CRC Extraction:
Is The Hate Deserved?
Yes and No...

Hello, Planted Faithful!

Alex Martin, Marketing Director at Planted Provisioning, back with another deep dive—this time into the world of CRC (Color Remediation Column) extraction. Now, if you’ve been keeping up with cannabis extraction methods, you’ve probably heard some mixed reviews about CRC. In fact, this method has been catching some flak recently, with some in the community claiming that CRC is a way to “dress up” low-quality products. But here’s the thing—while CRC may have earned a bad reputation in certain circles, that’s not the full story. Let’s break it down.

Why the CRC Criticism?

The primary concern around CRC extraction stems from the fact that it can sometimes be misused. Some producers have been known to use CRC to take low-quality, dark, and poorly processed extracts and lighten them up, making them look premium without actually improving their quality. This can lead to products that look great on the shelf but taste flat, lack potency, and have an inferior overall experience. Worse yet, if the process is done poorly, it can strip away terpenes—the compounds responsible for flavor and effects—and even leave behind residual contaminants from the filtration media. This is how CRC gets a bad rap, and rightly so, in these cases.

The Other Side: When CRC Is Done Right

But let’s not throw out the whole process just because some people misuse it. When performed correctly, CRC can elevate the quality of cannabis concentrates by removing impurities like chlorophyll, lipids, and residual pesticides that can degrade both the taste and potency of the final product. The result is a cleaner, more refined extract with enhanced clarity, flavor, and smoothness. High-quality CRC preserves terpenes, ensuring that the concentrate still offers the rich aromas and effects that define each strain. Done well, CRC doesn’t just make a product look better—it makes it better, full stop.

A Balanced Perspective: Good CRC vs. Bad CRC

So how do you distinguish between good and bad CRC? It comes down to two key factors: the quality of the starting material and the expertise of the extractor. If the process begins with high-grade flower or trim, CRC can be a tool to refine an already excellent product, making it even purer and more enjoyable. On the flip side, if the material is poor quality to begin with, CRC can only do so much. In fact, it might even hide the shortcomings, creating a product that looks great but fails to deliver in terms of taste and effect. The best way to know what you’re getting is to buy from reputable producers and retailers that prioritize transparency and quality testing.

At the end of the day, CRC is just a tool—one that can enhance a product or hide its flaws. The important thing is knowing how it’s used and making informed decisions when shopping for cannabis concentrates. Whether you're going for high-end products or something more budget-friendly, understanding the process helps you choose what’s right for you.

Thanks for taking the time to read, and as always, we encourage you to:

“Keep Your Head High”