Colorado Adds Dangerous Fungi to Required Marijuana Testing

Colorado’s marijuana will soon be tested for species of dangerous fungus. The new tests will check marijuana concentrates for mycotoxins beginning on September 15. These mycotoxins can cause illness with symptoms such as coughing, irritated eyes, skin irritations, wheezing and sinus issues.

Severe respiratory damage can also be caused by these species of fungus, according to Westword. Exposure to high levels of the mycotoxins could lead to chronic issues or even death, especially when consumed in higher amounts over a prolonged period of time.

The new set of testing will only be required for concentrates that have gone through remediation after failing initial tests.

When these toxins are present in a plant prior to extraction, during that extraction process, the toxins become more concentrated. This also makes them more dangerous.