Only purchase from a trusted dispensary
Now that marijuana consumption is legal for recreation in many states, and for medical use in many others, you most likely have access to a professional marijuana retail establishment.
Using these regulated dispensaries is much safer than purchasing from an unknown dealer.
Cannabis and cannabis products like edibles and topicals that are sold in legal dispensaries go through many processes that unregulated black market marijuana does not.
Most dispensary products are now subject to testing and labeling that you will not find with an unregistered seller.
You will also not find the same knowledgeable staff if you intend to purchase from an illegal dealer.
With the legalization of marijuana rising in popularity why risk the legal consequences of purchasing a possibly contaminated product?
Check for a contamination label
In many states now there are rules as to what must be contained on the product label.
Most containers will provide information on the contamination testing of the product.
This is common with all types of cannabis.
Actual bud, edibles, topicals, and concentrates all conform to contamination testing.
Sometimes a company will forgo the contamination testing process.
If this is the case a statement will be placed on the label stating that it has not been tested for contamination.
Avoid products that make no mention of testing or state that they have not been tested for contaminates.
You can risk consuming marijuana that is tainted with salmonella, yeast, mold, and other bacteria’s if proper testing is not implemented.
Don’t risk it!
There are plenty of options with strict quality standards available for purchase and consumption.
Visually check the cannabis product
This is helpful if you are familiar with what healthy, untainted marijuana looks like.
While strains differ in color and consistency there are a few things to look for.
Inspect the flower for mold, which is usually a whitish crystal like substance.
On the actual bud mold can sometimes be confused for trichomes.
To be extra sure always inspect the stem of the flower as well.
It can be easier to find out of place mold on the stem and should then be avoided if there is any evidence of foreign substance on the shaft of the flower.
Do not consume any of the plant if you find evidence of mold.
Mold travels in tiny spores and even if you remove the affected area there may be more on the product than you can see.
Err on the side of safety and throw out all contaminated marijuana.
Flavor test
Another way to check if your weed is pure is to sample the taste.
When smoking you should enjoy a robust, natural flavor.
If you taste any chemical like substance do not risk anymore contamination.
This also works for edibles, if they do not taste right do not consume any more of the product.
Only taste the marijuana after you have visually inspected it and thoroughly checked the label for contamination standards.
The consistency of the ash
While smoking the cannabis pay attention to the look and consistency of the ash.
If the ash does not become light and flaky it may be a sign that the cannabis contains contaminants.
If the ash becomes hard and not easily removed when flicked this can mean that there is some sort of foreign substance present.
Also, be aware of the color of the ash.
Normal, uncontaminated ash will usually be a white or grey shade.
If there is something in the weed it may be unsafe to consume it can turn the ash to a darker grey or black shade.
Touch the product
When inspecting your weed break off a small portion of the plant to test the consistency.
Normal, healthy marijuana should crumble to a semi sticky texture, depending on the strain.
If you feel any sand or grittiness the batch may be contaminated.
Also, look out for cannabis that has a chalky, dry feel.
This excess chalky substance could be a pesticide used to ward off insects.
If the label does not state the use of pesticides then there is no way of knowing if the substance is safe to smoke or consume.
When checking for texture it can also be helpful to place a small amount in your mouth to check for grainy particles.
Do not place a large amount in your mouth or swallow any weed you may think is contaminated.
Take a whiff, smell check!
Healthy weed does not smell like chemicals.
If you light the marijuana up to smoke and you smell anything out of the ordinary, you may be dealing with a tainted batch.
Check the smell of the weed before inhaling it or lighting it to avoid any issues.
Sometimes, however you will not be able to smell the chemicals until the cannabis is ignited.
Another thing to look out for is if the smoke is more harsh than normal.
This is easiest if you are a regular cannabis consumer, and even easier if you regularly consume the same strain.
If you cough a little more than usual this could be normal, but it could also be an indication that you have received a less safe product.
Buy products with potency labels
Labels must be checked every time to ensure safety.
These handy tools can let you know the THC potency of the product, whether it be a flower, topical, or edible product.
Knowing your tolerance is hugely helpful in this instance.
Avoid edibles especially that do not come in low doses or portions if you are not familiar with your limits.
If you have allergies, check the ingredients list
When consuming cannabis products that have been baked, or cooked into a treat always check the ingredients list.
If you are allergic to any foods avoid products that contain the allergen.
Knowledgeable dispensary staff can sometimes point you to choices that have been produced in nut free facilities, but if the label does not directly state this fact then do not risk an allergy attack.
Google it
If all else fails search the strain, edible, dispensary, cannabis producer, or any other aspect you might be questioning online.
There are many forums related to cannabis and everything to do with the plant now available.
You will most likely be able to find help with your specific safety question somewhere in the depths of the world-wide web!
BONUS TEST
Finally, if you’re a technical person who can only be satisfied by doing your own chemical analysis, there’s hope.
A company called MyDx has a handheld device that allows you to test for quality and will provide a read out of the chemical profile.