// Definition
The phenomenon where heavy metals present in cannabis plants bind to lipid (fat) fractions during extraction. Because heavy metals have an affinity for lipids, they can become concentrated in cannabis extracts, particularly those that retain plant lipids such as crude or winterized oils.
// From the Episode
Discussed extensively in Ep 052 with Mark Scialdone explaining the chemistry. Heavy metals from contaminated nutrients, soil, or water bind to plant lipids during growth. During extraction, these metal-laden lipids become concentrated, potentially creating higher heavy metal exposure than from the raw plant material. This raised serious concerns about nutrient company contamination and the importance of lipid filtration in extract processing.
// Source
Ep. 052 Hash Church LI 51 →