Quick Answer
It is generally not recommended to use expired RSO (Rick Simpson Oil) oil. RSO has a shelf life of 12-18 months when properly stored. Over time, RSO can lose potency and become less effective. Expired RSO may also develop harmful substances. However, if stored correctly, RSO may still provide benefits beyond its expiry date – though likely with reduced effects. Proceed with caution and monitor any negative reactions if using expired RSO oil.
What is RSO Oil?
RSO, or Rick Simpson Oil, is a concentrated form of cannabis oil typically made from indica strains. It contains high levels of THC and CBD. RSO gets its name from Canadian medical marijuana activist Rick Simpson, who developed the oil and popularized its use.
Some key facts about RSO oil:
– Made from cannabis indica strains, using buds/flowers rather than leaves or stems
– Dark brown/black in color with a thick, sticky consistency
– Extraction method involves soaking cannabis in a solvent like ethanol
– High THC levels, around 50-90%, with varying CBD levels around 5-15%
– Potent medicinal effects from high cannabinoid concentrations
– Orally ingested or applied topically, usually in small doses
RSO is most commonly used by medical marijuana patients for conditions like pain, inflammation, nausea, appetite stimulation, and more. Many report benefits from RSO for cancer, autoimmune disorders, neurological conditions, and mental health issues.
Due to its high THC levels, RSO causes psychoactive effects like euphoria, relaxation, increased appetite, and drowsiness. The CBD may provide pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects. Always start with low doses of RSO until you know how it affects you.
Does RSO Oil Expire?
Yes, RSO oil can expire and has a typical shelf life around 12-18 months. This shelf life depends heavily on how it is stored. Heat, light, and oxygen will cause RSO to degrade faster.
Here are some factors that affect RSO’s shelf life:
Extraction solvent – Solvents like ethanol extract more chlorophyll and plant materials compared to butane or CO2 processes. This can make the RSO expire faster.
Container – Storing RSO in an airtight glass container prevents oxygen exposure and light, extending its potency.
Temperature – Cool, dark places slow degradation. Refrigeration can extend life by a few months. Do not freeze.
Light exposure – Light causes cannabinoids like THC to break down faster. Keep RSO containers in the dark.
Opening and handling – Repeated opening and handling introduces oxygen and contaminants, reducing shelf life. Limit opening and handle carefully.
Properly stored in a cool, dark place in an airtight container, RSO can maintain potency for around 12-18 months. Refrigeration may extend this further. However, RSO will eventually expire even in the best conditions.
How Can You Tell if RSO Oil is Expired?
Watch for these signs that your RSO oil may be expired or losing potency:
– Change in color – RSO slowly oxidizes and darkens with age. Expired oil may turn reddish or brown.
– Change in texture – The thick, sticky oil can separate or become runny when expired. Cloudiness, clumping, and thinning indicates spoilage.
– Change in smell – Fresher RSO has an earthy, plant-like smell. A harsh, bitter odor develops as it oxidizes.
– Loss of effectiveness – As cannabinoid concentrations drop, therapeutic and psychoactive effects become less noticeable.
– Irritation – Expired RSO may cause mouth/throat irritation or stomach upset when used. This indicates rancidity.
– Date – Check the packaging date or production batch details. Oils over 12-18 months old are likely expired.
Minor changes to color and texture do not always mean RSO cannot still be used. But drastic changes in appearance, smell, effectiveness and irritation are signs the oil has truly expired. When in doubt, it is better to obtain a fresh batch of RSO.
Can You Use Expired RSO Oil?
It is generally not recommended to use expired RSO oil. However, RSO may still retain some effectiveness and be tolerable past its expiration date if properly stored.
Here are some factors to consider before using expired RSO oil:
– Storage conditions – Cool, dark storage slows degradation. If stored optimally, expired RSO may still be usable.
– Duration expired – Oils right at their expiration point likely still retain some activity versus RSO expired for many months.
– Dosing – Start with a much lower dose than usual due to potentially reduced potency.
– Observation – Monitor any odd reactions like increased throat/mouth irritation that may signal spoilage issues.
– Risk tolerance – Those very sensitive to side effects may want to avoid use. Healthy adults are lower risk. Avoid use in immunocompromised patients.
– Potency testing – Laboratories can test leftover RSO oil for remaining cannabinoid concentrations. This gives exact potency data.
While not recommended in most cases, using RSO a short time past its expiration can still provide benefits if done cautiously. Patients must weigh up the potential reduced effects vs possible negative side effects based on their condition and risk factors. Discuss concerns about using expired RSO with your healthcare provider.
Risks and Dangers of Using Expired RSO
Although expired RSO kept in reasonable conditions may still retain some usefulness, there are risks associated with using RSO oil past its expiration date:
Loss of potency – RSO degrades over time, lowering concentrations of active THC, CBD and other cannabinoids. This reduces intended therapeutic effects.
Toxic byproducts – As RSO oxidizes and breaks down, it can create harmful substances not present in fresh oil. These may cause irritation or other adverse effects.
Contaminants – Bacteria, mold and other contaminants can grow in expired RSO, especially if introduced through repeated handling and opening.
Unpredictable effects – As compounds in RSO degrade, it is hard to predict the exact effects expired oil may provoke. Effects likely differ from when oil was fresh.
Throat/mouth irritation – Stale RSO often causes sore throat or mouth when used, due to irritating breakdown chemicals. This signals the oil has turned rancid.
Increased side effects – Some users report worse side effects like headaches or drowsiness when using expired RSO compared to fresh oil.
While risk depends on individual sensitivity and degree of expiration, using spoiled RSO can potentially introduce health risks. Always exercise caution and stop use if any odd reactions occur when trying older RSO.
How to Store RSO Oil Properly
To extend the shelf life of your RSO oil and ensure it does not expire prematurely, use proper storage methods:
– Avoid light – Keep RSO oil in opaque, dark containers out of direct sunlight and away from light exposure. Dark glass bottles are ideal.
– Minimize oxygen – Exposure to air degrades RSO rapidly. Use tightly sealed containers. Do not repeatedly open and leave product exposed.
– Cool temperatures – Store RSO around 60-70°F. Refrigeration can extend shelf life longer, but avoid freezing.
– Control humidity – Excess moisture promotes mold growth. Store oil in climate-controlled environments when possible.
– Limit handling – Each time a container is opened, RSO is exposed to air and potential contaminants. Handle gently and avoid repeated openings.
– Smaller batches – Dividing RSO into smaller containers that can be used up quicker helps prevent wastage from expiration.
– Storage additives – Some producers add vitamin E to help extend RSO’s shelf stability. But this is controversial due to safety concerns.
Proper RSO storage keeps THC, terpenes, and other components from degrading rapidly – allowing the oil to remain usable for the length of its typical 12-18 month shelf life.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Can you freeze RSO oil to make it last longer?
Freezing is not recommended for RSO storage. Extreme cold temperatures can cause separation, clouding, condensation issues, and textural changes. Refrigeration around 40°F is suitable if oil is kept in an airtight container.
Do some strains or extraction methods produce longer-lasting RSO?
Yes. Indica strains tend to be more stable than sativa varieties. Butane or CO2 extracted RSO may last slightly longer than ethanol extractions too. Still, no RSO lasts forever and most expire within 18 months.
Can you test old RSO oil to see if it’s still good?
analytical labs can test RSO for concentrations of cannabinoids like THC, CBD, etc. This chemical potency testing can confirm if the oil still retains therapeutic activity versus a fresh sample. However, testing does not identify potential contaminants or byproducts.
Is it safe to use RSO oil that smells funny or looks odd?
No, rancid odors, changes in color, and odd textures are signs RSO oil has oxidized and broken down. Do not use RSO that smells harsh or abnormal. Seek fresh oil instead of trying to salvage expired product.
Should you throw away RSO oil after 12 months just to be safe?
If optimally stored, RSO may still be usable for a short time past 12 months – but it’s impossible to predict how long. Many producers use 12 months as a conservative estimate. Monitor for signs of degradation and stop use once RSO shows notable decline in quality.
Conclusion
RSO oil can expire and degrade in potency and safety after around 12-18 months. While still potentially usable for a short time after expiration, it is generally advised to avoid using spoiled RSO oil. Dispose of severely degraded oil and obtain fresh product for the best results.
Properly stored RSO in cool, dark conditions gives you the best chance of it remaining stable as long as possible. But no RSO lasts indefinitely. Monitor your oil closely as it approaches the 12 month mark and replace it at the first clear signs of decline. With proper handling and realistic expectations of shelf life, RSO can be used safely and effectively.
