What’s The Difference Between FECO and RSO?
By Jeff Eckenrode
Quick Answer: FECO and RSO are both potent, full-spectrum cannabis oils — but they differ in solvent and intended use. FECO is made with food-grade ethanol and designed for oral or sublingual consumption. RSO was originally made with isopropyl alcohol for topical use, though many retail brands now use food-safe solvents. Both are extremely strong — start with a rice-grain-sized dose!
At first glance, FECO and RSO look pretty similar: they are thick, they’re often black or dark brown in color and they’re both packed with cannabinoids.
Additionally, FECO and RSO are both types of full-spectrum extracts, which means they include not just THC or CBD, but a broad mix of other plant compounds like terpenes, flavonoids, and minor cannabinoids.
So what is the difference anyway?
Image credit: Esteban López
What Is FECO?
FECO stands for Full Extract Cannabis Oil. It’s typically made by soaking cannabis flower in food-grade ethanol, which pulls out the cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial compounds.
Once the plant material is strained out, the ethanol is evaporated off—leaving behind a thick, tar-like oil that can be eaten directly, taken under the tongue, or even added to food (start with a rice-grain-sized dose—it’s strong!).
FECO is often chosen by medical patients because it’s made with ingestible-grade solvents and is easy to dose accurately.
What Is RSO?
RSO stands for Rick Simpson Oil, named after the Canadian medical cannabis advocate who popularized it. Rick originally made the oil at home using isopropyl alcohol as a solvent—an effective method, but not one intended for internal consumption.
These days, many brands use food-grade solvents when making RSO for retail sale, but traditionally, it’s more associated with topical or external use.
Still, some users do ingest it, especially if they’ve sourced it from a brand that uses food-safe processes.
Why Use FECO or RSO?
People often reach for FECO or RSO when they want a long-lasting, full-bodied experience or a powerful, high-dose edible experience.
Whether you’re managing chronic pain, supporting wellness goals, or just want to explore whole-plant extracts, both options deliver:
Potent, full-spectrum effects
Easy to dose (just a tiny bit goes a long way!)
Versatile for different use methods (oral, sublingual, topical)
Just remember: these oils are STRONG. Start with a small amount (eg: half a grain of rice in size) and give it time to kick in before trying more (30-90 minutes)
Want to Learn More About RSO and Cannabis Extracts?
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Need help finding the right product or learning how to use FECO or RSO safely? Just ask one of our knowledgeable budtenders!
Whether you’re shopping in Redmond or online, we’re here to help you get what you need, whenever you need it.
FAQ What’s The Difference Between FECO and RSO?
What does FECO stand for and what makes it different from RSO?
FECO stands for Full Extract Cannabis Oil. Like RSO, it's a thick, dark, whole-plant extract packed with cannabinoids and terpenes — but the key difference is the solvent used to make it. FECO is typically produced using food-grade ethanol, which makes it safe and well-suited for oral or sublingual consumption. RSO was originally made with isopropyl alcohol, which was intended for topical use rather than ingestion, though many retail brands today use food-safe solvents in their RSO products.
Can you eat FECO and RSO or are they only for topical use?
FECO is specifically designed to be taken orally or sublingually — eating it directly or placing it under your tongue are both common and effective methods. RSO was originally created for topical application, but many retail brands now produce RSO using food-safe solvents, making it suitable for ingestion as well. The most important thing is to always check the label and confirm the solvent used before ingesting any cannabis extract. When in doubt, ask a Hashtag budtender!
How strong are FECO and RSO compared to other cannabis products?
Very, very strong — and this can't be overstated! Both FECO and RSO are highly concentrated, full-spectrum whole-plant extracts. The recommended starting dose is a rice-grain-sized amount — that's it. Because they're ingested as edibles, the effects take 30–90 minutes to kick in and can last for many hours. Even experienced cannabis consumers should start extremely small and be patient before taking more. These are not products to experiment with casually — they're powerful and deserve respect.
Are FECO and RSO the same as CBD oil or cannabis tinctures?
No — they're quite different! CBD oil and standard cannabis tinctures are typically highly refined, precisely dosed, and contain specific concentrations of CBD or THC in a carrier oil. FECO and RSO are whole-plant extracts — thick, tar-like concentrates that retain the full range of cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other plant compounds. Think of CBD oil as a refined, diluted product and FECO/RSO as the raw, concentrated source material. Potency and experience are in entirely different leagues.
Which is better — FECO or RSO?
Neither is objectively better — it depends on your goals and how you plan to use it! FECO's food-grade ethanol extraction makes it the safer choice for oral or sublingual use, and it's often preferred by medical patients for precise dosing. RSO has a longer history and broader recognition, particularly in the medical cannabis community thanks to Rick Simpson's advocacy. If you're looking to ingest your extract, FECO from a reputable brand is generally the recommended choice. A Hashtag budtender can help you decide what's right for you.
What conditions are FECO and RSO commonly used for?
Both FECO and RSO are popular among medical cannabis patients seeking powerful, full-spectrum relief. They're commonly used to help manage chronic pain, inflammation, insomnia, nausea, appetite loss, and the side effects of chemotherapy. Their whole-plant composition means all cannabinoids and terpenes work together through the entourage effect, delivering a more nuanced therapeutic experience than isolated THC or CBD products. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical cannabis guidance.