As you probably know, cannabis oils are big business these days. Available all over the world and cooked up by thousands of different brands, they’ve become an everyday essential for millions.
Of course, the fact that there are so many different types of cannabis oil doesn’t make choosing the right product any easier. Especially given the way in which some of these oils are being used as natural treatments for a wide variety of conditions. As such, it’s worth taking the time to note the key differences from one to the next.
In this instance, we’ll be taking a closer look at FECO. Aka, full extract cannabis oil. It retails with a thousand different product names and plenty of descriptions – Rick Simpson Oil (RSO), whole plant medicine, medical cannabis oil to name but a few. In all instances it’s the same basic stuff you’re looking at, but what exactly is FECO?
What Are Full Extract Cannabis Oils?
In the simplest of terms, full extract cannabis oils are concentrated essential oils from cannabis plants. What makes FECO unique is that unlike with most other cannabis oil extraction processes, oil is extracted from the actual cannabis flowers/buds. Leaves may also be used in the extraction process, depending on the manufacturer and the product in question.
Solvents are used by the manufacturers to separate the cannabis resin from the plant matter, which in turn creates a product of high strength and purity. It’s also pretty common for people to make their own FECO at home, which in most cases involves the use of alcohol as a solvent.
In medical circles, FECO is considered to be no less than revolutionary in its capabilities and versatility. All over the world, FECO is being used by patients battling a wide variety of chronic and in some cases fatal diseases. Medical cannabis products like this have shown particularly strong potential in the treatment of epilepsy, PTSD, multiple sclerosis and even Parkinson’s Disease.
FECO has a tendency to be so strong that it is often taken in daily doses no larger than a grain of rice. However, this differs in accordance with the patient and the condition in question.
What makes FECO different from other extractions?
The biggest difference with FECO comes in the way in which it is extracted. The most common cannabis oils are produced using CO2 and butane hash oil (BHO) extraction methods, which result in slightly different products. For example, while FECO is designed for oral consumption, cannabis oils extracted by different means are primarily designed for inhalation.
FECO also tends to be somewhat more potent than its counterparts. Even when compared to high-quality wax or shatter, FECO tops the table in terms of intensity. Typically, FECO will be used to fill capsules to be swallowed, or simply placed in the mouth by way of an oral syringe.
What makes FECO medicine?
FECO is different from many cannabis oils currently on the market in that it typically contains a high concentration of THC. Though there are many different types of cannabis oils that can be bought globally without a prescription, such products have little to no THC in them whatsoever. Instead, they typically focus on CBD – the non-psychoactive cannabis compound that’s been linked with a wide variety of therapeutic effects.
By contrast, FECO is a strictly controlled and regulated substance where it is available. In markets like the United Kingdom where medical cannabis laws are dangerously outdated, it is fundamentally unavailable. CBD products and hemp oil can be bought freely, but aren’t nearly as capable in the treatment of various conditions as FECO.
That said, it’s clear that products like FECO attach elevated risks of abuse, due to their nature. Though sold and primarily used as medicine, they are also routinely used for recreational purposes. Which doesn’t come as a huge shock, given their potential for incredible potency.
It isn’t difficult to understand why FECO has gained such popularity on a global basis. For one thing, the ability to micro-dose cannabis for medical purposes represents a preferential option for many. Rather than smoking, vaping or using cannabis products in general on a regular basis, just a drop or two a day is all that’s needed.
Research into medical cannabis is highlighting a growing number of unique and remarkable benefits. What makes FECO stand out as a category of cannabis medicine in its own right is its strength. Quite simply, it is the single most powerful cannabis product available in the world. Quality FECO can pack an incredible 99% THC or CBD, though there’s more to the best FECO than high concentrations of these key compounds alone. The quality of the ingredients and the extraction process have a big impact on the overall quality of cannabis oils in general.
How to get hold of high-quality FECO
If you’re looking to get hold of some high-end full extraction cannabis oil for yourself, the first thing you need to check is its legality where you’re located. Rules and regulations differ hugely from one country, state and even city to the next, so make sure you’re legally entitled to buy it in the first place.
When considering a specific medical cannabis oil, it’s a good idea to take a look at the information regarding solvents. Certain solvents are better for extracting different cannabinoids and terpenes than others, which can have an influence on the final product. There are also many examples of FECO products on the market which aren’t strictly speaking full extract, but might not be far-off.
The market is constantly changing and growing, so the best advice is to seek advice from the experts. Wherever you come across the products for sale, simply ask for the recommendations of those selling the FECO. Or better yet, you could ask your doctor for their own suggestions, in accordance with your needs. As is the case with cannabis in general, it’s not to say that any one product is ‘better’ than any other. Personal needs and preferences play a role in determining the ideal product.
That said, there are a few quality control checks it is definitely worth carrying out, before making a purchase. Though price isn’t always an accurate indicator of quality, you can’t expect to pick up the best FECO going for next to nothing even though there are ways of saving some money on your next purchase. So along with avoiding the bargain-basement options, be sure to consider the following:
- Was the FECO made using 100% organic cannabis?
- Has the final product been tested, verified and approved?
- Which strains were used to create the FECO?
- Have any further additives been thrown into the mix?
- Was the oil made using cannabis leaves, flowers or both?
- What are the dominant cannabinoids in the oil?
- What kind of reputation does the manufacturer have?
- Does the product carry the recommendation of real-life customers?
Once again, there’s always the option of making your own FECO at home. That is, just as long as you know what you’re doing and can get the job done safely. Still, if you’re looking to make the most of what can be a seriously impressive and beneficial product, there’s much to be said for the high-quality, lab-tested variety.
