How to Spot Moldy Weed (With Examples)
Spot the Red Flags of Moldy Cannabis: Avoid Trulieve 'Melonade' Batch 0006901647
When buying cannabis, especially from a legal dispensary, you expect it to be clean, safe, and high-quality. But as recent examples show, even "tested" products aren’t always free from contamination. Moldy weed can slip through the cracks, posing serious risks to your health—especially for seniors or anyone with respiratory issues.
Let’s dive into how you can spot moldy cannabis, what to do if you encounter it, and how to advocate for better industry standards.
The Problem with Moldy Cannabis
Mold can grow on cannabis at any stage, whether during cultivation, drying, packaging, or storage. And it’s not just a cosmetic issue—it can release harmful spores into the air or leave toxic residues that you might inhale. For individuals with asthma, weakened immune systems, or allergies, this can lead to significant health problems, including respiratory infections.
Take a look at this recent example shared on Reddit by a frustrated cannabis consumer who purchased "Melonade" from a Trulieve dispensary in Delray Beach, Florida.
This hybrid strain came from batch number 0006901647, and it has clear signs of mold. The fuzzy, grayish-white growth on the bud is a dead giveaway, but it’s not always so obvious.
The Reddit user also pointed out that products from this same batch may soon appear on clearance shelves at Trulieve locations. If you’re shopping and see "Melonade" from batch 0006901647, it’s worth giving it extra scrutiny—or avoiding it altogether.
How to Identify Moldy Weed
When examining your cannabis, here are the key signs to watch out for:
1. Visual Cues
Fuzzy white, gray, or black growth: Mold often appears as fuzzy spots or patches on the bud.
Powdery texture: Powdery mildew can resemble a layer of dust on the surface.
Discoloration: Yellow or brown spots might indicate contamination or mold development.
In the Trulieve example above, the grayish-white mold is visible to the naked eye. If your cannabis looks like this, do not consume it!
2. Smell
Moldy cannabis often smells musty, like mildew or damp clothes.
A sour or sharp odor might also indicate contamination.
One Reddit user described the smell of their "Melonade" batch as a “moldy barn.” This kind of damp, musty odor is a major red flag and should not be ignored.
3. Texture
Overly moist buds are more prone to mold growth. If your cannabis feels wet or sticky in an unnatural way, it might be improperly dried or stored.
What Went Wrong? A Case Study
The cannabis from Trulieve was reportedly sold with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) claiming it passed testing for mold and moisture content. However, as the Reddit user pointed out, either:
The flower was moldy when it was tested.
The flower was packaged before it was fully dried, allowing mold to grow later.
Either scenario reveals flaws in quality control. Mold can develop quickly in improperly stored cannabis, even if it initially passed testing. This highlights the importance of both reliable testing and safe storage practices.
What to Do If You Find Moldy Weed
1. Check the Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Scan the QR code on your product packaging and review the lab results. Look for the following:
Was the flower tested for mold, yeast, and moisture content?
Are there acceptable limits listed for these tests?
If you suspect the COA is inaccurate or misleading, it’s worth filing a complaint with the dispensary and the local cannabis regulatory agency.
2. Don’t Use Moldy Cannabis
Smoking or vaping moldy weed can release harmful spores into your lungs, which is especially risky for seniors or those with respiratory conditions.
3. Report the Issue to the Dispensary
Dispensaries like Trulieve often have policies for handling defective products. In this case, Trulieve’s policy is to provide replacements or store credit—not refunds. If you encounter moldy cannabis, return the product and insist on a safe replacement.
Protect Yourself: Mold Prevention Tips
Inspect Before You Buy
Whenever possible, examine the flower before purchasing. Look for visible mold or discoloration, and give it a gentle smell to detect any off-putting odors.Store Cannabis Properly
To prevent mold growth at home:
Use an airtight container.
Store in a cool, dry, and dark place.
Avoid plastic bags, which can trap moisture.
Buy from Reputable Sources
Stick to trusted dispensaries with strong quality control processes. Always check for a COA before purchasing.
Why This Matters
Moldy cannabis isn’t just a nuisance—it’s a symptom of larger issues within the cannabis industry. Testing loopholes, inadequate transparency, and cost-cutting measures can lead to unsafe products reaching the shelves. As consumers, we must demand better accountability from dispensaries and producers alike.
Conclusion: Stay Informed, Stay Safe
The next time you purchase cannabis, take a few moments to inspect it for signs of mold. If something doesn’t look or smell right, don’t hesitate to report it and demand a replacement. By staying informed and advocating for better standards, you can protect yourself and others from unsafe products.
Keep an eye out for batch 0006901647 of "Melonade" if you’re shopping at Trulieve—it may appear on discount shelves, but its quality concerns are too big to ignore. Always trust your senses and err on the side of caution when something seems off.
Do you have a story about moldy cannabis? Share your experience in the comments or tag us on social media to help spread awareness. Together, we can push for a cleaner, safer cannabis industry.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or changing any treatments, including cannabis use.