The trichomes on your cannabis flower can make your bud look like food that’s been left in the fridge for a bit too long. The most potent, highest-quality flower can look like it’s covered in questionable mold or mildew, so how can you tell when you actually have moldy trichomes or just an excellent strain?
Moldy cannabis can cause all sorts of health concerns when consumed, so let’s go over the key differences between mold and dank bud. If you’re looking for fresh, quality marijuana strains, visit one of our Cannabis & Glass dispensaries near you!
Understanding the Dangers of Mold
Mold is a fungus that can grow on all types of foods and surfaces. Mold typically thrives in humid, moist environments with poor ventilation. Mold can grow on cannabis in many situations, especially if you live in a humid area and fail to store your bud properly.
While humans can inhale small quantities of mold spores throughout the day, directly inhaling moldy cannabis can cause severe health issues and compromised immune systems. You could suffer from the following:
- Allergic reactions
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing and sneezing
- Fever
- Memory lapses
- Chest pain
- Eye itchiness
- Lethargy
- Other respiratory symptoms
- And more
Mold vs. Trichomes
Cannabis plants contain colorful, powdery, and oddly shaped structures that might already look like mold to the naked eye. What you’re seeing are trichomes. Trichomes produce cannabinoids and terpenes, creating the plant’s unique chemicals and smells.
When viewed closely, trichomes have a mushroom-like structure and can come in numerous colors, depending on the strain. Healthy trichomes should be thin, sparkly, and tall, protecting the plant-like hairs. While this may sound similar to mold, mold looks more like a vague fuzz without any distinguishable structure or shape.
Different Types of Mold on Trichomes
Learning how to spot moldy trichomes is much easier when you know what type of mold to look for. The most common types of mold found on cannabis include the following:
- Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew can be easily recognizable, as the mold appears as patches of gray or yellow fuzz across the product. You may also notice spider webs of mold, dark spots, or a slimy substance.
- Gray mold: Gray mold, or Botrytis, is a form of bud rot that takes over the plant during the growth and production process. The disease spreads in the earlier stages, eventually turning the bud a pale-gray color while making the product dry and soft on the inside of each cluster.
How To Spot Mold on Your Weed
You can spot moldy trichomes on your weed by conducting a few different tests. If you have any suspicions, we recommend going through the following:
- A visual inspection: First, check for patches of unusual colors, fuzz, webs, syrupy textures, slimy substances, or unusual soft spots. You should only see healthy, shiny trichome hairs and the natural strain colors. You can use a microscope for a closer look if necessary.
- A smell inspection: A smell inspection can help you differentiate between vibrant strain colors versus concerning mold. Mold spores can release odors similar to an old basement, sweaty shoes, cat urine, and more. If you notice a volatile smell, you should steer clear.
- The snap test: Properly cured and dried marijuana should snap between your fingers. If you try to break your bud apart and it feels squishy, damp, or wet, you may be witnessing the first signs of mold development.
Shop for Fresh, Quality Bud Today
We know you don’t want to smoke moldy weed. Visit one of our dispensaries at Cannabis & Glass to shop for high-quality, fresh bud, or call us at (509) 710-7118 if you have questions about storing your flower to avoid moldy trichomes.
