The rapidly evolving world of cannabis extraction has brought about many innovative techniques and technologies to create cleaner, purer, and more flavorful cannabis concentrates. Among these advancements, color remediation column (CRC) technology has emerged as a game-changer.

But, as with many new technologies, CRC has become the subject of many misconceptions and unfounded criticisms. It’s time to clear the haze and set the record straight. We’re here to bust these myths and give CRC tech the respect it deserves.

Why All the Hate?

Despite the many benefits that CRC technology can offer, the practice has received considerable backlash within the cannabis community. These include concerns about the potential dangers to criticisms of the resulting taste and aroma. Unfortunately, many have been quick to dismiss the technology outright.

One reason for all the hate may be the pervasiveness of misinformation and myths surrounding CRC technology. These misconceptions have caused confusion and concern among cannabis enthusiasts, leading to a negative perception of the technology.

Another reason may be a general resistance to change within the cannabis community. As a relatively new technology, CRC has yet to be fully embraced by the industry, and some may view it as a threat to traditional methods of cannabis extraction and filtration.

However, it's crucial to approach new technologies with an open mind and an appreciation for the potential benefits they can offer. CRC technology can deliver high-quality, potent, and flavorful cannabis concentrates that cater to a wide range of consumer preferences.

Myth 1: CRC Removes All Cannabinoids and Terpenes

As cannabis connoisseurs, we treasure the rich tapestry of flavors and aromas that each strain offers. It’s no wonder, then, that the myth of CRC technology stripping away all cannabinoids and terpenes has gained traction.

At its core, CRC technology is designed to remove colors and other impurities, leaving behind a more refined and pure concentrate. The art of fine-tuning this process lies in the balance between eliminating unwanted compounds and preserving the essence of the plant material.

Contrary to popular belief, a well-executed CRC process can retain nearly all the cannabinoids and terpenes that make each strain unique and alluring.

In the hands of skilled and experienced professionals, CRC technology can elevate the sensory experience of cannabis concentrates. 

Myth 2: CRC Is Used to Make Inferior Extracts More Appealing

When shopping for cannabis extracts, the visual appeal often plays a significant role in our perception of quality. Unsurprisingly, the misconception of CRC technology being solely used to mask inferior extracts has taken root. However, this myth fails to capture the true essence of CRC and its transformative power.

CRC technology is not a smokescreen for bad extracts; instead, it’s a tool that helps elevate the quality and consistency of concentrates. While it’s true that CRC can improve the appearance of a cannabis product by removing unwanted colors and impurities, it can also refine and enhance the overall experience for the consumers.

The real magic of CRC technology lies in its ability to bring out the best in cannabis extracts. When filter media removes bitter-tasting pigments and other impurities, it allows the intrinsic beauty and flavor of the plant’s cannabinoids and terpenes to shine through, creating a more enjoyable product.

This focus on quality should not be mistaken for a mere cosmetic fix; it’s a testament to the passion and dedication of those who strive to deliver the finest cannabis concentrates to discerning consumers.

Myth 3: CRC Technology Is Unique to the Cannabis Industry

The allure of novelty often sparks myths that are hard to shake, and CRC technology is no exception. For instance, many believe that CRC is an exclusive technique employed solely within the cannabis industry, with no parallels or precedents in other food applications.

In reality, CRC technology is a branch of a larger family of purification methods, many of which have been used for decades across various industries. The food and beverage sector, for instance, has long relied on similar techniques to refine and purify products such as vegetable oils, fruit juices, and alcoholic beverages.

One notable example is the use of activated charcoal in the sugar industry, where it serves to remove color impurities. Likewise, bentonite clay and diatomaceous earth, which are used in CRC technology, have also been used for years in the wine and beer industries to clarify and stabilize the final products. These processes aim to enhance the quality, taste, and appearance of the items we consume daily.

Furthermore, the pharmaceutical industry uses similar chromatography techniques to separate and purify compounds, ensuring the safety and efficacy of medications. This highlights the versatility and adaptability of such purification methods across various applications.

Myth: CRC Tech Is Harmful to the Respiratory System

The safety and health of cannabis consumers are paramount, and concerns about the potential dangers of CRC technology on one's respiratory system are top of mind for health professionals and medicinal users.

While some of the materials used in CRC technology, such as diatomaceous earth and bentonite clay, can cause respiratory issues when inhaled in high concentrations, the reality of the health concerns is more nuanced.

The levels present in properly processed cannabis concentrates are not significant enough to pose a risk to the consumer’s respiratory health, even for daily users, although we would steer clear of any inhalable products if you have a compromised respiratory system.

Additionally, when consuming CRC-processed concentrates through dabbing, consumers are only inhaling small amounts of the product, further minimizing any potential respiratory harm. In some cases, rigorous third-party analytical testing ensures these processes meet safety standards, and that the final product is free from harmful contaminants.

Myth: CRC Tech Reduces the Medical Benefits of Cannabis Concentrates

The incredible medical benefits of cannabis have become increasingly recognized and celebrated in recent years as cannabis legalization has spread worldwide. However, many in the legal cannabis market may think that CRC technology somehow diminishes these benefits.

CRC technology is a purification process, plain and simple. Its primary purpose is to remove impurities and unwanted compounds from the extracts. Far from reducing the medical benefits of cannabis, a well-executed process can enhance the quality, consistency, and purity of the end product.

When cannabis extractors have meticulous control of the extraction process, they can retain the vital cannabinoids in terpenes responsible for the plant's therapeutic effects. Essentially, CRC tech can create concentrates that offer a more targeted and effective medicinal experience. 

Moreover, removing impurities through CRC can also reduce the presence of potentially harmful contaminants, such as pesticides or residual solvents, although the degree of purification depends on the filtration process and materials. This aspect of the process further contributes to the safety and efficacy of medicinal cannabis extracts. 

Myth: CRC Extracts Taste Bad

For most consumers, the extract’s taste is crucial in shaping the overall experience. Many people have had bad experiences with CRC extracts and assume that all CRC extracts taste bad, often drawing comparisons to a plastic-like flavor. However, this myth fails to consider the nuances of filtration media used in the CRC process.

Traditional filter powders, often used in CRC processes, strip too much from the extract, leading to a lack of flavor and uniformity across products. In contrast, newer filter media, like Media Bros’ CRX filter media, are less aggressive and more targeted for color pigments than an all-around filtration media that strips terpenes and color.

When CRC technology is applied correctly and with precision, it can actually enhance the concentrate’s flavor profile by removing color pigments that crowd out the good stuff. This allows the natural flavors and aromas of the terpenes to shine through, providing a more enjoyable and authentic experience.

However, in cases where CRC technology is improperly used or the starting material is of poor quality, the resulting extracts may exhibit off-flavors, including the much-maligned plastic-like taste. These instances can be attributed to inadequate processing or contamination rather than the intrinsic nature of CRC technology.

Myth: All CRC Extracts Are the Same

The truth is that the quality of the CRC extract heavily depends on several critical factors. This includes the starting material, filter media, and the producer's expertise, all of which can affect the final product's flavor and potency. The starting material, for example, we'll have a significant impact on the cannabinoid and terpene profile of the extract, which will, in turn, influence its overall taste and effects.

The type of filter media used in the CRC process can significantly affect the final product. Different filter media have different characteristics, and the choice of media must be tailored to the specific needs of the starting material and the desired product. Filter media options include activated carbon, activated silica gel, and activated magnesium silicate.

Most importantly, the producer’s expertise and attention to detail are critical in creating a high-quality CRC extract. At the end of the day, it's up to the person to select the right starting material and execute the CRC process properly. Every step of this filtration process requires a high level of skill and knowledge to manage the extraction system.

Shop High-Quality CRC Products from Media Bros

Whether you run a CO2, ethanol, or hydrocarbon extraction system, it’s crucial to seek out the finest filtration media to remove unwanted compounds while retaining the natural cannabinoid and terpene profile.

Media Bros, with its CRX line of filter media, provides extraction companies with a targeted, less aggressive media that can remove color pigments without sacrificing potency and taste.

Don’t let misinformation hold you back from elevating the quality of your cannabis concentrates. Shop our vast array of high-quality CRC filter media and take your processing to the next level.