to store your stash in the fridge or freezer. Those environments are too cold and introduce moisture that can encourage mold development.
The best temperature for storing cannabis is below 77°F (25°C).
Choose the right container
Airtight glass jars are ideal for keeping mold at bay.
Mason jars and similar glass containers limit oxygen and moisture exposure, which helps prevent mold and keeps your buds fresher for longer.
If you prefer something beyond a Mason jar, many dispensaries sell purpose-built storage containers designed for cannabis.
Store in a dark, dry spot
Direct sunlight and damp conditions are a recipe for disaster when preserving cannabis.
Sunlight can raise temperatures and trap moisture. A humid environment can also allow moisture to accumulate if your container isn’t sealed properly.
Keep your stash in a dark, dry cupboard or closet that stays relatively cool.
Watch the humidity
Cannabis fares best at a relative humidity of 59% to 63%. Higher humidity increases the chance of moisture retention and mold growth.
Including a humidity pack in your container can help. These small packets contain a balance of salts and water to stabilize humidity. They’re affordable and typically last a few months.
Specialized cannabis humidors are another option if you want to invest in a more advanced storage solution.
The takeaway
Moldy cannabis will usually look, smell, or taste off.
Inspect your weed before consuming it — especially if you have a chronic lung condition like asthma or a weakened immune system.
Even without underlying health issues, it’s prudent to discard anything that seems abnormal.
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