FSO, or full spectrum oil, is a cannabis extract that contains a range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds found naturally in the cannabis plant. It differs from RSO because of its lower THC levels, especially if it’s derived from hemp.
RSO, or Rick Simpson Oil, is a potent, high-THC, full extract cannabis oil. RSO is named after its creator, Rick Simpson, a passionate medicinal cannabis advocate. The main difference is that FSO is much more refined. It has a filtration stage that eliminates many of the plant esters for a very pure extract. To make it easier to use, full spectrum extract is then combined with a carrier oil like MCT coconut oil or hemp oil, which can come in various potencies and makes it easier to use.
FSO and RSO both offer potential benefits, but with RSO containing higher THC levels, users may prefer one extract more than the other.
Full Spectrum Oil vs RSO Guide
Full spectrum oil is a cannabis extract combined with a carrier oil that includes a wide range of cannabinoids (such as THC, CBD, and CBN), terpenes, and other natural compounds from the cannabis plant. This blend of compounds is believed to work together in what’s known as the "entourage effect," where each component enhances the others' potential effects and benefits.
Typically less potent in THC than RSO, full spectrum oil has a more a balanced effect, making it popular for those seeking mild to moderate effects — thought it can come in various potencies. It can be taken sublingually, in edibles, or added to topicals, offering versatile options for various wellness needs without intense psychoactive effects.
Named after cannabis advocate Rick Simpson, who developed it as a treatment for his own skin cancer, RSO is a full-extract cannabis is a crude extract made using a solvent extraction method that includes all cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant as well as plant esters. Due to its high THC content, RSO has potent psychoactive effects and is commonly used as a strong therapeutic agent — though it’s never been FDA-approved for this use.
Extraction Type
RSO Extraction typically uses a strong solvent, like ethanol or isopropyl alcohol, to extract a full profile of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant compounds. The plant material is soaked, agitated, and then the solvent is evaporated off, leaving behind a thick, dark oil. This method retains chlorophyll and waxes, which contribute to RSO's dark color and potent flavor.
FSO extraction also contains a broad range of cannabinoids and terpenes but generally uses cleaner extraction techniques, like CO2 or cold ethanol extraction. CO2 extraction is more precise, allowing for the retention of valuable compounds without chlorophyll and waxes, resulting in a lighter, clearer oil that is easier to consume and has a smoother taste.
FSO extracted with CO2 is often safer for various forms of ingestion, including vaping (as long as it contains no carrier oil), as it contains fewer impurities than RSO. Cold ethanol extraction, used for some FSOs, can yield a similar full spectrum profile while reducing some of the harsher plant compounds that can be present in RSO.
RSO extraction is simpler and preserves all plant compounds, including chlorophyll and waxes, which contribute to its strong effects but limit its consumption methods. FSO extraction, especially with CO2, is more refined and results in a cleaner product.
Which to Use Recreationally
For recreational use, full spectrum oil is typically the better choice because it usually contains a balanced mix of cannabinoids, including some THC, but not in the extremely high concentrations found in RSO.
This allows for a mild to moderate high that is generally more manageable and suitable for social or casual settings without the intense psychoactivity that could be overwhelming. Another consideration is full spectrum oil’s broader cannabinoid profile which can still provide enjoyable relaxation, mild euphoria, and an overall pleasant experience without excessive potency.
Using RSO vs FSO
Due to its high THC concentration, RSO is primarily used where stronger effects are desired. It’s frequently used by people seeking holistic options for wellness needs. RSO’s potency makes it particularly popular for those seeking robust effects, but its high psychoactivity also means it’s best suited for individuals comfortable with or in need of stronger effects.
Full spectrum oil is often used for a broad range of wellness purposes due to its balanced composition and relatively mild psychoactive effects. Consumers commonly report using FSO for managing nervousness, stress, healthy sleep patterns, and mild to moderate discomfort, as the blend of cannabinoids and terpenes can help create a soothing effect without overpowering psychoactivity.
Consumption
RSO is most commonly ingested orally. Because of its thick consistency, a small dose (typically the size of a grain of rice) is placed on food, under the tongue, or on the inside of the cheek. This method provides strong, long-lasting effects and is favored amongst users.
Some people apply RSO directly to the skin, particularly for localized relief support. When applied topically, it doesn’t have systemic effects — like intoxication, so it can be a more desirable option for those who want the cannabinoid support on the skin and muscles but without getting high.
Like RSO, FSO can be consumed orally. Full spectrum oil extracted via CO2 or cold ethanol may be slightly cleaner and lighter in taste than RSO, making it even easier to consume directly or mixed into food.
Sublingual use allows cannabinoids to enter the bloodstream quickly and provides faster effects, as well. FSO can also be applied topically, much like RSO, and is may be helpful for localized discomfort support.
Hash Oil vs RSO
We want to be clear, hash oil is different from full spectrum oil. Hash oil is typically a highly refined cannabis concentrate created using solvents like butane, ethanol, or CO2 to extract mostly THC from the cannabis plant. The extraction process usually removes most other plant compounds, including terpenes and minor cannabinoids, resulting in a concentrate that is extremely potent and often high in THC.
Since both hash oil and RSO are often high in potency, taking a closer look at their similarities and differences can be worth it.
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Composition and Extraction
- Hash Oil: This term generally refers to concentrated cannabis oil made by extracting cannabinoids, primarily THC, from the cannabis plant using solvents like butane, CO2, or ethanol. Hash oil is refined to remove plant materials and often undergoes additional filtering to create a product that is clean, potent, and well-suited for vaporization or smoking.
- RSO (Rick Simpson Oil): RSO is a full-spectrum extract intended primarily for medicinal use. Made using ethanol or isopropyl alcohol, it retains all plant compounds, including chlorophyll, terpenes, and a broad spectrum of cannabinoids. The result is a dark, thick oil with a strong flavor and an “entourage effect” due to the preserved plant compounds.
Intended Use
- Hash Oil: Primarily used for smoking, dabbing, or vaping because it is highly refined and has a smoother consistency. Its high THC content makes it popular for recreational users and those seeking immediate effects.
- RSO: Primarily intended for oral or topical application. Its high potency and thick consistency make it unsuitable for smoking or vaping, as heating it can produce harmful byproducts. RSO is commonly used to help manage chronic pain, inflammation, and other conditions.
Effects and Potency
- Hash Oil: Typically high in THC and produces strong psychoactive effects. Its potency varies depending on the extraction method and the strain used but is generally favored by users seeking strong, immediate effects.
- RSO: Known for high potency and often contains THC and CBD in full-spectrum form. It may provide long-lasting effects due to slower absorption when ingested, with benefits like pain relief, reduced anxiety, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Why FSO is More Popular
While RSO, or even hash oil, does have a long-standing cult following with OG cannabis users, thanks to more sophisticated extraction techniques FSO has become far more popular. FSO has more versatility, offers ease of use, and has more standardized processing steps compared to traditional hash oil and RSO.
Full spectrum oils, especially made from hemp, have many potential wellness uses while not containing enough THC to overwhelm users.
This makes FSO an easy option to implement into a wellness regimen since you can comfortably consume most full spectrum oils at any point in the day without having to fear the side effects will interfere with your daily tasks.
