Moldy Cannabis

Click on the above photo to go to view video.  Consuming moldy cannabis is a health risk regardless of whether it is smoked or ingested.   Assured Bio Labs, conducts routine analysis of microbial contaminated products.  If a product is found to be contaminated with E.coli and Salmonella, the first question I would ask, is whether the product is meant for human consumption.  Obviously, cannabis is in Colorado.  However, cooking and processing cannabis into an edible product will likely kill any viable bacteria and molds, just like cooking chicken kills Salmonella.  The problem with molds is that they produce a variety of toxins known as mycotoxins. Mycotoxin production depends on which mold species are present, and the growing conditions.  Moreover, like mushroom poisons, many mycotoxins are not affected by heat.  For example, aflatoxin, produced by the mold, Aspergillus flavus, is an extremely potent carcinogen.  Harsh chemicals are required to destroy it.  Consumers should be aware of these risks, and hopefully, Colorado legislators will takes steps to ensure mold-free cannabis products.