Elevated Learning
How to Make Full Extract Cannabis Oil ( FECO )
by Danielle Buntyon , contributing writer
What are annabis concentrates ?
There are microscopic , hair-like compounds on the surface of cannabis plants called trichomes . The outgrowths on a flowering marijuana plant create the plant ’ s cannabinoids . Trichomes are available in several varieties . Cannabis concentrates can contain very high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol , or THC , the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana . Cannabis concentrates can be produced with or without solvents . In this article , we will discuss using a solvent for extraction . Let ’ s make our own cannabis oil with full extract .
What is FECO or Full Extract cannabis oil ?
FECO or Full Extract Cannabis Oil is defined as concentrated oils of the cannabis plant . FECO is a whole plant medicine that is great to use and easy to make using food-grade alcohol . Many confuse RSO ( Rick Simpson Oil ) and FECO , but the small difference is the type of alcohol used during extraction . RSO uses Isopropyl Alcohol that can be harmful during consumption . I have experienced making both , but for this at home batch , we will focus on making it with food-grade alcohol . The most accessible is grain alcohol .
Before we get into making the good stuff , let ’ s explore some needed tools that you should have on hand to make the process smooth .
For the simple list :
• ½ Lb . Decarded Flower / Trim
• 1 Gallon Grain Alcohol ( food-grade grain alcohol only . You want at least 150 proof , but ideally 190 or 200 proof .)
• 3 Mason Jars in Varies Sizes
• Funnels
• Water Distiller ( can purchase online at various retail sites .)
• Coffee Filters
• Coffee Maker ( I promise you won ’ t be making coffee .)
• Syringes
Step-by-Step process
1 . Decarboxylate your cannabis flower . ( We will cover this below and see the article on page 22 for more about how to decarboxylate .)
2 . Winterize your material and alcohol — by placing in a deep freezer for 24 hours .
3 . After 24 hours , perform a Quick Wash Extraction Technique ( QWET ) with plant material and alcohol .
4 . Strain through cheesecloth , and then strain alcohol through two coffee filters to make sure all plant material is removed from alcohol . 5 . Pour alcohol tincture into your water distiller . 6 . Once all the alcohol has been recollected , open the lid to collect
FECO from the bottom of machine . 7 . Turn on the coffee maker and place remaining tar on it and allow it to sit for 24 hours to ensure all alcohol is removed ( evaporated ).
Now that you have those steps completed , let ’ s get into the completion details .
Step 1 : Decarboxylation — This converts the cannabinoid from an acidic version to its active state . Example – THCA converts to THC . Heating the plant material at certain temperatures for at least 30 to 45 minutes will properly activate the cannabinoids . ( Again , see the article on page 22 for more details about how to decarboxylate .)
• For THC – heat temperature to 220 - 225 degrees
• For CBD – heat temperature to 240 degrees
• For CBN – heat temperature to 300 degrees
Decarb before ►
◄ Decarb after
Continued on page 50 �