How to Make FECO
Dr. T.H. Hunt's Small Business Batch Method
Watch Dr. T.H. Hunt DNM’s Small Batch Method Video>
The information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical or professional advice. If you choose to use these methods, please ensure you take necessary precautions, including wearing protective gear and working in a well-ventilated area. Always prioritize safety when handling flammable substances.
Materials Needed
- 1 ounce raw cannabis
- 190-proof ethanol (such as Everclear)
- Cannabis-specific Grinder
- Ceramic or glass bowl
- Stirring utensil (such as a clean fork or spoon)
- Muslin bag
- BPA-free plastic or glass container (that the muslin bag can fit over)
- Gloves
- Metal pan (or “OrGREENiC” pan that is non-stick but doesn’t have chemicals)
- Slightly larger metal pan (above metal plan will be placed over this plan)
- Spatula
- Oral syringe
Step by Step Process
Step 1: Grind the cannabis well using the grinder and put it onto a plate or directly into the bowl
Step 2: Pour the ethanol into the container, enough so that it covers the cannabis, about an inch above it
Step 3: Stir the mixture with a utensil to help facilitate the extraction for about 3 minutes. The utensil should go all the way to the bottom of the mixture and back to the top, as well as rotational stirring. The solution can then be allowed to sit for a few minutes
Step 4: Filter the solution through the muslin bag into another container. Use a utensil to scrape out any remaining cannabis into the bag
Step 5: After the solution is in the bag, lift the bag up, pull it shut, and squeeze it. It is highly recommended to use gloves for this step, although the recorder here did not as her hands were clean and the extract was for her personal use. Once the solution is squeezed out, it appears as a dark liquid in the container.
Step 6: Open up the bag and put it back into the original container. Repeat steps 2-5 for a second wash, which helps capture everything left in the cannabis. The process is exactly the same, although the amount of solution in the collection container will of course be higher after the second wash.
Step 7: Prepare to evaporate out the ethanol in the metal or OrGREENiC pan. First, fill up the slightly larger pan with water, then put the metal pan above it. Pour the ethanol solution into the pan. Bring the water to boiling, then turn off the heat. The residual heat may be enough to get the ethanol out, but if not, the heat can be turned back on. A spatula can be used to stir occasionally to help accelerate the process and prevent burning [NOTE: This can only be done with an electric stove. If you only have a gas stove, an electric hot plate must be used].
Step 8: Once there are no more bubbles, the FECO is complete. It normally takes 30 minutes to 1 hour to get the ethanol out. The image below shows the completed FECO. Pull up the FECO into an oral syringe while it is still warm, but not hot.
