Did you know that a cannabinoid can be like a chameleon in the sense of being different colors based on different conditional factors?

In canna chemistry, finished isolate products, even clear liquids and white powders, are not necessarily a determinant of purity. It is the same situation in the pharmaceutical world.

Isolates can be +99.5% pure and may still have a strong color hue, even though they may be solvent-free and clean of impurities or adulterants.

To really confuse matters, a color change over time with cannabinoid isolates, or from different batches from the same producer, may NOT be evidence of a change in potency or purity. Since it can be, it is probably worth a question to your supplier. But remember it is not prima facie evidence of a problem.

The highest quality, most science-oriented processors who adhere to strict QA/QC protocols, rigorous internal process control testing, and pharma-world techniques should make a consistent cannabinoid product and it should have a consistent color hue. Proper shipping, handling and storage, as well as shelf life considerations and careful formulation and final product processing, is obviously required to avoid color changes.

Let’s talk about a pink/purple hue. This common color (discoloration) you might see in isolated cannabinoids, and possibly developing over time prior to using the isolate in a formulation, can have several root causes. Often, the pink/purple color could be a result of exposure to air, an oxidant, which causes an oxidation reaction at the surface. For example, when you bite an apple and 5-10 minutes later when the white pulp starts turning brown is evidence of the oxidation of the phenolic compounds in the apple. The same thing happens to cannabinoids because they are phenols as well.
The chameleon-like character of cannabinoids is the most noticeable using different solvents during processing. For a single cannabinoid at +99.5% purity across the broad array of minor and rare cannabinoids, the scientists at PPM have observed pink to yellow to golden to brown depending on the solvents and its concentration during purification and processing.

Solvent removal is maybe one of the most fundamental processing phases and there is no excuse for residual solvents. Period. But remember, if you buy a cannabinoid isolate that is a pure, high potency single cannabinoid, and was packaged properly, color may or may NOT be evidence of solvent contamination. 

As in life, what is most critical in judging the purity of isolates or a finished cannabinoid-based product is the integrity of the producer and the legitimacy of the COA. 

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What Makes PPM Unique:

For several minor cannabinoids. including 100% hemp-derived CBN (100% THC-Free; 100% Solvent-Free), we believe PPM is the only domestic producer of these naturally occurring minor cannabinoids selling kilos consistently and into highly demanding large company supply chains. 

PPM is led by a team of advanced-degreed scientists with pharmaceutical industry and university research backgrounds representing over 100 years of chemistry and plant medicine experience.

PPM is committed to advancing the science and providing innovative true whole hemp plant extracts with fully customizable cannabinoid profiles, and minor and rare cannabinoid-based ingredients, both 100% hemp-derived and biosynthesized from hemp plant precursors versions including CBN, CBC, CBT, CBDA, THCV, CBDV, etc. to leading consumer product supply chains worldwide. 

Personalized medicine is now a reality with cannabinoids.

Clean. Consistent. Compliant.

Every day, every team member at PPM is inspired by the possibilities of plant-based medicine and remedies, and Mother Nature’s genius.

Contact: Krystle Jarrett
(303)319.6885
[email protected]