The world of cannabis concentrates is teeming with a variety of intriguing names, such as FECO (Full Extract Cannabis Oil), RSO (Rick Simpson Oil), and BHO (Butane Hash Oil). In this discussion, we’ll delve into FECO, a potent, alcohol-based cannabis extract renowned for its high potency and the convenience of home production.
FECO stands out as a dense, tar-like extract, occasionally leading to confusion with Rick Simpson Oil (RSO). Despite their resemblances, FECO carves its own niche as an extract made using grain alcohol. Creating it at home is a straightforward process, requiring minimal ingredients, equipment, and effort. What sets FECO apart is its remarkable versatility, as it can be ingested orally, applied topically, or seamlessly integrated into various edible creations.
Numerous studies have revealed that cannabis holds significant potential for addressing various health concerns. While cannabis consumption can potentially aid in managing medical conditions, it’s important to note that accessing marijuana for medicinal purposes in Texas necessitates legal authorization.
If you’re considering using cannabis to alleviate chronic pain or other medical issues, obtaining a medical marijuana card is a straightforward process. Reach out to a licensed medical marijuana doctor to initiate the process and gain legal access to this therapeutic option.
What Exactly Is FECO?
Full Extract Cannabis Oil, or FECO for short, is a dense and highly potent cannabis extract. True to its name, FECO is a full-spectrum extract, encompassing all the naturally occurring active compounds found in the cannabis plant, setting it apart from broad-spectrum extracts or isolated cannabinoids. Its dark, adhesive consistency often leads to confusion with Rick Simpson oil. Although FECO and Rick Simpson oil share some similarities, a crucial distinction sets them apart.
What Are the Effects of FECO?
FECO, a potent cannabis extract, boasts elevated levels of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other active plant constituents. Typically administered sublingually by applying a small quantity of the oil beneath the tongue or on the gums, it allows for gradual absorption into the bloodstream. In broad strokes, the effects of FECO can be characterized as:
- Potent
- Enduring
- Gradual onset
It’s important to note that the precise impact of full extract cannabis oil can vary, contingent upon the specific chemical profile of the source plant(s). For example, FECO derived from THC-rich strains will feature high THC concentrations, delivering a robust and prolonged psychoactive experience, contingent on the strain’s effects. Conversely, FECO derived from high-CBD strains will contain elevated CBD levels, producing a more balanced and soothing influence without the intoxication commonly associated with THC.
While FECO is suitable for a broad range of users, it holds particular popularity among medical cannabis patients. Its non-smoking administration and capacity for a gradual release of concentrated cannabinoids have established FECO as a favored choice for patients seeking long-lasting relief.
Is FECO Identical to Rick Simpson Oil (RSO)?
RSO and FECO are often used interchangeably to describe a similar-looking product. However, a significant distinction sets them apart: RSO is produced using isopropyl alcohol or naphtha as a solvent, whereas FECO is crafted with high-proof ethyl or grain alcohol.
While this difference may appear minor, it’s crucial to note because ethyl and grain alcohol are safe for human consumption, whereas isopropyl alcohol and naphtha are not. Therefore, in the rare event of any residual solvents remaining in your FECO or RSO, those in FECO would be considerably less toxic than those present in RSO.
How to Make FECO?
In contrast to many other cannabis extracts, creating FECO at home is a relatively safe and straightforward process, requiring only basic equipment and readily available ingredients. Below, we’ll guide you through the fundamental steps of crafting full extract cannabis oil in the comfort of your home.
Ingredients & Tools Needed:
- Cannabis flower or trim
- 190-proof grain alcohol
- Herb grinder
- Baking tray with a liner
- Oven (for decarboxylating your cannabis)
- Electric stove top or hot plate
- Glass jar
- Large saucepan
- Sieve or strainer
- Glass or silicone container (for storing your FECO)
Directions
Here’s the step-by-step process for creating FECO at home:
- Grind your cannabis flowers or trim finely.
- Spread the ground cannabis evenly on a lined baking tray and decarboxylate it in a preheated oven at 110ºC for 30 minutes. Stir the cannabis gently at the 15-minute mark to ensure even decarboxylation. You’ll know it’s ready when it emits a fragrant aroma.
- Place your decarboxylated cannabis in a glass container and cover it with 190-proof alcohol. Ensure that the cannabis is fully submerged in the alcohol and seal the container with a lid. Allow the mixture to sit at room temperature for a minimum of 3 hours, but you can steep it for up to 1 month for maximum extraction. If steeping for just a few hours, stir the mixture once or twice; if steeping for several weeks, shake the container daily.
- Strain the mixture into a saucepan, making sure to remove all plant matter from the alcohol solution. You can squeeze the strained plant material to extract as much alcohol as possible.
- Place the saucepan on an electric stove or hot plate and heat it on medium until you observe it starting to steam.
- Reduce the heat to the lowest setting and continue cooking the mixture for several hours until all the alcohol has evaporated, leaving behind a thick, sticky, tar-like extract. Ensure that your workspace is well-ventilated to disperse any alcohol fumes.
- Allow the extract to cool before transferring it to a glass or silicone container for storage.
Note: Never cook FECO oil over an open flame, as alcohol vapor is highly flammable and can catch fire or explode when exposed to an open flame.
How to Use FECO?
FECO oil offers versatile usage options, including:
- Sublingual Use: By taking a small amount of FECO, approximately the size of a grain of rice, under the tongue, you can experience slow-release and long-lasting effects. This method is commonly favored by medical cannabis patients who seek sustained relief without the need for frequent smoking or vaping.
- Topical Application: Similar to RSO, FECO can be applied topically as an ointment. Rick Simpson purportedly used his oil in this manner to address skin cancer, though it’s essential to note that there is no scientific evidence supporting the idea that topically applied FECO or RSO can effectively treat tumors.
- Edible Infusion: FECO, like other extracts, can be seamlessly integrated into a wide range of recipes to infuse your favorite dishes with the benefits of cannabis compounds. To use FECO in your culinary creations, start by infusing butter, oil, or another cooking fat with FECO, and then incorporate that infused fat into your recipes.
In Texas, acquiring legal access to cannabis edibles for consumption or purchase entails contacting a medical marijuana doctor to facilitate the process.
