4 min read

That Full Spectrum Feeling

"Full Spectrum Oil, also known as FSO, is a concentrated cannabis extract that is similar to most distillates."

Published In: Health & Wellness | Jan 27, 2021

If you’re looking for a whole plant cannabis treatment but don’t want to smoke flower, FSO is a great option to try.

What is Full Spectrum Oil?

Full Spectrum Oil, also known as FSO, is a concentrated cannabis extract that is similar to most distillates. The difference lies in the refinement process and the final product. Most distillates go through a complicated refining process that strips the plant material down to one or two active cannabinoids (typically THC & CBD) and a formulated terpene profile. FSO, on the other hand, is processed in a way that keeps the plant’s natural profile intact.

While your average distillate will contain all of the cannabinoids and terpenes that make a strain or formula beneficial, FSO contains those plus the flavonoids, fatty lipids, phenols and other naturally occurring components found in the cannabis plant.

The end result is an extract that is thicker, darker and more potent than a refined distillate, and packed full of the same potential whole plant benefits that you could expect from more traditional products like smokable flower.

Is Full Spectrum Oil the same as Rick Simpson Oil?

FSO is very similar to the legendary RSO, but there is no way to give a definitive yes or no. When Rick Simpson started working with his famous oil back in the late 90s and early 2000s, he produced it in his home and did not conduct any tests to determine its exact content or quality. This means that we’ll never know the exact ratio of THC to CBD, or the terpene, flavonoid and lipid profile that were present in his batches – so it’s impossible to claim that anything produced today is the same as the original RSO.

In the cannabis industry, the terms Rick Simpson Oil and Full Spectrum Oil are used somewhat interchangeably. The reality is that the product called “Rick Simpson Oil” that many companies produce is actually the more carefully crafted and monitored Full Spectrum Oil.

How could I benefit from Full Spectrum Oil?

Many people believe that FSO has helped them manage a range of symptoms and conditions, including cancer, ALS, MS, arthritis, insomnia and mental health conditions like depression and PTSD. It can be consumed orally or used topically, depending on the desired effect.

According to Rick Simpson, he was able to treat three cancerous bumps on his skin by applying his oil directly to the affected area and covering it with a bandage. As legend has it, the cancerous growths disappeared and never returned. It’s extremely important to note that no clinical studies or trials were conducted to back up these claims. However, many patients report that they have benefitted from both ingesting FSO and applying it topically.

If you’re looking for a whole plant cannabis treatment but don’t want to smoke flower, FSO is a great option to try.

How do I use Full Spectrum Oil?

As with any new treatment, you should talk with your physician to determine the correct intake method and dosage for you. We recommend starting low and going slow – remember, FSO is extremely concentrated and potent. The typical dose of FSO should be about the size of a grain of rice.

If you’re ingesting it orally, the taste may be bitter and off-putting, and many people will consume it along with food (like peanut butter or a piece of fruit). You can also cook with it like you would with cannabutter or cannabis cooking oil. For topical application, people typically apply a very small amount to the area they want to treat. Another extremely important thing to note – because of its consistency and the way it may be produced, inhaling FSO in any way is never recommended.

If you think Full Spectrum Oil may be right for you, talk to your physician about trying it today!

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Health & Wellness

That Full Spectrum Feeling

4 min read

That Full Spectrum Feeling

"Full Spectrum Oil, also known as FSO, is a concentrated cannabis extract that is similar to most distillates."

Published In: Health & Wellness | Jan 27, 2021

Updated On: Apr 02, 2025

If you’re looking for a whole plant cannabis treatment but don’t want to smoke flower, FSO is a great option to try.

What is Full Spectrum Oil?

Full Spectrum Oil, also known as FSO, is a concentrated cannabis extract that is similar to most distillates. The difference lies in the refinement process and the final product. Most distillates go through a complicated refining process that strips the plant material down to one or two active cannabinoids (typically THC & CBD) and a formulated terpene profile. FSO, on the other hand, is processed in a way that keeps the plant’s natural profile intact.

While your average distillate will contain all of the cannabinoids and terpenes that make a strain or formula beneficial, FSO contains those plus the flavonoids, fatty lipids, phenols and other naturally occurring components found in the cannabis plant.

The end result is an extract that is thicker, darker and more potent than a refined distillate, and packed full of the same potential whole plant benefits that you could expect from more traditional products like smokable flower.

Is Full Spectrum Oil the same as Rick Simpson Oil?

FSO is very similar to the legendary RSO, but there is no way to give a definitive yes or no. When Rick Simpson started working with his famous oil back in the late 90s and early 2000s, he produced it in his home and did not conduct any tests to determine its exact content or quality. This means that we’ll never know the exact ratio of THC to CBD, or the terpene, flavonoid and lipid profile that were present in his batches – so it’s impossible to claim that anything produced today is the same as the original RSO.

In the cannabis industry, the terms Rick Simpson Oil and Full Spectrum Oil are used somewhat interchangeably. The reality is that the product called “Rick Simpson Oil” that many companies produce is actually the more carefully crafted and monitored Full Spectrum Oil.

How could I benefit from Full Spectrum Oil?

Many people believe that FSO has helped them manage a range of symptoms and conditions, including cancer, ALS, MS, arthritis, insomnia and mental health conditions like depression and PTSD. It can be consumed orally or used topically, depending on the desired effect.

According to Rick Simpson, he was able to treat three cancerous bumps on his skin by applying his oil directly to the affected area and covering it with a bandage. As legend has it, the cancerous growths disappeared and never returned. It’s extremely important to note that no clinical studies or trials were conducted to back up these claims. However, many patients report that they have benefitted from both ingesting FSO and applying it topically.

If you’re looking for a whole plant cannabis treatment but don’t want to smoke flower, FSO is a great option to try.

How do I use Full Spectrum Oil?

As with any new treatment, you should talk with your physician to determine the correct intake method and dosage for you. We recommend starting low and going slow – remember, FSO is extremely concentrated and potent. The typical dose of FSO should be about the size of a grain of rice.

If you’re ingesting it orally, the taste may be bitter and off-putting, and many people will consume it along with food (like peanut butter or a piece of fruit). You can also cook with it like you would with cannabutter or cannabis cooking oil. For topical application, people typically apply a very small amount to the area they want to treat. Another extremely important thing to note – because of its consistency and the way it may be produced, inhaling FSO in any way is never recommended.

If you think Full Spectrum Oil may be right for you, talk to your physician about trying it today!

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