{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/mold/","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2557-markdown","title":"How to Guard Against Consuming Moldy Cannabis","slug":"how-to-guard-against-consuming-moldy-cannabis","content":"If you live in a state with a [legal cannabis industry](http://www.businessinsider.com/legal-marijuana-states-2018-1), the product testing that comes along with legalization has granted you higher standards of health protection when shopping for edibles, tinctures, vaporizers and more. Just as it is with shopping for body care or groceries, the safety and quality of your purchase is critical. \r\n\r\nAn agricultural product with a long history of deregulation, cannabis can carry health risks that often aren’t on the collective consumer’s radar. Even worse, medical cannabis patients often have compromised immune systems, making the unintentional consumption of mold, bacteria and chemicals a greater health risk for them. \r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\r\n\r\nFertilizers in soil, pesticides sprayed on plants, fungal diseases common to wet climates and the spread of mold spores are all common occurrences throughout the cultivation cycle. Worst among these culprits is mold, which spreads easily and can crop up after the customer has brought home their product. Proper storage is the best prevention, but knowing how to avoid purchasing moldy marijuana is equally important. \r\n\r\nRELATED: [HOW TO STORE YOUR MARIJUANA THE RIGHT WAY](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/59f9fc3be238d7000f440f5a/easy-tips-on-how-to-store-your-marijuana-the-right-way)\r\n\r\n### Be on the Lookout for “Bud Rot”\r\n\r\nAt [Leaf Detective](http://leafdetective.com/home.php), a licensed cannabis testing facility in Humboldt County, CA, Michele Malaret is an expert on the various types of mold and bacteria that can degrade cannabis flower and our health. \r\n\r\nMichele says that most molds and bacteria aren’t visible to the naked eye, but that it’s possible to detect things like grey mold, often called “bud rot,” or powdery mildew, which leaves [buds appearing as though they were rolled in sugar](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/59f389cf4ceee40028b86c03/how-to-watch-out-for-cannabis-thats-contaminated). Sometimes moldy cannabis also gives off a musty smell that can tip you off that the plant isn’t quite right.\r\n\r\n### Use a Magnifying Glass to Spot Moldy Cannabis\r\n\r\nMany cannabis farmers walk their crop rows with an important tool in their pocket called a jeweler’s loupe. A powerful magnifying glass, cultivators use the tool to zoom in on spider mites (bad) and trichomes (good) in various stages of growth. Bringing your own jeweler’s loupe while shopping at the dispensary is a great idea for any medical cannabis patient, those with sensitive immune systems or anyone wanting to reduce exposure to toxic mold and bacteria. \r\n\r\nDon’t worry about offending your cannabis consultant by inspecting the wares under glass—a reputable outfit should want to earn their customer’s confidence. And many dispensaries will have magnifying glasses next to various strain samples—don’t be shy about using them. Michele recommends looking for discoloration as the primary indicator of mold and talking to your dispensary about any concerns. \r\n\r\n### What if I Consumed Moldy Marijuana?\r\n\r\nIf moldy cannabis has been smoked, vaped or consumed, mold spores can thrive in the warm cavities of the body, leading to a build-up of mycotoxins, the harmful compounds that trigger inflammation in the body. There’s no way to measure the exact health risk involved—it differs for each individual. Some people have a specifically adverse reaction to moldy cannabis, such as chest pain or nose bleeds. If symptoms are severe, seek medical attention immediately. \r\n\r\nIn California, the Department of Food and Agriculture now requires licensed labs, like Leaf Detective, to test for salmonella, E. coli and four kinds of a fungus called Aspergillus. \r\n\r\nA large genus of mold, Aspergillus is common to indoor and outdoor environments and is naturally found in soil. Most of us breathe in hundreds of mold spores per day without any consequences, but those with compromised immune systems (folks with cancer, asthma, cystic fibrosis, low white blood cell count) are at risk of developing [aspergillosis, an opportunistic fungal infection of the lungs](https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/infections/fungal-infections/aspergillosis). Symptoms include difficulty breathing, fever, chest pain and coughing up blood. Without medical attention and anti-fungal drugs, the infection could spread to vital organs.\r\n\r\nAnyone experiencing symptoms related to aspergillosis should seek immediate medical attention. While there’s no record of a single incidence of moldy cannabis consumption resulting in a life-threatening infection, those with sensitive immune systems should avoid exposure whenever possible. \r\n\r\n### Be Vigilant About Exposure to Mold\r\n\r\nIf you’re a cannabis consumer in a state with a legal cannabis market, you’re in a much better position to buy clean, uncontaminated cannabis due to required quality control testing regulated by state law. But always keep your eye out and don’t be afraid to inspect flower with a magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe. Be aware that smoking cannabis does nothing to kill mold spores, and unfortunately, there’s no antidote for consuming contaminated cannabis—just be sure it’s an isolated incident. Ask your dispensary if anything looks or smells off. \r\n\r\nAs legalization slowly sweeps the nation, there’s no reason to expect anything less than safe, clean cannabis from a permitted cultivation site. \r\n\r\nPhoto credit: [Thought Catalogue](https://unsplash.com/@thoughtcatalog)\r\n\r\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.  ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/518fdcf848f7af43c45f7fe491e0c504/14b42/afa42477369cd013da95f5d3c6e34225.jpg","srcSet":"/static/518fdcf848f7af43c45f7fe491e0c504/f836f/afa42477369cd013da95f5d3c6e34225.jpg 200w,\n/static/518fdcf848f7af43c45f7fe491e0c504/2244e/afa42477369cd013da95f5d3c6e34225.jpg 400w,\n/static/518fdcf848f7af43c45f7fe491e0c504/14b42/afa42477369cd013da95f5d3c6e34225.jpg 800w,\n/static/518fdcf848f7af43c45f7fe491e0c504/47498/afa42477369cd013da95f5d3c6e34225.jpg 1200w,\n/static/518fdcf848f7af43c45f7fe491e0c504/0e329/afa42477369cd013da95f5d3c6e34225.jpg 1600w,\n/static/518fdcf848f7af43c45f7fe491e0c504/77d93/afa42477369cd013da95f5d3c6e34225.jpg 3600w","srcWebp":"/static/518fdcf848f7af43c45f7fe491e0c504/58556/afa42477369cd013da95f5d3c6e34225.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/518fdcf848f7af43c45f7fe491e0c504/61e93/afa42477369cd013da95f5d3c6e34225.webp 200w,\n/static/518fdcf848f7af43c45f7fe491e0c504/1f5c5/afa42477369cd013da95f5d3c6e34225.webp 400w,\n/static/518fdcf848f7af43c45f7fe491e0c504/58556/afa42477369cd013da95f5d3c6e34225.webp 800w,\n/static/518fdcf848f7af43c45f7fe491e0c504/99238/afa42477369cd013da95f5d3c6e34225.webp 1200w,\n/static/518fdcf848f7af43c45f7fe491e0c504/7c22d/afa42477369cd013da95f5d3c6e34225.webp 1600w,\n/static/518fdcf848f7af43c45f7fe491e0c504/d4378/afa42477369cd013da95f5d3c6e34225.webp 3600w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2202-markdown","title":"Moldy Marijuana: It Can Hurt You","slug":"moldy-marijuana-it-can-hurt-you","content":"### Is Your Marijuana Moldy?\n\nMold and contaminants in marijuana are something that every consumer should be aware of. Many people do not know exactly what to look for or what the presence of mold in their marijuana really means. Cannabis can be contaminated at every stage of the growing and production process, just like every other product that goes to market, such as produce or manufactured food items. Every now and again, we hear about a salmonella outbreak or E.coli in spinach, but people often don’t realize that these same problems can happen with their cannabis flower. \n\nMarijuana can be contaminated by improper growing and harvesting methods, like throwing cuttings on the floor, rather than in a specified container. Unsanitary practices by workers, like not washing hands and wearing gloves, can also contaminate a marijuana crop. One of the biggest issues, especially related to mold, is the improper storage of cannabis. Maintaining a proper balance of temperature and humidity can prevent mold growth, but if those are not monitored closely, then mold can grow quickly on marijuana flowers. \n\nSo, are mold and other bacteria on cannabis a problem?\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### New UC Davis Study\n\nUC Davis studied microbiological material found on medical marijuana from various dispensaries in Northern California and found bacterial and fungal pathogens on every single sample of cannabis tested, each which could have potentially dangerous implications for people. The study ended with a recommendation that cannabis should not be smoked, because the pathogens found on cannabis could infect lungs in immunocompromised patients. Though these findings may seem very shocking, many of the same pathogens are found in soil and on cut flowers that people interact with on a regular basis. \n\nThe study only tested raw and cured cannabis, and the researchers said that they could not make any conclusions on if these pathogens could survive during the process of cooking edibles or creating extractions, like wax, tincture, or oils. These pathogens, though harmful to people with compromised immune systems, are not of much concern to the average, healthy person. This does provide a wake up call, however, for an industry that is only partially regulated at the current time. \n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/58b46c4031ae1c0007eef3f3/embedded_images/58b46c4331ae1c0007eef3f4/Screen_Shot_2017-02-27_at_10.10.45_AM.png)\nA bad case of bud rot.\n \n### Importance of Lab Testing\n\nWhat the recent UC Davis study highlighted was the need for lab testing and regulations on what is required of growers, producers, and sellers. The California Department of Public Health is currently working on guidelines for marijuana testing that would apply to both medical and recreational products. These guidelines would decide what is required for marijuana to be marked as safe for consumption, much like regulations we have of food and other medical products. UC Davis has shared their findings to help assist the Department of Public Health on their new regulations. \n\nRELATED: [ARE THERE NEUROTOXINS IN YOUR MARIJUANA](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55ca3cd435343600060f0000/are-there-neurotoxins-in-your-marijuana)\n\n### Tighter Health Regulations Needed\n\nThis information is sadly not new. The medical marijuana industry has long called for regulations on testing of marijuana in order to provide patients with the safest and cleanest products. Alex Traverso, spokesman for the state Bureau of Medical Cannabis Regulation, told LA Weekly that the department is, “aware of the study, and while it’s certainly concerning, this is exactly why we need regulation. The Bureau is working with the Department of Public Health to develop strong standards for testing because patient safety is extremely important to us all.” \n\nLab testing is extremely important for the safety of medical marijuana users, and many companies have taken matters into their own hands. With the help of a handful of cannabis specific labs, many companies like Auntie Dolores and Kiva Confections have taken it upon themselves to lab test all of their products for potency and contaminations before they go to market. As regulations are still being formulated, you can insure that your cannabis products are free from harmful toxins by supporting companies that do the lab work on their own accord and strive to provide their patients with clean and pure products. \n\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wgARCAAPABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAGAAAAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUBAgT/xAAWAQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAAL/2gAMAwEAAhADEAAAAWazauxWIA//xAAaEAACAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAgADEQQS/9oACAEBAAEFArrvBawuTLefYyFJhn//xAAUEQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQ/9oACAEDAQE/AT//xAAVEQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIf/aAAgBAgEBPwGq/8QAHBABAAEEAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQACERIhEDFR/9oACAEBAAY/AsabXhk8LTtfZudDP//EABoQAQEBAQADAAAAAAAAAAAAAAERAEExcaH/2gAIAQEAAT8hiUd3meAQw9O7mq1hCIKtvnEPsd//2gAMAwEAAgADAAAAEEDP/8QAFhEAAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARAx/9oACAEDAQE/EDF//8QAGBEAAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACEBEVH/2gAIAQIBAT8QlmXg/8QAGxABAAMBAAMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQARMSFBYXH/2gAIAQEAAT8QFQBu7FTPpBR5158Iql2UWtdY46XVyjeVF1whhXy1rI3gBjh6n//Z","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/497fb79de65c5647fdba8d32c09874c6/14b42/c687489f49e5efe36580a66ee019ed2e.jpg","srcSet":"/static/497fb79de65c5647fdba8d32c09874c6/f836f/c687489f49e5efe36580a66ee019ed2e.jpg 200w,\n/static/497fb79de65c5647fdba8d32c09874c6/2244e/c687489f49e5efe36580a66ee019ed2e.jpg 400w,\n/static/497fb79de65c5647fdba8d32c09874c6/14b42/c687489f49e5efe36580a66ee019ed2e.jpg 800w,\n/static/497fb79de65c5647fdba8d32c09874c6/47498/c687489f49e5efe36580a66ee019ed2e.jpg 1200w,\n/static/497fb79de65c5647fdba8d32c09874c6/54ac5/c687489f49e5efe36580a66ee019ed2e.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/497fb79de65c5647fdba8d32c09874c6/58556/c687489f49e5efe36580a66ee019ed2e.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/497fb79de65c5647fdba8d32c09874c6/61e93/c687489f49e5efe36580a66ee019ed2e.webp 200w,\n/static/497fb79de65c5647fdba8d32c09874c6/1f5c5/c687489f49e5efe36580a66ee019ed2e.webp 400w,\n/static/497fb79de65c5647fdba8d32c09874c6/58556/c687489f49e5efe36580a66ee019ed2e.webp 800w,\n/static/497fb79de65c5647fdba8d32c09874c6/99238/c687489f49e5efe36580a66ee019ed2e.webp 1200w,\n/static/497fb79de65c5647fdba8d32c09874c6/5e0b8/c687489f49e5efe36580a66ee019ed2e.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":0,"numPages":1,"currentPage":1,"id":5525,"name":"Mold","slug":"mold","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}