Mold in Cannabis: Clinical Health Risks, Mycological Dangers, and Safety Guidelines
Inhaling or consuming mold-contaminated cannabis poses severe medical risks, ranging from acute respiratory inflammation and allergic sinusitis to life-threatening invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in immunocompromised individuals. Fungal spores and hazardous mycotoxins—including aflatoxins and ochratoxin A—frequently survive combustion and vaporization, making proper post-harvest curing and strict analytical laboratory testing essential. Board-certified family physician Dr. Benjamin Caplan provides an evidence-based clinical guide on identifying common cannabis molds, evaluating Certificate of Analysis (COA) safety thresholds, and protecting vulnerable patients.
