Contaminated Cannabis and How To Detect it

Using cannabis has never been more popular. However, there have recently been reports of ever-increasing amounts of contaminated marijuana—something no user or self-respecting grower wants.

Well, good thing you’ve found this article as we’ll tell you everything you need to know about weed contamination. You’ll learn how weed gets contaminated, as well as a few friendly tips on how to spot contamination and how to avoid it.

DIGGING DEEPER INTO CANNABIS CONTAMINATION

Cannabis use is growing in popularity around the world. In fact, there are now a number of countries reforming cannabis for legal recreational and medical use. However, with every development comes change, and the amount of contaminated weed circulating is increasing.

You would think with increasing legalisation, that contamination would go down, due to regulation and testing. However, for home growers, there are no tests other than experience and knowledge. Contamination is very common in cannabis because it can happen during the growing, harvesting, and extracting process. Storage facilities might also contaminate cannabis, especially if these are stored for long periods of time.

Mildew or mold can easily be spotted with knowledge, but there are other contaminations that can only be discovered through chemical analysis.

COMMON CAUSES OF CONTAMINATION

Fungus

Fungal growth is one of the most common causes of contamination, with mildew and grey mold being the usual suspects. If you happen to spot an unnatural looking white powder or a fuzzy skin texture, then that could be a sign that your cannabis has a fungal infection.

Rooms where cannabis is grown should have their own thermometer and hygrometer to ensure that the ideal temperature and humidity is maintained. The grower should conduct regular inspections to hunt for signs of contamination, and remove it as soon as it is seen.

Bacteria

Microbial contaminants are also common in cannabis because of the microbes’ strong adaptation build.

A recent study found in the Clinical Microbiology and Infection journal states that gram-negative bacilli are found in numerous dispensaries in Northern California. To make things worse, these bacteria contaminate medical cannabis which is used for medicinal purposes. Unfortunately, the only way to assure your weed is microbe-free is to have microbial testing.

Residual Solvents

Cannabis is often used to create extractions. While the process involved has a lot of benefits to the medical world, there’s still a huge chance that the process leaves behind solvent residue if not done correctly. Extreme care is needed when creating solvent based extractions.

Pesticides

Insects are one of the biggest problems a cannabis grower can face. Unfortunately, the most common thing they do to combat this is spray pesticides. Though this might drive away pests from damaging their cannabis plants, this process has serious negative effects on the end user.

Some pesticides remain in the plant even after harvest and curing. Inhaling these pesticide particles, with imidacloprid, spiromesifen, and etoxazole being the most common ones, is dangerous to one’s health.

Miscellaneous Contaminants

Contaminants are common in cannabis because of the processes involved in growing, harvesting, preparing, extracting, and eventually to packing its many products. As of now, it is not yet mandatory for cannabis to undergo contamination testing, even in countries where it is legal.

Because of this, the only way for you to know if your weed is contaminated is to check if the place where your cannabis is grown and packed answers to the safety precautionary measures. Or if you are growing yourself, by taking great care to ensure a clean and well maintained grow.

SIGNS OF POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION

Sponginess

Before you smoke weed, always remember first to feel its texture. If it's dry, then there is very little chance of mould contamination. But if it feels spongy and damp, it could be the case there is mould. Also be careful with cannabis that has a powdery texture because some dealers add crushed pills to enhance its aesthetic appeal—these are not always trichomes!

Discoloration

Speckled white discolorations or fuzzy greenish and grayish color on your weed is also another sign that there’s something wrong with it. These are usually the effects of mildew and mold contaminations.

Scent

Every cannabis strain has its own distinct scent. However, all share a musky sweet aroma. If it smells very sweet or has a gone-off scent, then it most likely is contaminated. Also be careful of weed that smells like fresh cut grass because this is a sign that it hasn’t been correctly cured or dried. Cannabis that has these characteristics usually get mouldy when in storage.

Chest Pains

Take note that smoking weed shouldn't cause chest pain. If you experience one after a smoking session, then that’s a tell-tale sign that you’ve just inhaled contaminated weed, or there is a more serious problem at play. Seek the help of a doctor as soon as possible.

Allergies

If you've tried smoking cannabis before and haven't felt any adverse reaction, then suddenly you do experience one, then that's a strong sign that you've just smoked mouldy cannabis. This often leads to allergic reactions.

HOW TO SPOT WEED CONTAMINATION

Smoking weed can be undoubtedly exciting. But this isn't a reason for us to be irresponsible when using it. Take note that because of the growing demand for cannabis in the market, suppliers tend to speed up production, and in the process, risk contamination.

Always remember to make it a habit to inspect your weed before use. Check its physical appearance and search for whitish crystalline marks or unnatural looking stems.

You can also try rubbing a piece of stalk or bud on your fingers. If it feels very dry, chalky, or has abnormal features, then give it a second thought as these might have high amounts of contaminants. You don't want to risk your health.