I’ve heard that mold can be a big problem for cannabis growers. If mold does form on the buds, does it have any effect on the potency or safety of the product?
One answer “Can mold affect the potency of cannabis buds?”
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Mold can be a huge problem for cannabis growers. Mold is a fungus that thrives in damp and warm climates and can ruin and contaminate harvested buds. Mold can also affect the potency, flavor and overall quality of the buds, potentially rendering them useless and dangerous.
Mold can cause a variety of health problems, including asthma and bronchitis. Inhaling the spores released by mold can cause respiratory issues. Those with weakened immune systems can be especially vulnerable to the effects of the toxic byproducts of the mold.
The main cause of mold on cannabis buds is high humidity. When the relative humidity around a cannabis plant gets too high, water condensation can form and start to build. If it’s not taken care of quickly, this condensation can cause mold. Too high of temperatures can also lead to the growth of mold on buds.
In outdoor and greenhouse grows, the environment can be difficult to control, which can make it hard to stop the formation of mold. Keep the environment as free of moisture as possible and don’t over water plants. Prune off mold-infested leaves immediately and avoid high winds and extreme temperatures that could lead to mold growth.
Indoor grows have more control over temperature and humidity, making it easier to avoid environment-related problems. Still, in small spaces it’s important to keep humidity levels low relative to the square footage, as mold can grow more rapidly. Temperature should stay between 70 and 80°F, and you should keep the relative humidity level below 75%. A good rule of thumb is that if the environment is comfortable to human beings, it is a great environment for cannabis plants too.
If mold does start to form on the buds, you should immediately discard them. Don’t be tempted to salvage them- moldy buds are not safe to consume and can come with serious health risks. If you do find mold on your buds, it’s important to completely clean out the growing environment. Get rid of all contaminated equipment and make sure that everything is completely dry before you resume growing. You should also continuously monitor the environment, to catch any potential changes before they become a problem.
To sum up, mold can be a big problem for cannabis growers, potentially ruining entire crops. Not only that, but it can also have negative effects on the potency and flavor of the buds, as well as pose a risk to your health. To reduce the risk of mold, you should keep the environment drier, reduce extremes in temperature and keep the relative humidity below 75%. Lastly, if mold does occur, discard the buds immediately and thoroughly clean out the growing environment.