Max watt CFL compared to fixtures recommended wattage?

Most CFL packaging lists the standard bulb wattage equivalent to the CFL, for example something like "100w standard is equivalent to a 23w CFL".

But what I'm not sure on, does this mean I could stick a 100w CFL (do they make a 100w?) in the fixture socket rated up to 100w if I wanted too? I know that defeats the purpose of being green unless I'm trying to grow copious amounts salad fixn's, but I'm just curious if that is a safe option without burning down my house.

I'd assume yes, but I'd also assume Thomas Beattie is a man too. I have yet to run that experiment and was hoping someone had some insight.

Thanks

CFLs contain murcury which can leach in to the soil of disposed of in a landfill.

I'm not the most electrically inclined, but I'm pretty sure you could stick a 100W CFL (which they do make...actually...I think they make them up to 200W which is equivalent to a 600W incandescent, and the 100W is equivalent to a 500W incandescent or so) in, as long as the socket is rated for that much electrical pull. 

I would also imagine it would be safer to have a 100W CFL given that it shouldn't turn as much energy into heat, the way incandescent bulbs do...meaning less fire hazard.

Anyone else with a better uderstanding of amperes/volts/watts know?

Yeah you should be able to stick a 100 W CFL into a 100 W fixture with no problem.  It'll be super bright, but should work just fine.  The 23 W bulb simply requires less power and thus pulls less current.