What Is Full Extract Cannabis Oil (FECO)?

FECO is a dark, tar-like extract that's often confused with Rick Simpson oil (RSO). Despite their similarities, FECO is a unique form of extract that's made with grain alcohol and is easy to create at home with minimal ingredients, equipment, and effort. Moreover, it's super versatile, as it can be taken orally, used topically, or added to edibles.

What Exactly Is FECO?

FECO stands for full extract cannabis oil and refers to a dark, sticky, and potent extract. As its name suggests, FECO is a full-spectrum extract, meaning it contains all of the active chemicals naturally present in the cannabis plant (unlike broad-spectrum extracts or cannabinoid isolates). Due to its tar-like appearance, FECO is often confused with Rick Simpson oil, and while the two share some similarities, they also have one major difference (see more further below).

What Are the Effects of FECO?

FECO is a potent extract containing high concentrations of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other active plant compounds. It is usually administered sublingually by smearing a small amount of the oil on the gums or under the tongue where it can be gradually absorbed into the bloodstream. Generally speaking, the effects of FECO are:

• Strong
• Long-lasting
• Slow release / slow onset

Note that the exact effects of full extract cannabis oil will vary depending on the chemical makeup of the plant/plants it was made from. FECO made from THC-rich plants, for instance, will boast high concentrations of THC and therefore produce a strong and long-lasting high, depending on the effects of the strain. Meanwhile, FECO made from a high-CBD strain will contain high concentrations of CBD and produce more balanced, pacifying effects without the intoxication we experience from THC.

While FECO can be used by anyone, it is particularly popular among medical cannabis patients. The fact that it can be taken without smoking and offers a slow release of highly concentrated cannabinoids has made FECO a popular choice among patients seeking long-lasting effects.

Is FECO the Same as Rick Simpson Oil (RSO)?

RSO and FECO are often thought of as interchangeable terms for the same product. And while their appearance and texture may seem identical, there is one major difference between the two extracts; RSO is made using isopropyl alcohol or naphtha as a solvent, while FECO is made using high-proof ethyl or grain alcohol.

This difference might seem trivial, but it is important to keep in mind because ethyl and grain alcohol are both fit for human consumption, while isopropyl alcohol and naphtha are not. Therefore, if there were to be any solvents left in your FECO or RSO, those in the FECO would be far less toxic than those found in RSO.

How to Make FECO

Unlike other cannabis extracts, FECO can be made at home fairly safely and with just basic equipment/ingredients. Below we'll walk you through the basics of making full extract cannabis oil at home.

Ingredients & Equipment

• Cannabis flower or trim
• 190-proof grain alcohol
• Herb grinder
• Lined baking tray
• Oven (for decarbing your weed)
• Electric stove top/hot plate
• Glass jar
• Large saucepan
• Sieve/strainer
• Glass or silicone container (to store your FECO)

Directions

1. Grind your cannabis flowers or trim to a fine consistency. Spread the ground cannabis out evenly on a lined baking tray, and decarb it in a preheated oven at 110ºC for 30 minutes. At the 15-minute mark, stir the cannabis gently to ensure it decarbs evenly on all sides. You'll know it's ready when it smells fragrant.
2. Put your flower/trim in a glass container and cover it with 190-proof alcohol. Make sure the cannabis is fully submerged in the alcohol and cover it with a lid. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for a minimum of 3 hours and up to 1 month. The longer the mixture steeps, the more cannabis compounds will leach into the alcohol. When steeping only for a few hours, stir the mixture once or twice. When steeping over several weeks, shake the container once daily.
3. Strain the mixture into a saucepan, taking care to remove all the plant matter from the alcohol solution. You can squeeze the strained plant matter to get as much alcohol out of it as possible.
4. Place the saucepan on an electric stove or hot plate and cook on medium heat until you see it begin to steam.
5. Reduce the heat to a minimum and cook the mixture for several hours until all of the alcohol has evaporated and you're left with a viscous, sticky, tar-like extract. Make sure to keep your space well-ventilated to remove the alcohol fumes.
6. Pour the extract into a glass or silicone container and let it cool before using.

NOTE: Never cook FECO oil over an open flame. Alcohol vapour is very flammable and may catch fire or explode when being cooked over fire.

How to Use FECO

FECO oil can be used in a number of ways, including:

• As a sublingual extract: Taking a small amount of FECO (roughly the size of a grain of rice) sublingually can provide slow-release, long-lasting effects. Medical cannabis patients often use FECO this way to experience its effects without having to smoke or vape multiple times a day.
• As a topical: FECO is very similar to RSO and can therefore also be used as a topical ointment. Rick Simpson allegedly used his oil this way to treat skin cancer. Note that there is no scientific research to support that topically applied FECO or RSO can treat tumours.
• To make edibles: Like other extracts, FECO can be used in almost any recipe to infuse your favourite dish with cannabis compounds. The best way to use FECO in your cooking is to first infuse butter, oil, or another form of cooking fat, and then use that fat in your recipes.

How Much FECO Should You Take?

FECO is a high-potency extract, so keep that in mind when dosing it. Most users need only a small amount to get the effects they are looking for. Whether you plan to use FECO for holistic or recreational purposes, start with a small dose (a small, grain-of-rice-sized amount of FECO under the tongue or gums, for example) and work your way up or down from there.

How to Store FECO

FECO is best stored in a sealed glass or silicone container in a cool, dark, and dry place. Remember that, like with cannabis flower and other concentrates, humidity and heat are FECO's worst enemies as they degrade cannabinoids and terpenes and can create a breeding ground for bad bacteria and mould. For more information, check out our detailed guide on how to store cannabis concentrates and edibles.

Full Extract Cannabis Oil — A Versatile, Safe Concentrate

FECO is a potent extract that's easy to make at home. Plus, the fact that it's made with high-proof ethanol eliminates the risk of consuming any toxic impurities that might be left behind in the extract. Hence, if you're looking for a concentrate that you can safely make and enjoy at home for both recreational and medical purposes, definitely consider trying FECO.

DisclaimerExtracts, concentrates, and oils used for dabbing are among the strongest cannabis products available. Proceed with caution when using substances high in THC. Start with low doses and slowly increase over time to build up a tolerance to the compound.

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