Thankfully, the answer is not mold, not insects nor any evidence of any infestation. This is just what rubbed sage looks like. If you happen to have some ground sage in your spice drawer, open that up and you'll find something that looks more, well, normal.

Can dried sage get moldy?

Allow the sage leaves to dry for about two weeks. Check the bag occasionally for signs of mold growth. Throw away the bag if you discover mold growth. Snap the leaves from the stems when they are completely dried; throw away the stems.

How long can you keep rubbed sage?

Ground and rubbed sage should be stored in a cool, dry and dark place, like a cabinet or pantry. It has maximum flavor until 6 months at which it will start to fade.