What are full-spectrum oils, otherwise known as FSO?

Full-spectrum oils are cannabis extracts that contain the full range of cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, fatty acids, and phytonutrients that naturally occur in the cannabis plant. 

In a full-spectrum extract, the oil goes through the cannabinoid extraction and filtration process; however, only plant matter is removed, and none of the cannabinoids or other chemical compounds.

Are All Cannabis Oils the Same?

If you’re wondering if all cannabis oil is the same, the simple answer is: no. The easiest way to understand the differences is to put them into one of three categories: full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate.

• Full-spectrum oil contains a full spectrum of compounds from the cannabis plant.

• Broad-spectrum oil contains a selection of cannabinoids and compounds from the plant, but may leave out some (such as THC) 

• Isolate, also known as raw oil, extracts one specific cannabinoid and strips away all others.

What is the Difference Between FSO and Distillate?

If you’ve shopped through our California cannabis dispensary, you may notice the variety in the types of cannabis oils. While no single oil is better than the other, understanding the difference can help optimize your cannabis experience.

Distillate oil is a form of cannabis concentrate that goes through an extraction process, resulting in a condensed, thick, and oily substance. The cannabis flower is heated and vaporized under high pressure and then the evaporated material of potencies and cannabinoids are condensed and collected. 

The sole main difference between this process resulting in a distillate oil or full-spectrum oil is that for distillate, all terpenes and cannabinoids have been stripped in this process. This results in a pure distillate oil, compared to FSO oil which will have a full profile of assorted chemical compounds.

What is the Difference Between FSO and RSO?

RSO (Rick Simpson Oil) is another highly potent cannabis extract with a slightly different process than FSO.  Compared to FSO which uses a wide assortment of cannabinoids from the plant, RSO is made with a specific selection of cannabinoids to create a hyper-potent cancer-fighting formula. 

RSOs are extracted at higher temperatures to concentrate the specific cannabinoids of THC and CBD, burning off other terpenes and compounds in the process. 

However, both FSO and RSO are relatively similar in how they are consumed and used. Both oils will have a super thick and sticky consistency that should be dosed in small amounts and can be directly consumed for medicinal purposes.

The discovery of RSO and its use in treating cancer patients is credited to the Canadian activist himself, Rick Simpson. Today, this cannabis product is known for its high potency and effectiveness. 

What are the Benefits of FSO?

The benefit of a full-spectrum oil is that many of the chemical compounds and cannabinoids contained have healing and therapeutic properties.

For instance,  some terpenes such as beta-caryophyllene or pinene are known to have anti-inflammatory properties, and other terpenes like limonene or myrcene are known for uplifting effects. 

Other alternative cannabinoids found in whole plant extracts, such as CBG, CBN, or THCA,  are thought to support a variety of beneficial effects. Ultimately, the result of the high experience depends on the unique composition of compounds consumed from that specific FSO.

How Does Full-Spectrum Cannabis Interact with Our Bodies?

The entourage effect is a study that theorizes the synergistic effects of different cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and chemical compounds when consumed together. 

Consider an orchestra of musical instruments. Each instrument will have its own unique sound and tune – yet when combined with other instruments, it will produce its own harmonious sound altogether. 

This is similar to how cannabinoids and terpenes work together to induce specific therapeutic effects within the body but can influence slightly altering effects or feelings when in working combination with others. 

Additionally, this is usually why full-spectrum oil is highly sought after. FSO has all the cannabinoids and chemical compounds condensed directly from the plant, creating a unique profile of synergetic effects. 

Like all other forms of cannabis products, no matter how it's consumed, cannabinoids interact directly with our body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS).Each cannabinoid has a unique interaction with the ECS, and when combined with other compounds, it can result in regulating balance and achieving homeostasis within the body through the entourage effect.

What is FSO Cannabis Used For? 

With an unlimited combination of therapeutic effects, full-spectrum oils are consumed for a variety of medicinal purposes. This includes: 

• Pain

• Decrease Opioid Use

• Anxiety

• Epilepsy

• Glaucoma

• HIV/AIDS Symptoms

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease & Irritable Bowel Syndrome

• Muscle Spasms & Chronic Pain

• Multiple Sclerosis

• Nausea and Vomiting Related to Cancer Chemotherapy

• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Insomnia & Sleep Disorders

How Do You Consume FSO?

Pick your preferred consumption method—eat your dose directly, cook or bake it into your meals, or take it in a capsule—to experience the positive benefits of FSO. 

Full-Spectrum Infused Cannabis Edibles 

Edibles infused with full-spectrum oil can be made in a few different ways depending on the type of edible being made. At our Santa Cruz dispensary, you’ll find a wide variety of edibles, from chocolates, mints, and other baked goods. 

These types of edibles will typically be made by infusing the FSO oil into a cannabutter or mixing the oil directly into the edible ingredients. The result is a potent, sweet or savory treat!  

FSO in a Capsule

FSO capsules are an odorless, tasteless, and easy consumption form that many medical patients will turn to for quick and effective results. Capsules with full-spectrum oil are already dosed for you and will provide extended relief to stay medicated and elevated longer. 

Using an FSO Cannabis Syringe  

Because of its often thick and sticky texture, FSO comes in a 1g syringe for simple consumption without the mess. Simply push through the syringe to squeeze out a small, desirable dose that can be applied directly under your tongue sublingually,  or mixed into a food or beverage of your choice. 

How To Dose Cannabis FSO 

When dosing cannabis FSO to consume, remember to start slow and low. The typical dose of FSO should be about the size of a grain of rice, or your pinky nail. 

As a medical cannabis product, the potencies and contents of full-spectrum oils are extremely high and will have strong effects on users. Like any new form of treatment, talk with your physician to determine the correct dosage for your health journey. 

Our Dispensary Picks for Cannabis FSO Products

One of our favorite full-spectrum oils comes from our good friends at Bird Valley Organics. Their whole-plant, full-spectrum oils are made from local, regeneratively grown, high-quality cannabis cultivated right here in Santa Cruz County.  Bird Valley Organics offers four unique cannabis oils:

• Anytime Relief: A full-spectrum oil with energizing effects. Known to help with tremors and to enjoy your cannabis without the munchies.

• Body Relief: Great for topical use, this FSO oil helps with muscle pain and recovery after exertion.

• Cremedy: With subtle psychoactivity, this FSO helps with mood enhancement and movement.

• High CBD: For those looking to find relief without the high, this FSO product is ideal for new, older, or THC-sensitive patients. 

Shop Full Spectrum Cannabis Oil at Santa Cruz Naturals

At Santa Cruz Naturals cannabis dispensary, we focus on providing high-quality FSO cannabis products to our medical and recreational users. Our goal is to deliver a unique, full-spectrum experience that is both potent and pure in flavor.

Explore our variety of full-spectrum cannabis oil and FSO-infused products to find the right product and dose for you!

Stop by our Aptos dispensary or Watsonville cannabis dispensary location to talk with a budtender about finding the right FSO product for you!

Can’t make a visit to our Santa Cruz dispensary? Order from our dispensary menu online to get free cannabis delivery discreetly and promptly delivered straight to your door!