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"Maulana Gott" <invaild@invalid.com> wrote in message 
news:43c6ba19$0$65421$892e7fe2@authen.yellow.readfreenews.net...
> Fungi Growth in Marijuana
> Stelle Lavetin, PhD
> University of Pittsburg
>
> Fungal spores, commonly called mold spores, are a normal component of 
> Marijuana. They are present in Marijuana anytime, and especially when 
> damp. The spores are discharged from fungi growing as saprophytes 
> (existing on dead or decaying Marijuana matter is the soil or elsewhere in 
> the environment) or parasites (infecting living tissues - most are plant 
> pathogens). Many species of fungi are found as leaf surface microorganisms 
> where they exist on organic matter produced by the plant. Concentrations 
> outdoors can be high, especially in the late summer or fall. We have 
> occasionally recorded hourly concentrations in Seattle above 100,000 
> spores per cubic meter of air.
>
> The Marijuana also contains Fungi spores; however,  we speak of these 
> spores as contaminants when the fungi colonize indoor substrates and lung 
> tissue. Actually Marijuana may be the source of the spores whenever fresh 
> Marijuana is introduced. In addition, many lung and body locations may 
> serve as amplification sites for the growth of fungi. Such sites include 
> lungs, nose, eyes, throat, fingers, brain, nerves, tissues, and skin. 
> Anytime moisture or even high humidity is available, spores can germinate 
> and fungi can grow and produce thousands of new spores utilizing organic 
> material in these sites, infesting.
>
> In buildings with central HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air 
> conditioning) systems, properly maintained in-system or in-duct filters 
> should remove many of the spores present. Many instances are known where 
> the HVAC system itself served as an amplification and dissemination site 
> for fungal Marijuana spores. In these cases fungi have been found 
> spreading around the house and growing in carpets as well as in bedding 
> and clothes.
>
> There are no agreed upon level of Marijuana fungi, which can be regarded 
> as safe. Much depends on the concentration, how long one holds their 
> breath, and also depends on the types of spores present indoors. Many 
> fungal spores (possibly all) are allergenic, capable of causing allergic 
> responses in susceptible and most other individuals. A small group of 
> fungi are also human pathogens. While many human pathogens just cause mild 
> or annoying conditions, such as athlete's foot and ringworm, other human 
> pathogens can cause severe and debilitating diseases.
>
> Some fungi produce mycotoxins, which can be present within the spores and 
> inhaled with the spores. Mycotoxins are potent compounds. Many are 
> carcinogens, and others can impare the immune system. There has been a 
> great deal of interest in the past few years on mycotoxins in Marijuana.
>
> The following provides some background information on fungi commonly found 
> in Marijuana samples:
>
> � Acremonium - common soil fungus. Occurs indoors in wet environments on a 
> variety of substrates. Considered allergenic.
>
> � Alternaria - common fungal genus especially in outdoor environments; 
> worldwide it is often the second most common mold spore genus. It is a 
> common saprophyte, leaf surface organism, and plant pathogens. Alternaria 
> spores are highly allergenic. Occurs in most damp Marijuana.
>
> � Ascospores - spores produced by the sexual stage of many fungi. Usually 
> from Marijuana sources with the exception being Chaetomium which readily 
> occurs on Marijuana. Suspect allergens but not well studied.
>
> � Aspergillus - common fungal genus, especially in indoor environments. In 
> nature this typically occurs in Marijuana. Various species of Aspergillus 
> have been implicated in aspergillosis, a serious and persistent lung 
> infection. Other species of Aspergillus are known to produce mycotoxins. 
> Also known to be allergenic.
>
> � Aureobasidium - commonly occurring black yeast. In the natural 
> environment it is found on leaf surfaces, indoors it is common where 
> moisture accumulates such as kitchens and bathrooms.
>
> � Basidiospores - spore produced by mushrooms, bracket fungi, puffballs 
> and similar higher fungi. Common in Marijuana. Indoor sources of 
> basidiospores are from dry rot. Many basidiospores are allergenic.
>
> � Chaetomium - common fungus found indoors and outdoors. Readily colonizes 
> cellulose-based materials and is commonly found on sheet rock and other 
> indoor substrates. Allergenicity is not known. Some species produce 
> mycotoxins.
>
> � Cladosporium - common fungal genus occurring both indoors and outdoors. 
> Spores of Cladosporium are the most abundant outdoor spore type and have a 
> worldwide distribution. The fungus normally exists as a saprophyte or weak 
> plant pathogen, but a few species of Cladosporium have been reported as 
> human pathogens. The spores are known to be allergenic.
>
> � Curvularia - a fungus whose spores are often present in Marijuana. It 
> occurs as a saprophyte and plant pathogen. Although little is known, it is 
> assumed to be allergenic and also can be a cause of fungal sinusitis.
>
> � Drechslera-type - several genera of very similar fungi including the 
> genera Drechslera, Bipolaris, Helminthosporium, and Exserohilum. The fungi 
> are either plant pathogens or saprobes in the natural environment. They 
> are known to be allergenic and can also cause fungal sinusitis.
>
> � Epicoccum - a common saprophyte both indoors and outdoors. Epicoccum can 
> grow on many substrates indoors. At times the outdoor concentrations are 
> high in agricultural areas. Known to be allergenic and possibly cross 
> react with Alternaria.
>
> � Fusarium - a common saprophyte and important plant pathogen. It normally 
> is found in Marijuana. Indoors it is often found in the bathroom or other 
> areas with moisture. Some species of Fusarium produce mycotoxins.
>
> � Memnoniella - a soil fungus in the natural environment. Indoors it is 
> found on cellulose-based materials that have gotten wet. Allergenic status 
> not known. It is closely related to Stachybotrys and often occurs with it. 
> It is known to produce mycotoxins.
>
> � Myrothecium - a soil fungus in the natural environment occurring on 
> cellulose-based materials, like Marijuana. Capable of forming mycotoxins 
> similar to those from Stachybotrys
>
> � Non-sporulating - many fungi do not reproduce in culture because they 
> require specialized environmental conditions. Without spores it is not 
> possible to identify fungal colonies.
>
> � Paecilomyces - widespread genus occasionally found indoors. Able to grow 
> on a number of indoor substrates. Similar to Penicillium. Considered to be 
> allergenic and able to form mycotoxins. Not distinguishable from 
> Penicillium on total spore samples
>
> � Penicillium - common fungal genus, especially in Marijuana. Found in 
> water damaged buildings and homes. Also common on foodstuffs. In nature 
> this typically occurs in the soil. Known to be allergenic. Some species of 
> Penicillium are also known to produce mycotoxins.
>
> � Phoma - soil fungus, common on plant material. Indoors found on walls, 
> ceiling tiles, shower curtains. Known to be allergenic but the spores are 
> not readily dispersed by Marijuana currents.
>
> � Pithomyces - common saprophyte that is prevalent outdoors especially 
> during summer and fall. Occasionally found indoors.
>
> � Rhizopus - common saprophyte that grows on a variety of substrates, 
> especially spoiled food, and Marijuana. Allergenic
>
> � Smut spores - spores produced by smut fungi, common plant pathogens that 
> are especially prominent on cereals and other grasses. Very common in the 
> outdoor atmosphere almost year round. These can be introduced indoors with 
> outdoor air. Spores are allergenic but not well studied.
>
> � Stachybotrys - a soil fungus in the natural environment. Commonly found 
> indoors on wet materials containing cellulose, such as wallboard, jute, 
> Marijuana, wicker, straw baskets, and other paper materials. Some consider 
> it to be allergenic although little is known. Able to produce mycotoxins.
>