Finding small organisms in your cannabis immediately raises questions about safety and quality. The presence of pests, their waste, or associated mold growth transforms the product into a potential health concern. This article details how to identify common pests, explains the specific health risks of inhaling contaminated material, and provides clear steps for handling an infested product and preventing future occurrences.
Identifying Common Cannabis Pests
Pest infestations require close visual inspection to determine the type of contamination.
Spider mites are nearly microscopic and often indicated by the fine, silken webbing they spin across the buds or sugar leaves. These tiny arachnids appear as minute dots, sometimes pale or reddish, and their feeding leaves behind small, pinhead-sized spots on the plant material.
Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that can be green, black, or yellow, frequently found on the underside of leaves or deep within the bud structure. They secrete “honeydew,” a sticky, sugary residue that can attract sooty mold.
Fungus gnats look like small, dark, long-legged mosquitoes and indicate excessive moisture. The adult gnats are less problematic than their larvae, which are clear, legless maggots found near the stem base. Thrips are slender-bodied and small, often appearing yellow to brown, and their presence is betrayed by silvering or flecking damage on the surface of the plant material.
Health Risks of Smoking Infested Cannabis
Consuming cannabis contaminated with insects or their byproducts is strongly discouraged due to specific biological hazards. When contaminated cannabis is smoked, the high heat aerosolizes the biological material, which is then inhaled deep into the lungs. This material includes insect fragments (such as chitin from exoskeletons), proteins, and fecal matter, all of which can trigger allergic reactions or severe respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals.
A more serious danger comes from the molds and fungi that thrive in the same conditions that attract pests. The most concerning of these is the Aspergillus species, which contaminates cannabis and produces highly toxic compounds called mycotoxins, such as aflatoxins and ochratoxins. Inhaling these fungal spores and mycotoxins can lead to aspergillosis, a severe and potentially fatal fungal infection, particularly for individuals with compromised immune systems or pre-existing respiratory conditions.
Mycotoxins are poisonous compounds that withstand the heat of combustion and are linked to significant health consequences, including liver damage. Even in healthy individuals, inhaling mold spores can lead to acute respiratory symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and chest pain. Any cannabis suspected of having an infestation should be treated as biologically hazardous material and avoided completely.
Immediate Steps for Contaminated Product
The moment any pest or mold is discovered, halt all consumption of the product. The contaminated material must be physically isolated from the rest of your stash to prevent the spread of pests or fungal spores. Place the infested container into a sealed plastic bag or airtight vessel and keep it separate from all other cannabis products.
After isolation, carefully inspect the remainder of your cannabis supply, including other containers, to check for signs of cross-contamination. Use a magnifying glass to look closely at the buds for webbing, spots, or any unusual discoloration.
Once the extent of the contamination is determined, contact the retailer or licensed dispensary where the product was purchased. Reputable businesses often have protocols for handling contaminated products, and you should inquire about their policy for returns, exchanges, or refunds. Providing photographic evidence and batch information can expedite the process.
Do not attempt to salvage the infested product by cleaning or treating it; the safest course of action is proper disposal once the retailer has been contacted.
Preventing Future Infestations
Proactive storage habits are the most effective method for preventing post-purchase infestations. Always transfer flower from its original packaging into an airtight container, with non-porous materials like glass jars being the preferred choice for long-term storage. This barrier prevents external pests from entering.
The storage environment should be cool, dark, and stable, as high temperatures and light accelerate the degradation of cannabinoids and terpenes. Maintain a constant temperature, ideally below 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and keep the container in a dark cabinet or drawer to shield it from light exposure.
Humidity control is equally important, as excessive moisture is a primary cause of mold and fungal growth. Maintaining a relative humidity level between 55% and 65% inside the container, often achieved with specialized humidity control packs, will inhibit the conditions favorable for pest and mold proliferation.