Introduction
If you’ve spent time exploring cannabis concentrates, you’ve likely heard the terms RSO (Rick Simpson Oil) and FECO (Full Extract Cannabis Oil). In many cases, these terms describe the same type of full-spectrum cannabis extract.
Known for its thick texture, dark color, and whole-plant profile, RSO/FECO has become one of the most recognized cannabis oils available today.
This guide explains what RSO is, how it’s made, how it’s commonly used, and how it compares to other cannabis concentrates.
What Is RSO?
RSO stands for Rick Simpson Oil, a full-spectrum cannabis extract made from the cannabis plant.
Unlike highly refined cannabis products that isolate specific cannabinoids, RSO typically contains:
- THC
- CBD
- Minor cannabinoids
- Terpenes
- Flavonoids
- Other naturally occurring plant compounds
Because it retains a broad range of compounds from the original plant, RSO is often referred to as a whole-plant or full-spectrum extract.
Why Is It Called Rick Simpson Oil?
RSO is named after Rick Simpson, a Canadian cannabis advocate who helped popularize a cannabis oil extraction process.
Today, many licensed cannabis manufacturers produce RSO using professional equipment and regulated manufacturing practices.
What Is FECO?
FECO stands for Full Extract Cannabis Oil.
In the cannabis industry, FECO and RSO are often used interchangeably because both describe a full-spectrum cannabis extract designed to preserve a wide range of naturally occurring cannabis compounds.
FECO vs RSO
For most consumers:
FECO = RSO
The primary difference is terminology rather than formulation.
RSO is named after Rick Simpson, while FECO is the technical term for Full Extract Cannabis Oil.
What Is an RSO Syringe?
An RSO syringe is the most common packaging format for RSO.
The syringe is not intended for injection. It is simply designed to help dispense small, measured amounts of concentrated cannabis oil.
Benefits include:
- Easy dosing
- Convenient storage
- Less waste
- Easy use with food or capsules
How Is RSO Made?
While manufacturing methods vary, RSO is generally made by:
- Selecting cannabis plant material
- Extracting cannabinoids and plant compounds
- Removing the extraction solvent
- Producing a concentrated full-spectrum oil
The goal is to preserve as much of the plant’s natural profile as possible.
How Do People Use RSO?
Consumers commonly use RSO in several ways:
Oral Consumption
Some consumers place a small amount on food or in capsules.
Edible Infusion
RSO can be incorporated into homemade edible products.
Topical Applications
Some consumers include RSO in topical preparations.
Always follow product instructions and consume responsibly.
What Is an RSO Edible?
An RSO edible is any edible product made using Rick Simpson Oil or Full Extract Cannabis Oil.
Examples include:
- Gummies
- Chocolates
- Capsules
- Baked goods
Because RSO is full-spectrum, many consumers prefer it over products made with highly refined THC distillate.
RSO vs Distillate
| Feature | RSO | Distillate |
| Spectrum | Full-Spectrum | Highly Refined |
| Cannabinoids | Multiple Cannabinoids | Primarily THC |
| Terpenes | Often Retained | Often Removed/Reintroduced |
| Appearance | Dark Thick Oil | Clear or Amber Oil |
Consumers seeking a whole-plant cannabis extract often choose RSO.
RSO vs Live Resin
| Feature | RSO | Live Resin |
| Source Material | Dried Cannabis | Fresh Frozen Cannabis |
| Goal | Full-Spectrum Extraction | Terpene Preservation |
| Typical Use | Oral, Edible, Topical | Inhalation |
Live resin is often chosen for flavor, while RSO is commonly selected as a full-spectrum cannabis oil.
Why Lepow Extracts Focuses on Full-Spectrum RSO
At Kind Meds, we proudly carry Lepow Extracts RSO, a full-spectrum cannabis oil crafted with a focus on whole-plant extraction and consistency.
Lepow Extracts was built around the idea that consumers deserve access to carefully produced full-spectrum products that preserve the natural character of the cannabis plant.
By focusing on whole-plant extraction methods, Lepow aims to provide a full-spectrum cannabis oil that reflects the complete profile of the source material.
RSO (Rick Simpson Oil) is a full-spectrum cannabis extract made from the entire cannabis plant. Unlike many highly refined concentrates, RSO retains a broad range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and naturally occurring plant compounds.
RSO stands for Rick Simpson Oil, named after Rick Simpson, who helped popularize this style of cannabis extract.
FECO stands for Full Extract Cannabis Oil. In many cases, FECO and RSO are used interchangeably because both are full-spectrum cannabis extracts.
Generally, yes. Both FECO and RSO are full-spectrum cannabis oils made from the whole plant and designed to preserve a wide range of cannabinoids and plant compounds.
RSO oil is simply another name for Rick Simpson Oil, a thick, dark cannabis extract known for its full-spectrum profile.
An RSO syringe is a dispensing tool used to accurately measure and apply RSO. The syringe contains the oil but does not contain a needle.
Many consumers dispense a small amount onto food, into a capsule, or directly under the tongue depending on their preferred method of use.
New consumers should start with a very small amount and gradually increase as needed. Individual tolerance levels vary significantly.
Yes. Many people consume RSO by placing it on food, mixing it into recipes, or taking it in capsules.
Yes. Because RSO is already activated, it can be incorporated into homemade edibles and infused recipes.
Full-spectrum means the extract contains a broad range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and naturally occurring cannabis compounds rather than focusing on a single cannabinoid.
RSO is typically produced by extracting compounds from cannabis flower using food-grade ethanol, followed by filtration and careful solvent removal.
Lepow Extracts RSO is produced using food-grade kosher ethanol extraction methods designed to preserve the plant's full-spectrum profile.
Most RSO products contain THC, although cannabinoid levels vary depending on the strain and formulation.
Yes. RSO typically contains naturally occurring terpenes that remain as part of the full-spectrum extraction process.
Distillate is a highly refined extract that focuses primarily on isolated cannabinoids. RSO retains a broader range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and plant compounds.
Live resin is produced from fresh frozen cannabis and is often valued for terpene preservation. RSO is a full-spectrum ethanol extract commonly used for oral consumption.
Yes. RSO is a cannabis concentrate, but it differs significantly from products such as wax, shatter, live resin, and distillate.
RSO is naturally dark because it retains many of the plant's original compounds, including chlorophyll and other naturally occurring components.
Yes. RSO products are widely available within Colorado's medical cannabis market.
Yes. Adult-use consumers can also purchase RSO products where permitted under Colorado regulations.
RSO products can be found at licensed Colorado dispensaries, including Kind Meds locations in Denver and Colorado Springs.
Many consumers prefer RSO because it is a full-spectrum cannabis extract that preserves a wide range of naturally occurring plant compounds.
Lepow Extracts uses carefully selected cannabis flower to create consistent full-spectrum RSO products.
Kind Meds has a long history serving Colorado cannabis consumers and has focused on providing full-spectrum cannabis extracts through Lepow Extracts using whole-plant ethanol extraction methods.
Visit the Kind Meds blog for additional educational resources covering RSO, FECO, cannabis extracts, product comparisons, and cannabis education.
