By the Effective Cannabis Newsletter Committee

Full Extract Cannabis Oil (FECO) and Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) are two terms for popular, highly concentrated cannabis oils that are being used as medicine by patients.

The legality of this concentrated oil, and access to it, depends on where you live. In some places, this medicine is entirely legal. A patient can purchase the oil at a dispensary with or without a medical card. In some jurisdictions, medication such as this may only be available if you have a medical card. In many places, this oil is still illegal, and possessing it can carry penalties even more harshly than possessing cannabis in its flower form. Please proceed cautiously and check your local laws if you incorporate these oils into your health regimen.

Other terms sometimes used for these oils include Phoenix Tears, Full Spectrum Cannabis Oil (FSCO), or shortened to Full Spectrum Oil (FSO). The latter two are newer terms, and they have challenges that can be confused with other types of cannabis oil that are less concentrated (sometimes referred to as tinctures or infusions). Welcome to the muddy waters of cannabis terminology.

Just so we start off on the right foot…

Let’s clarify some terms by reviewing the graphic below. It attempts to show that there are two main “buckets” the cannabis oil discussion falls into. Most of this article is dealing with the column on the left (concentrated oil) and the terminology and recipes associated with those types of oils.

However, since this newsletter is geared towards the cannabis novice, we felt it was important to clarify that we are NOT discussing the cannabis oil that people speak about far more commonly. Those oils are most referred to as a tincture or infusion. These oils are reflected on the right side of the graphic number one below and revisited for clarity in graphic number three.

Graphic #1

The graphic below clarifies that this article will focus on the oils featured in the left-hand column above, let’s proceed. The two most common terms for highly concentrated cannabis oil are FECO and RSO.

"Ultimately, our position at the Effective Cannabis Newsletter is that Full Extract Cannabis Oil (FECO) is our preferred term and that we will not use Rick Simpson Oil (RSO), Phoenix Tears or any other name referenced earlier. We take the stance that good cannabis medicine begins with good, precise terminology, leading to creating medication within those guidelines."

We are aware that many people have an attachment to certain vocabulary. This can be especially true when you have an emotional attachment to medicine that you feel has had a profound contribution to your health. We understand; we considered it all. This is not a decision we made easily. There were pros and cons lists, so, many, internet searches, debates, and discussions. Below is graphic number two that lays out some of what we covered as we contemplated this challenge.

Graphic #2

The Crux of the Matter: Recipe vs. Terminology

The main difference between the terms FECO and RSO is the preparation method. While FECO, if made in the intended spirit, is made using solvents that are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) (1), RSO, if made with the original recipe, uses chemical solvents that are unsafe for human consumption.

Some people believe these solvents evaporate when making RSO and are not a threat to the final product. This is a claim that Mr. Simpson has made himself. However, it is not uncommon for the residual solvent to be left behind, causing potential adverse side effects. We address this further in graphic number four.

To ensure that the cannabis oil is safe for human consumption, you must test for residual solvents. The solvents in traditional preparation of RSO can leave dangerous residue on the final product. The producer should pay a third party to analyze these extracts for residual solvent content to guarantee that they are free from harmful chemical substances. These tests should be made available to the consumer for review in the form of a certificate of analysis (COA).

Good Medicine Begins with Good Terminology and Good Resources

Let’s zoom out to the bigger picture for a moment for another terminology lesson. Imagine you have a big umbrella with various terms for different types of "cannabis oil" underneath it. If you want to utilize plant medicine, the first order of business is to use a term/medicine that aligns with what you are trying to accomplish. The next step is to verify that the product you choose has been produced in the spirit of the term being used. You will want to inquire about the production methods and ask for a certificate of analysis (COA).

The alternative to buying FECO is making your own if it is legal and an option for you. The process of making it can be dangerous if not done correctly. We don't recommend you enter a project like this lightly. Seek advice from trusted and reliable sources.

The least desirable option of all of these is acquiring this medicine from a source that is not a dispensary. We don't recommend this due to legal concerns and the fact that it is unlikely that you can verify the methods used for production or if the product contains residual toxins. There are many people that may feel this is their only option. If this oil is a route you choose, proceed with extreme caution and at your own risk.

Graphic #3

Welcome to the Convoluted World of Cannabis Vernacular

As the cannabis industry continues to struggle to come out of the shadows, and the laws vary widely from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, using the correct language and agreeing upon it as an industry remains a serious challenge. There may be multiple terms for the same thing, and each term has numerous potential caveats, nuances, and disclaimers that go with them.

Clarity is Paramount

The committee members of the Effective Cannabis Newsletter believe clarity is paramount within our industry, and it is time to step away from outdated language. We believe we would be doing a disservice to new patients and this growing industry if we don’t try to change the tide. Patients deserve clear information and less homework to find the answers they need.

Terminology and Method Debates are Far-Reaching in the Cannabis World

It is not just this one subject. The debate ranges with several terms in cannabis, but no more profound or with higher potential consequences than with highly concentrated cannabis oil. These reasons are part of what makes cannabis education so tricky. In the same way, no two endocannabinoid systems (ECS) are the same; it appears that no two people agree on how to make the best oil or what to call it. These debates are ongoing fallout from the years of prohibition and everyone having to go it alone.

It Can be Frustrating for the Newcomer Cannabis Patient

We know. We were in your shoes at one time too. Please try to take this advice as reassurance. Most of the debate comes down to the same results as if you had ten chefs in a room debating the best recipe for a classic French dish. There will likely be ten different opinions.

Every chef will think that their special trick or special spice makes all the difference. It is the same with those who make FECO.

"If you concentrate on clean ingredients and production, you stand the best chance to receive benefits. Avoid solvents that are not labeled as GRAS by the FDA, and ideally, the rest will fall into place."

Try to ignore all the other debates about things like chlorophyll, or how long to soak the flower. These details are more minor in the overall picture. They are the nuance best left to the experts. For medicine, stick to the narrative “clean and solvent free.”

It would be so nice if all answers were black and white. They rarely are in cannabis. Until the industry is more cohesive in its approach to terminology, the EC Newsletter hopes to build the best bridges of knowledge where we can.

Graphic #4

Importance of Reliable and Safe Information About Using Cannabis as Medicine

Using cannabis as medicine has become common in recent years. However, finding reliable information can remain a challenge. It is critical to have reliable and safe information if you have a health condition you are hoping can benefit from cannabis.

When it comes to health, the stakes are high. Bad ingredients equal less-than-ideal outcomes. Patients could have diminished medication effectiveness or endure unnecessary side effects, including taking in additional carcinogens, potential neurotoxicity, and the liver converting certain chemicals to acetone.

Ensuring that reliable and safe methods are utilized in production is essential for patients relying on cannabis for their medical needs. Add to this the highly concentrated nature of the oil we are discussing, and someone could have a bad experience if they aren't sure what they are doing.

What Do People Use This Highly Concentrated Oil For?

FECO is used for various reasons, and given that the medical profession, in general, is uneducated about it, it is typically a matter of preference determined by the cannabis patient.

Most people use the oil to treat severe medical conditions. Most medical conditions do not require highly concentrated cannabis. It is typically not recommended to start a cannabis journey with highly concentrated oil. If you think you have a condition such as cancer or extreme pain that requires higher concentrations of cannabis, seeking professional advice is an excellent place to start. Even then, a process is involved for introducing it into your system. Trust us; the process will go much smoother with the proper guidance and support.

Get HIGHLY Educated

It is also recommended that you do not consume FECO without being highly educated about dosing that is unique to this product. When we say it’s a concentrate, we mean it. It is wise to consult with your doctor or other medical professionals before beginning. Higher concentrations have a higher risk of adverse or unwanted side effects and potential interactions with other meds and treatments.

We recommend utilizing the Effective Cannabis Newsletter directory to find someone to advise and support you.

Graphic #5

The Purpose of this Article is Not to Scare Anyone, But to Empower You

We have seen and shared remarkable success stories of patients using FECO to great effect. However, there is a reason you should seek professional advice. With any powerful medicine, we should have advice and support to make sure we are getting the most out of it and avoiding side effects.

Meet any cannabis coach, educator or patient and they will tell you they had their own challenges and made their own mistakes when they first learned about cannabis. We are inviting you to learn from us.

To Make a Long, Frustrating Story Short…

Our team concluded that it is essential to use reliable and safe methods for creating all cannabis products, and we feared that the terminology of RSO was detrimental to this.

Good medicine starts with proper and precise terminology. If you start with a term that leads you down a rabbit hole to a recipe that prevents you from receiving the medicine's benefits or, worse, creates side effects, you have wasted a lot of money, effort, and perhaps time you don't have.

If you:

1) Get the proper support team to advise on good resources and dosing

2) Get a medicine that has a clean COA

3) Are dedicated to the trial and error of discovering how cannabis interacts with your endocannabinoid system (ECS)

You will be on a good course of action to determine if FECO is right for you.

We are looking forward to the day that there is more agreed-upon terminology and PROPER regulations in the cannabis space. Until then, we will find ourselves trying to provide clarity through the EC Newsletter and blogs like this one.

We support using Full Extract Cannabis Oil (FECO) in lieu of Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) to promote clarity for patients and to encourage the rest of the industry to do the same. Choosing GRAS solvents and flower material free of mold and toxins can ensure that patients consume safe cannabis products. Isn’t that what we all want?

We hope everyone benefiting from this oil uses it in good health and shares their success stories with us in The Effective Cannabis Newsletter.

References:

1. U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). 12/20/2022, https://www.fda.gov/food/food-ingredients-packaging/generally-recognized-safe-gras

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Effective Cannabis Newsletter is a platform to educate on the vital role of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) in one's health. The information is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information contained in or available through this newsletter is for general information purposes only. It is not medical advice; it is health awareness.