Is Your Medical Cannabis Safe? What Australia’s “Pink Bubba” Mold Scare Means for All of Us
How to Spot Mold in Your Weed Before It Harms Your Health
Imagine buying medical cannabis legally—expecting relief—and instead waking up coughing with a scratchy throat. That’s exactly what happened to one Australian patient after using “Pink Bubba” from Upstate Beta Twelve, a strain sold in the country’s medical program.
They shared the warning on Reddit, posting alarming photos that appear to show visible white mold on the buds. Their symptoms? Classic signs of mold exposure. For anyone using cannabis to manage chronic pain, sleep, or immune conditions—this isn’t just gross. It’s dangerous.
What Happened with “Pink Bubba” in Australia?
The product was Upstate Beta Twelve’s “Pink Bubba,” marketed as an indica with 22% THC. But patients quickly noticed something was wrong: web-like patches of mold right on the flower.
Even with a Certificate of Analysis (COA), mold can slip through if cannabis isn’t properly dried, stored, or sealed. And once mold takes hold, it’s game over for your lungs—especially if you’re older or immunocompromised.
Why Mold in Cannabis Is a Big Deal
Moldy weed can cause:
Persistent coughing or itchy throat
Asthma attacks or flare-ups
Respiratory infections
Worsening of chronic lung conditions
If you’re a senior using cannabis for wellness, you’re exactly the person most at risk.
How to Spot Moldy Weed Before You Use It
1. Look Closely
Fuzzy white, gray, or brown spots are red flags. Mold may look like cobwebs or dusty patches.
2. Trust Your Nose
If your cannabis smells musty, sour, or like a damp basement—don’t smoke it.
3. Feel the Texture
Bud that feels unusually wet or spongy may not have been dried or stored properly.
Found Mold? Here’s What to Do
Do not use it. Mold inhalation is not worth the risk—especially if you’re immunocompromised or have respiratory issues.
Document everything. Take clear photos of the mold, the packaging, and the batch number.
Contact the pharmacy or dispensary first. If you're in a medical program, send it back for review so they can investigate the issue and prevent others from being harmed.
Report it. In Australia, notify the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and your prescribing doctor. In other countries, alert your dispensary and local health department.
Speak up. Sharing your story publicly helps protect others and pressures brands to raise their standards.Help Us Keep Cannabis Safe
We believe legal cannabis should be clean, safe, and transparent. If you’ve found mold in your medicine, we want to hear from you. Share your photos, experience, and product details—and we’ll make sure it doesn’t stay quiet.
Have you ever found questionable cannabis? Tell us in the comments or email us directly.
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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.
The first thing a patient should do is contact the pharmacy and send it back for review to ascertain what if anything is wrong. Sure report to TGA but to solve the issue and prevent anyone else being harmed first.
The best way to see mold is with a magnifying glass. Back in the day Radio Shack had a pocket one for $12. I still use it today. 22 years old. Mold happens because they didn't cure it right.. because some growers only care about the $$$$$. This is why everyone should learn to grow. To have clean cannabis.