A cannabis extract that’s been around for over two decades, RSO was first developed by its namesake, Rick Simpson, a Canadian cannabis activist who reportedly used it to treat tinnitus and cancer in the early 2000s.
Today, you can find RSO on countless dispensary shelves—it’s quickly become a popular choice for making infused treats or cannabinoid-rich topicals.
But what exactly is RSO, and what makes it so special? If you’re new to this highly potent cannabis oil, you’re in the right place. Learn what it is, how it’s made, its effects, ways to consume it, and much more! By the end, you’ll be ready to sample some quality RSO from your favorite dispensary.
What Is RSO?
Rick Simpson Oil—or RSO—is a potent oil extracted from cannabis plants. It contains a full cannabinoid profile and is typically very high in THC compared to other cannabis oils. It’s created through a complex extraction process that involves the use of a solvent—like pure light naphtha—to wash cannabis buds before boiling or “purging” the solvent from the final product. What’s left behind is RSO, which has a thick and sticky consistency that looks like tar.
Cannabis RSO is high in tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis plants that provides that classic “high.” It can also contain other cannabinoids and terpenes that can impact your experience and potential benefits .
Since its introduction around the late 1990s or early 2000s, RSO has been commonly used by medical cannabis patients. Although RSO might not be the optimal choice for people just starting their cannabis journeys, it can produce some powerful effects that far exceed what other cannabis products offer.
What Makes RSO Different From Other Cannabis Oils?
RSO is far from the only cannabis oil on the market today—CBD oil is another popular option. But a word of warning: Just because you’ve used CBD oil in the past does not mean you’re necessarily ready to dive headfirst into using RSO. These two types of cannabis oils couldn’t be any more different, both on a molecular level and in how they impact your body and mind when you use them.
CBD oil doesn’t have anything in it that will make you feel “high,” but it comes with a long list of potential benefits—reduced pain, less stress, and better sleep, just to name a few—but it isn’t going to produce the psychoactive effects that products with THC in them do.
Cannabis RSO, on the other hand, is a highly concentrated product, which is what instantly sets it apart from CBD oil and other cannabis oils. It has a high THC concentration with potentially very potent effects. Some RSO products feature a THC content as high as 90%. It makes RSO a concentrate product and decidedly different from its cannabis oil counterparts.
What Are the Benefits of High-THC Products Like RSO?
THC is one of the most common—and most commonly-known—cannabinoids in cannabis. Studies on THC’s potential benefits are still ongoing. There aren’t yet any definitive studies that show THC can effectively treat health conditions like tinnitus and cancer, as Rick Simpson claimed when he first created his RSO oil. However, some research suggests that THC and, by extension, RSO may provide other benefits to RSO and cannabis users, such as:
Another thing you may find interesting is that when THC is combined with other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, it produces something called the ensemble effect. When used together, these compounds enhance their own natural properties, producing a compounding effect that’s greater than the effects of the individual cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids on their own.
Since the extraction process used to create RSO maintains the cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds in the cannabis plant, RSO can support the ensemble effect.
How Do I Use RSO?
RSO can be taken on its own or used to make a variety of cannabis-infused products that can be consumed orally, sublingually, or topically.
But no matter how you choose to use it, be mindful about how much you use—RSO tends to be extremely potent compared to other products, so many people start with a small dose, about a quarter of half the size of a grain of rice. Want to try RSO yourself but don’t know where to begin? Consider these methods:
Edibles
You can ingest RSO by eating it on its own, mixing it directly into your cooking, or making your own homemade cannabis edibles by whipping up a batch of infused cannabutter. Looking for something a bit more convenient and sweet? Many products on the market are already made with RSO, such as our own HiCOLOR Blueberry RSO Gummies or Boundary Waters RSO-Infused Gummies—you can head to your nearest Green Goods for even more RSO-infused options.
Note that when you ingest cannabis, the effects can feel more powerful and last longer. RSO is often used by cannabis patients seeking symptom relief over an extended period of time. Remember: When using any new THC product, start low and go slow—especially with higher potency products such as RSO. We recommend ingesting a minuscule amount, waiting up to two hours, and then taking more until you reach your ideal dose and desired effects.
Sublingually
RSO is typically packaged in a syringe, which can easily be taken sublingually. Simply dispense the desired amount (typically about the size of a grain of rice), place it under your tongue and hold it there for about 60 seconds. You may start to feel its effects in about 15-45 minutes, since placing cannabis oils beneath your tongue allows the THC within to enter your bloodstream quicker than swallowing it like an edible.
You might also find that taking RSO sublingually will keep it working for up to 12 hours. While this might sound great at first, it won’t be a pleasant experience if you take too much RSO at once, so start low and keep an eye on your dosage to avoid any unpleasant feelings and experiences.
Topicals
You can use RSO topically by applying it directly to your skin, which is one of the ways Rick Simpson utilized it. You can also mix a good amount into your favorite skin creams, salves, and balms to enjoy the benefits of both your lotions and the oil. RSO topicals can take 30 to 60 minutes to start working, but they don’t always produce long-lasting effects—they often wear off within 4 to 6 hours.
How Much RSO Should I Take?
Deciding how much RSO you should take isn’t an exact science. Consider factors like your body weight, cannabis experience, and your reason for using RSO.
Don’t know where to start? Begin by using the smallest amount of RSO possible, such as a quarter of a grain of rice. The “start low, go slow” titration strategy that we’ve mentioned a few times above can produce positive results if you approach this powerful oil with caution and care. RSO is remarkably potent, so avoid taking too much at once.
Shop Quality RSO and More From Green Goods
Ready to give this full-spectrum, highly potent oil a spin? You’re in the right place! At Green Goods, we make it our mission to stock only the purest cannabis products around. So visit your nearest Maryland or Minnesota Green Goods for a selection of quality Rick Simpson Oil syringes, RSO-infused gummies, and so much more!
Want to know more about RSO or how cannabis can affect our bodies? VHead to our in-depth cannabis blog, where you’ll find articles about terpenes and why they matter, a deep dive on THCV, and other articles about this incredible all-natural plant medicine!
Have any other questions about Rick Simpson Oil or any other cannabis-related topics? We’re here for you! Just ask one of our friendly budtenders or drop us a line.
