Full Extract Cannabis Oil (FECO) is a highly concentrated, full-spectrum cannabis product containing cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant compounds. This density means FECO offers a potent effect, requiring a cautious and precise approach to consumption. Unlike many common cannabis products, FECO is an incredibly dense extract, making even a tiny amount capable of delivering a powerful dose of active ingredients. Determining the correct amount to use is a challenge that requires careful measurement and patience. It is important to understand that this guide is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Understanding FECO Potency and Measurement
FECO is most commonly packaged in a syringe applicator, which allows for controlled measurement of the oil. The labeling specifies the total amount of active cannabinoids, typically in milligrams (mg), contained within the entire syringe volume. Understanding this total milligram count is the first step toward accurate dosing, as the physical volume of the oil does not directly correlate to the amount of active ingredient.
For example, a standard 1 milliliter syringe may contain 1,000 milligrams of total cannabinoids. If you divide the contents into 100 equal doses, each dose delivers 10 milligrams. Since FECO’s potency can range significantly, always check the product label to determine the exact milligram content per syringe before attempting to dispense any amount.
Establishing the Starting Dose
The philosophy for beginning FECO consumption is to start with the lowest possible amount and proceed with caution. This initial dose serves primarily as a test of your personal sensitivity to the concentrated oil. A practical, conservative starting point is an amount of oil no larger than the size of a half-grain of rice.
This minute quantity is generally considered to be in the 1 to 2.5 milligram range of total cannabinoids, depending on the product’s concentration. Because FECO is ingested orally and processed by the liver, the onset of effects is significantly delayed compared to inhaled cannabis. You must wait a minimum of two to three hours after consuming the initial dose before evaluating its effects. Taking a second dose too soon can lead to overconsumption once the first dose fully activates.
Titrating the Dose Safely
Once the initial dose has been established and tolerated, the next step is a systematic process called titration, which involves gradually adjusting the dose over time. The goal of titration is to find the minimum effective dose that provides the desired therapeutic relief without causing unwanted side effects. Since the therapeutic dose is highly individualized, this process requires patience and meticulous tracking.
The recommended protocol is to increase your daily dose only every three to four days, allowing your body time to fully adjust to the new level. When increasing, you should only add a tiny increment, such as another half-grain-of-rice-sized portion, which often translates to an increase of one to two milligrams.
A detailed journal is an invaluable tool during this phase, used to record the exact amount of FECO taken, the time of consumption, the specific symptoms experienced, and any noticeable side effects.
This careful, incremental strategy prevents the sudden shock of a large dose and helps pinpoint the precise level at which the oil is most beneficial. You continue this slow, measured increase until you achieve the desired symptom relief, or until you begin to experience mild side effects, which signals that you have reached or slightly exceeded your optimal dose. The journal will then serve as a reference, allowing you to settle on the last tolerated, effective dosage.
Recognizing Signs of Excessive Consumption
Despite careful dosing, it is possible to consume too much FECO, which can result in a temporary, uncomfortable experience. The most common signs of overconsumption include intense drowsiness, dizziness, anxiety, or paranoia. Physical symptoms may also include a rapid heart rate, dry mouth, or nausea, all of which are temporary and non-life-threatening.
If you find yourself in this situation, the primary course of action is to remain calm and remember that the effects will eventually subside. Drink water, eat a light snack, and seek a quiet, safe environment where you can rest. Engaging in a distracting activity, such as listening to music or watching a familiar show, can help pass the time until the oil’s effects begin to diminish.