“As an intellectual vibration,
smack dab in the middle of spectrum,
green can be a problem.
That’s because there’s so many different greens,
inside of green.
And each one has a different IQ.”
- Ken Nordine, “Green.” Colors, Snail Records1966.
Amidst the vast expanse of cannabis and hemp products, of which there are millions to choose from, Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) extracts emerge as a beacon of contention and hope. Illuminating our desire for something that more resembles the natural world. It is interesting that this simple extract stirred years of significant public and scientific discourse, ultimately leading to the inventor fleeing to Croatia to avoid legal issues surrounding cultivation operations. The absolute truth about RSO is far simpler, and easier to understand than any of the media hype and virulent stories roaming the internet.
RSO refers to an extraction process or product, which typically contains chlorophyl or chlorophylls, the green pigmentation that gives plants their characteristic color. During RSO’s controversial rise to popularity, it was originally made using questionable solvents like naphtha in a crockpot-type appliance. This raised the collective eyebrows around the world, due to the risks of such products and practices. Safer alternatives like ethanol are now commonly used. The RSO extraction process involves soaking plant material in the solvent to extract nearly everything of potential interest. This ‘soaking’ is followed by a process to evaporate the solvent to leave behind a highly concentrated oil with a dark green, almost black-like color. RSO is often incorporated into gummies or edibles, which is popular for those looking to avoid its strong taste and gluey texture.
When it comes to Cannabis extracts, there seems to be two large groups or types of consumers: Chloro-philes (people who love or are enthusiastic about chlorophyl) and chloro-phobes (people who hate chlorophyl). Perhaps you know which group you are simply by your level of enjoyment when it comes to food such as broccoli, spinach, or brussels sprouts. The green pigment compounds known as chlorophylls can be obtained from the human diet through the consumption of green fruits and vegetables.
Chlorophyl content in Cannabis and its products varies significantly depending on factors such as cultivar, maturity stage, growing conditions, harvest time, plant parts used, storage conditions, processing methods, and extraction and quantification techniques. Dietary supplements containing chlorophyll and related compounds are available and generally considered safe, with few reports of serious adverse side effects over several decades of human use. However, those seeking chlorophyll for health reasons are presented with challenges due to how poorly the body absorbs and uses it (aka bioavailability) and the stability of chlorophylls in products. Chlorophylls are easily lost and breakdown during storage and extraction. RSO extracts may be a solution for the chloro-philes, looking for more of those elusive dietary plant compounds.
There are many advantages to RSO and RSO-similar processes. Ethanol as a solvent is effective at extracting a wide range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and is relatively safe compared to other options such as butane. RSO and ethanolic extractions are used to make tinctures, can be scaled up easily for standardized production. Ethanol is great at creating a whole plant extract complete with – you guessed it – chlorophyl-type compounds! Note that chlorophyl can be removed with additional purification steps from an RSO product. Ethanol is also very effective at extracting certain terpenes over other extraction methods. The smell of cannabis can be obliterated by other extraction processes. Hence, other types of extracts are often manipulated with flavoring and custom terpene-blended products.
To understand the preference for chlorophyll in an extract or concentrate, we need to delve into the complexity of human perception and taste. Some individuals find the presence of chlorophyll desirable due to perceived health benefits or a preference for a “full-spectrum” experience, reflecting the natural composition of the plant. Many consumers simply appreciate the bitter taste, as bitterness is thought to aide with digestion. As a researcher, I appreciate the diversity of consumer preferences as a reflection of the varied human experience and the importance of personal choice in the context of using cannabis-based products.
For the chloro-phile, the love of chlorophyl is rooted in its potential health benefits, such as anti-oxidant properties. Other health claims for chlorophyl include effects on liver detoxification and wound healing. Some proponents of holistic and natural medicine advocate for the inclusion of chlorophyll to maintain the integrity of the whole-plant benefits, aligning with the philosophy that all components of the plant contribute to its therapeutic effects.
Chlorophyll can impart a grassy, and at times a vitriolic taste to extracts, that many will find undesirable. Especially for chloro-phobes, those consumers looking for a neutral or a specifically flavored profile. For those that are aiming their interests at high purity and specific cannabinoid concentrations, chlorophyll is often considered an impurity. Its presence can indicate a less refined product, sometimes viewed as negatively affecting the consistency and efficacy of an extract. Many cannabis extracts are purified and diluted until they are clear. In general, chlorophyll might cause irritation in some users, especially when used in high concentrations in topical products. High amounts of chlorophyl that are orally consumed may also increase the likelihood of mild side effects like stomach discomfort. Edible RSO products, such as gummies, can be crafted to contain a specific amount of RSO, making it easier for consume consistent, controlled doses, and more easily monitor for unwanted experiences. This is important given the high potency of RSO.
In the cannabis plant, terpenes can vary in their polarity, a property affecting their solubility in different solvents used for extraction. Polar terpenes are more soluble in polar solvents like ethanol. Some common polar terpenes that extract well through an RSO process seem to be:
- Linalool – Known for its floral and spicy aroma. It’s commonly associated with the soothing effects often sought after in lavender.
- Myrcene – This terpene has a more earthy, musky scent. Myrcene is one of the most abundant terpenes in cannabis.
- Geraniol – With a sweet and floral aroma, geraniol is polar and can be found in geraniums as well as cannabis. It’s used not only for its fragrance but also for its potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
These terpenes represent just a few examples of compounds within the plant that are efficiently extracted with ethanol.
As we conclude our short escape in the leafy landscape of Cannabis extracts, remember that whether you embrace green or prefer blues, reds, and other colors – the choice reflects your personal philosophy and taste preferences. The world of Cannabis is as diverse as its consumers and understanding the role of chlorophyll is just one piece of the puzzle. While the primary focus often lands on secondary metabolites like cannabinoids for their notable effects, we shouldn’t overlook the potential roles of photosynthetic pigments such as chlorophyll. Found in abundance in medicinal plants, chlorophyll is not only crucial for photosynthesis but may als
o have its own therapeutic effects or benefits, contributing to the health-promoting qualities of plants.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for medical diagnosis or treatment recommendations.
