Anyone who has bought weed from a questionable source knows the fear of being sold something that's been sprayed or laced with harmful chemicals.

We've all heard the rumors surrounding laced or sprayed weed, but how true are they? Are dealers and suppliers really adding stuff to everyone's favorite plant to make it more potent, more fragrant, or to make it tip the scales a little higher?

Or is the whole thing just one giant myth? Let's find out...

What is the difference between sprayed and laced weed?

The last thing any of us want is to buy (and then consume) buds that aren't what they seem, or at least not what we hoped for. No matter how experienced you are, it's still possible to get scammed. Here's a quick run-down of laced and sprayed weed.

Laced Weed

Laced weed is when additional substances or drug are added to the buds. These can include things like synthetic cannabinoids (apparently the most common), but there has been a rise in stories in the US media reporting fentanyl as well. The truth of these reports is definitely up for debate, and the jury is still out on how any lacing has taken place.

Sprayed Weed

Sprayed weed is when growers, suppliers, or even low-level dealers try to improve the appearance, scent, or weight of their weed by using additional chemicals or substances. These can include things like sugar water, additional terpenes, or even powdered glass (again, this is a common report, but the truth of whether it's actually happening is up for debate).

Before we go any further, I want you to ask yourself this question - If you were selling weed illegally for a profit, would adding any psychoactive substance (that costs more than the weed itself), actually make sense?

I'm not saying that everyone who sells weed is a good guy, or that sprayed and laced weed is nothing but an urban legend, but it's important to remember that they are still selling something and want to make money. Media bias plays a huge role in the proliferation of laced or sprayed weed rumors.

Health risks of consuming sprayed or laced weed

a man smoking weed blowing smoke out of his mouth

Ok, now we have that out of the way, I am going to take the topic a little more seriously.

While rumors and media hype might sometimes exaggerate the prevalence of sprayed or laced weed, the potential health risks are very real.

Sprayed weed risks

When weed is sprayed with chemicals or additives, the risks are tied to the substances used. For example:

  • Pesticides or chemicals: These can cause respiratory irritation, nausea, or even long-term lung damage.
  • Sugar water or other adhesives: These might seem harmless, but inhaling burned sugar or sticky additives can lead to coughing fits or serious lung damage over time.
  • Powdered glass or grit: Smoking weed coated with abrasive substances like sand or glass can lead to micro-cuts in your throat or lungs, opening the door to infections or chronic irritation.

Laced weed risks

Weed that's been laced with other drugs is where the stakes get much higher. Depending on what it's been mixed with, the side effects could be life-threatening:

  • Synthetic cannabinoids: These are often far more potent than THC and can cause intense paranoia, hallucinations, or even seizures.
  • Hard drugs (e.g., cocaine, meth, or opioids): While rare, weed laced with these substances could lead to accidental overdoses, severe physical reactions, or dependency.
  • Unknown substances: The biggest risk is not knowing what you’re consuming. This uncertainty can make it difficult to manage side effects or seek medical help if needed.

Ultimately, smoking, vaping, or consuming sprayed or laced weed puts your health and safety in the hands of others - people whose motives are questionable at best, and dangerous at worst.

How to tell if your weed has been sprayed or laced

a pair of hands holding some bud with a grinder behind on a black background

So, how do you protect yourself? Well, the easiest way is to grab some seeds and grow your own! Here at MSNL, we stock a huge range of cannabis seeds and offer worldwide shipping, so you can grow your own supply with peace of mind. It's the best way to really know what you're consuming, and one of the most fun and rewarding hobbies.

If growing your own isn't an option, here are a few tips for telling if your weed has been sprayed or laced:

Visual indicators of sprayed weed

Start by examining your weed closely:

  • Too shiny or sticky: Buds that look overly shiny, sticky, or have an unnatural sheen could have been sprayed with sugar water or some type of adhesive to add weight.
  • Residue left behind: If you rub the bud between your fingers, does it leave a strange residue? Sticky, gritty, or oily residue can indicate spraying.
  • Unusual crystals: Glass powder or other abrasives can make weed sparkle unnaturally. If it looks too good to be true, it might be.

Unusual smells and tastes

Trust your senses here:

  • Chemical or artificial scents: A strong chemical smell or an aroma that feels “off” could indicate contamination.
  • Burnt plastic or sour tastes: If the taste is harsh, metallic, or chemically sharp, your weed might be sprayed or laced.

Physical reactions after use

Your body is often the best detector of something being wrong:

  • Unexpected intensity: If the high feels unusually strong, disorienting, or unlike any weed you’ve had before, it could be laced.
  • Physical symptoms: Look out for nausea, dizziness, rapid heart rate, or difficulty breathing. Keep in mind that regular weed can also make you feel these things, especially if you smoked a little more than your body is used to, but if the reaction is extreme or unexpected, it could be a sign of lacing.

Use your instincts here. If something feels wrong, don't freak out. High THC bud can cause a spike in anxiety or paranoia, which can cause physical symptoms. But if something feels seriously wrong or “off”, trust your instincts and seek help if needed.

Common substances used to spray or lace weed

cannabis bud in a silver tray with a needle and a baggie of a white substance on a white table
  • Synthetic cannabinoids: These lab-made chemicals mimic THC but pack a much stronger punch. Side effects? Think paranoia, confusion, or even seizures.
  • Fake terpenes: Sellers sometimes spray artificial terpenes to boost flavor and aroma. Non-food-grade terps can irritate your lungs and mess with your body.
  • Weight boosters: Sugar water or oils are often sprayed to make buds heavier. Sure, they look sticky, but smoking that stuff is not great for your lungs.
  • Chemicals galore: From pesticides to unwashed fertilizer, some weed comes packed with nasty extras you don’t want in your joint.
  • Laced with hard drugs: Rare but dangerous. Always buy from a trusted source, or better yet, grow your own.

How to test weed for purity and safety

Simple at-home checks for contamination

  • Give it a proper look: Check the buds carefully. Are they too shiny or sticky? Do they leave a weird residue on your fingers? Anything that seems off could mean it's been tampered with.
  • Sniff test: Weed should smell earthy, piney, or fruity - basically, like nature. If it smells chemical, metallic, or just plain wrong, steer clear.
  • Ash check: Roll a joint and watch how it burns. Clean weed gives you light gray or white ash. Black, oily ash? That’s a red flag something’s been added.
  • Water test: If you’re really unsure, drop a small bud into water. If it sinks or leaves a weird residue, it might mean it’s been bulked up with something heavy, like sugar or sand.

Lab testing and kits

For those with access, professional labs can confirm the purity of your cannabis. But let's be honest, it's not exactly convenient or cheap. If you can't get to a lab, DIY kits are available that test for common contaminants like pesticides, but again, how often are you going to have one of these just lying around?

A good visual and sniff test is usually all that's needed, but if you are ever in doubt, it's always better to err on the side of caution and throw out any weed that doesn't seem right. Remember, your health and safety should always be your top priority.

What to do if you suspect your weed is laced

If you are buying laced or sprayed weed, the chances are you're getting it from a dodgy source, right? What are you going to do, run to the cops and tell them your dealer ripped you off? That's not going to end well for anyone.

The best thing to do? Bin it.

Seriously, throw it away. It’s not worth risking your health. After that, find a reliable supplier or, even better, start growing your own. When you’re in control, you know exactly what you’re getting.

Steps to take if you’ve consumed laced cannabis

If you think you’ve smoked or ingested laced weed, the first step is to stay calm. Deep breaths can help you manage anxiety, which is a common reaction to both laced weed and just overdoing it.

  • Hydrate: Sip on water to stay hydrated and flush your system. Avoid caffeine or alcohol, which can worsen symptoms.
  • Eat something sweet: If the high is too intense and you’re feeling anxious, eating or drinking something sweet can help calm you down.
  • Assess symptoms: Mild dizziness or anxiety will usually pass, but if you’re experiencing severe reactions like chest pain, hallucinations, or difficulty breathing, don’t hesitate - call for medical help.

Remember, if you feel something seriously wrong, getting medical attention is always the right move. Your safety comes first!

How to avoid smoking laced or sprayed weed

a lady at a cannabis dispensary smelling a jar of weed with a friend next to her

Buy from trusted dispensaries

The easiest way to dodge laced or sprayed weed is to buy from trusted dispensaries. They've usually got strict quality controls, and most of their products are lab-tested, so you know exactly what you’re getting. It can be a bit pricier than street weed, but it's worth it for the peace of mind.

That said, not everyone has access to dispensaries, and if that's you, growing your own might be the best option.

Grow your own bud

Growing your own is hands-down the best way to make sure your weed is clean, and if you have never tried it, you're in for a fun old ride.

You know what goes into it - no weird sprays or chemicals, just the good stuff. It’s easier than you think, and once you get the hang of it, it can even save you money. Plus, there’s honestly nothing as satisfying as sparking up weed you grew yourself. Just check the rules where you live before getting started!