Tired of Bud Rot in Your Weed? Here’s Some Help for You
Nobody likes bud rot or mold, but unlike what you would find on your bathroom sink, this one is a killer. Cannabis killer that is.
Bud rot is common name given to a necrotrophic fungus called Botrytis Cinerea. It starts growing on the inside of the plant, so it ‘s hard to detect on time.
Once it shows, it spreads quickly, being able to destroy your crops or stored weed in a matter of days. Unfortunately, bud rot is hard to prevent, but these three easy activities are handy in their handling.
Keep it Dry
Bud rot, like other molds and mildew, mostly occurs in humid air and low temperatures. So the first thing you need to do is keep your cannabis in a cool, dry storage container.
This is much harder to do when you live in a humid environment like Florida, but you can use food-grade desiccant packages.
If you are a grower, bud rot usually rears its ugly head shortly before harvest. As you water your plants, humidity goes up, making it more vulnerable.
Try not to give them too much water. Only give enough that can be absorbed within an hour.
Keep the garden dry as much as possible, well ventilated and clean.
If you are growing cannabis outdoors, keep it in direct sunlight and make sure it is windy enough to keep it well ventilated. Morning dew isn’t helpful, so bring your crops in at night, or gently shake off any dew first thing in the morning.
Once packaged, however, keep it away from direct light. Proper storage of cannabis is just as important as storing any food or medicinal item.
Always Check Testing Label
Testing labels? What testing labels? They come with cannabis provided by state-registered dealers and have been carefully tested and regulated. Testing labels are not mandatory in many states, but if available are a great resource.
A major problem with cannabis is that despite its benefits, if not farmed or packaged correctly, it could cause unnecessary health complications.
Bud rot is commonly known as a consequence of improper testing. It can happen so close to or even after harvest, leaves can be packaged and shipped off to someone who won’t notice or pay too much attention to a few gray spots.
Thankfully, cannabis testing is mandated in many states, and requirements are on par with other agricultural products. This ensures whatever you receive will be delivered on strictest standards.
Ask your budtender about the test results, which they should be able to explain to you confidently. If your seller is unable to provide this information, it may be best to go to another dispensary. Much better than risking a lung infection, right?
So if it isn’t laboratory tested, be careful!
Clean Your Pipes
Whatever you use to smoke cannabis must be kept clean at all times. A common misconception is the heat burns off the germs.
If you use bongs, bubblers or other water-based instruments, wash and dry them immediately after use.
As mentioned above, bud rot loves humidity. Even a residue of the cannabis mixed with moisture can cause it to materialize, which would be detrimental to your health.
And of course, keeping your apparatus clean will help prevent other fungi or bacteria from growing beside bud rot.
Where you store your smoking pieces is equally important. Areas such as the kitchen, garage, and basement tend to have higher condensation than others, so these could attract mold. Keep your pieces in a dry place for optimal use.
Stay on High Alert
Remember how you were told as a kid to be careful what you put in your mouth? Might have been annoying, but that remains very sound advice.
Now that you know about bud rot, always keep an eye out on what you use. If you are uncertain about any odd coloration on your cannabis, ask an expert or play it safe and leave it be.
If you have noticed infected plants or buds, cut them out or separate them from healthy ones immediately. Wash your hands before you touch any uncontaminated plants.
Check them every day to ensure nothing new sprouts up. Resist any temptation to smoke the rest to prevent it from being infected, because the mold might have already started growing.
Read our other blogs for more information!
Cheers to a healthy smoking!
Have you had an experience with bud rot? We would love to hear about it. Please comment below!