TL;DR: FECO (Full Extract Cannabis Oil) is made using food-grade alcohol (usually ethanol) to extract the full cannabinoid and terpene profile from cannabis. It’s a slow, careful process that preserves the plant’s most therapeutic compounds. Some producers also use CO₂, but ethanol remains the gold standard for full-spectrum extraction.

What Makes FECO Different?

Unlike distillates or isolates that strip the plant down to a single compound, FECO keeps everything intact—THC, CBD, terpenes, flavonoids, chlorophyll, and plant waxes. That’s why it’s called “full extract”—it’s as close to the whole plant as you can get in an oil form.

Step-by-Step: How FECO is Made

  1. Choose the Right Cannabis Material
    Producers select high-quality, lab-tested cannabis flowers or trim rich in cannabinoids and terpenes. Strain choice depends on the intended therapeutic effects (e.g., high-CBD vs. high-THC).
  2. Submerge in Ethanol
    The plant material is soaked in food-grade ethanol, which acts as a solvent to extract the full range of compounds. This step may take several hours or be repeated for stronger yields.
  3. Filter Out Plant Material
    Once extraction is complete, the liquid is filtered to remove leftover plant solids. What remains is a dark green or amber solution containing cannabinoids, terpenes, and other bioactive compounds.
  4. Slowly Evaporate the Alcohol
    The ethanol is carefully removed using low heat (sometimes vacuum-assisted) to avoid damaging the delicate compounds. This step concentrates the extract into a thick, sticky oil.
  5. Test for Potency and Purity
    The final FECO oil is sent for third-party lab testing to ensure potency, terpene profile, and absence of residual solvents, heavy metals, or pesticides. Transparency matters.

Note: In rare cases, CO₂ extraction may be used, but it often requires post-processing and doesn’t always preserve the full cannabinoid spectrum as well as ethanol. Ethanol extraction preserves more terpenes and cannabinoids compared to CO₂ or hydrocarbon methods (DOI: 10.3390/molecules26082326).

“We’ve refined our process over the years to keep more of the terpene fingerprint intact. Ethanol is tricky, but when handled right, it gives the cleanest full-spectrum profile we’ve ever tested.”

– Ben S., FECO lab technician, Santa Rosa, CA

Visual Flowchart: FECO Extraction Overview

This graphic shows the full path from plant material to finished oil. Save it or share with patients who want a clearer picture of how FECO works behind the scenes.

Why Ethanol?

Food-grade ethanol dissolves both water- and oil-soluble compounds, which means it can extract a wider range of therapeutic molecules than CO₂ or hydrocarbon-based methods. It’s considered one of the safest and most effective full-spectrum solvents available when handled properly.

How Is FECO Stored?

FECO should be stored in an airtight syringe or glass jar in a cool, dark place. Refrigeration is ideal. Avoid heat, light, and oxygen exposure to prevent degradation. When properly stored, FECO can retain quality for 6–12 months.

Typical Use & Dosing Overview

FECO is highly concentrated. A standard starting dose is roughly the size of a grain of rice—about 1–2 mg THC or CBD—placed under the tongue or consumed in an edible. Onset times typically range from 15–30 minutes (sublingual) to 1–2 hours (oral). For condition-specific guidance, see our What Is FECO? article.

Safety Note

  • ⚠️ Keep FECO out of reach of children and pets.
  • Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Store away from open flame—ethanol-based oils are flammable.

Want to Learn More?

See our lab testing page for real test results from verified FECO batches.

This content is for educational purposes only. Always consult a medical professional before starting any cannabis regimen.