RSO stands for Rick Simpson Oil, which is a concentrated form of cannabis extract. RSO is named after Rick Simpson, a Canadian man who developed this extract and popularized its use. RSO is commonly ingested orally, but some people also apply it topically.
What is RSO?
RSO is a thick, sticky, tar-like cannabis extract made from indica strains that are high in THC. To make RSO, dried cannabis material is soaked in a solvent like ethanol to extract the cannabinoids and other compounds from the plant. The solvent is then evaporated, leaving behind a very potent and concentrated oil.
RSO tends to have a high THC concentration, often around 50-90%, along with other cannabinoids like CBD, CBN, and THCV. The exact cannabinoid and terpene profile can vary based on the cannabis strain used to make the RSO.
In addition to high levels of THC and other cannabinoids, RSO also contains compounds like terpenes, flavonoids, and chlorophyll when extracted from whole plant cannabis. The chlorophyll gives RSO its very dark green, black color.
Benefits and Uses of RSO
RSO is primarily used as a supplement due to its high cannabinoid concentration. Many people use RSO for its therapeutic and medicinal properties. Some of the potential benefits of RSO may include:
- Pain relief
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Improved sleep
- Reduced anxiety and depression
- Increased appetite and reduced nausea
- Neuroprotective effects
RSO is often used by medical cannabis patients, especially those with serious conditions like cancer, chronic pain, and autism. Because it contains high levels of THC and other cannabinoids, only a small dose of RSO is needed to achieve therapeutic effects.
The most common ways to use RSO include:
- Orally – ingesting it straight, mixing with food/drink, or taking in capsule form
- Topically – applying to the skin for localized relief
- Rectally/vaginally – for quicker absorption into the bloodstream
Is it safe to ingest RSO?
When used responsibly, RSO is generally considered safe for oral ingestion. However, there are some precautions to keep in mind:
- Start with a very small dose (e.g. size of a grain of rice) to assess tolerance.
- Increase dosing slowly and incrementally over time.
- Be aware of possible THC intoxication if too large a dose is consumed.
- May affect or interact with other drugs and supplements.
- Avoid operating vehicles or machinery after ingesting until effects are known.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
It is not possible to fatally overdose on cannabis alone. However, negative effects like anxiety, paranoia, dizziness, and vomiting can occur with RSO overconsumption. Those new to RSO should exercise extreme caution when dosing.
How to ingest RSO
There are a few different methods for safely ingesting RSO:
Orally
The most direct way to ingest RSO is orally. Due to its potency, only a small amount is needed. Typical oral doses range from the size of a grain of rice up to about 1 mL.
RSO has a bitter, unpleasant flavor. Some strategies to make ingesting it easier include:
- Placing the oil in an empty capsule and swallowing it with water
- Mixing RSO into soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, or nut butter
- Spreading on a small piece of bread or cracker and swallowing quickly
- Mixing with sweetened foods or drinks to mask bitterness
Oral ingestion leads to slower onset of effects than other methods, usually around 30 minutes to 2 hours after consuming RSO. Effects tend to last 4-10 hours.
Sublingually
RSO can also be taken sublingually by placing it under the tongue and holding it there for about a minute before swallowing. This allows faster absorption into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes in the mouth.
Onset of effects is usually 10-30 minutes when taken sublingually. Effects last a similar duration to orally ingested RSO.
Rectally/Vaginally
Rectal and vaginal administration allows for quicker absorption and higher bioavailability than oral methods. However, this route is less commonly used due to social stigma.
When administered rectally or vaginally, RSO is typically mixed into a carrier oil or cream. Coconut oil is commonly used for this purpose. Onset can be as fast as 10-15 minutes, with effects lasting 4-8 hours.
This route should be approached cautiously, starting with very small doses to assess tolerance.
RSO dosage guide
There is no universal RSO dosage appropriate for all users. Many factors impact ideal dosage including:
- Experience/tolerance to cannabis
- Body weight and mass
- Individual body chemistry and absorption
- Concentration/potency of the RSO
- Ingestion method
RSO potency can range quite significantly, but is often in the range of 50-90% THC. It is critical to carefully determine the potency of any RSO before dosing it.
General RSO dosage guidelines based on tolerance level:
| User Tolerance | Dose Range |
|---|---|
| No THC tolerance | Rice grain size or less |
| Low tolerance | Up to 0.1 g (100 mg) |
| Moderate tolerance | 0.1 – 0.5 g (100 – 500 mg) |
| High tolerance | 0.5 – 1 g (500 – 1000 mg) |
These are very general guidelines – it’s critical to start with miniscule doses and increase slowly over time. When in doubt, err on the side of using too little.
Duration of effects from RSO
The effects of RSO typically come on gradually and can last 4-12 hours, depending on dosage, tolerance, and ingestion method. Here is an overview of approximate duration times:
| Ingestion Method | Onset of Effects | Duration of Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Orally | 30 min – 2 hrs | 4 – 10 hrs |
| Sublingually | 10 – 30 min | 4 – 8 hrs |
| Rectally | 10 – 20 min | 6 – 10 hrs |
| Vaginally | 10 – 20 min | 6 – 10 hrs |
Those new to RSO should be sure to allow plenty of time for the effects to wear off before needing to drive, operate heavy machinery, or engage in activities requiring coordination and judgement.
Side effects and risks of RSO
When used correctly, RSO is generally well-tolerated. However, some potential side effects can include:
- THC intoxication and impairment
- Increased anxiety or paranoia
- Changes in blood pressure and heart rate
- Dizziness
- Nausea
Consuming overly high RSO doses can lead to very unpleasant effects like vomiting, racing heart rate, extreme confusion and disorientation, and panic attacks. Beginners should be extremely cautious with dosage to avoid negative experiences.
RSO may affect or interact with other pharmaceutical medications, so potential interactions should be discussed with a doctor. RSO should be avoided entirely by those with certain medical conditions like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia where THC may exacerbate symptoms.
Making RSO at home
While it is possible to produce RSO at home with the proper equipment and cannabis material, it can be a complex, dangerous, and illegal process. Key steps include:
- Selecting appropriate cannabis material – Indicas with high THC content
- Freezing plant matter – Makes trichomes brittle and separate from plant
- Washing material – To remove impurities and pests
- Drying the plant matter – Remove all moisture before extracting
- Grinding material – Breaks it down to maximize solvent contact area
- Extracting compounds – Soaking in solvent like ethanol
- Straining the solvent – To separate plant solids from liquid
- Evaporating solvent – Leaving behind concentrated RSO oil
This process requires hazardous flammable solvents. Attempt this at your own risk. It is likely safer, easier, and more legally compliant to source pre-made, lab-tested RSO from a licensed dispensary whenever possible.
Buying RSO from dispensaries
In states and countries where medical or recreational cannabis is legal, RSO can often be purchased from licensed dispensaries, either in-store or online.
When selecting an RSO product, it’s advisable to:
- Verify lab-testing for potency, contaminants, residuals
- Research manufacturing standards and quality control
- Select an indica-dominant strain for higher sedative effect
- Look for organic, high quality source material
- Find RSO in different potencies to match tolerance
- Avoid adding other ingredients like propylene glycol
Higher quality, purer RSO products without additives are recommended for health purposes. Dispensary staff can also provide dosage advice.
In areas where cannabis is still illegal, access to RSO may be limited. Some seek to acquire it through legal medical exemptions or illegal channels, but proceed with appropriate caution.
RSO legality and risks
Laws and restrictions surrounding cannabis products like RSO vary significantly by jurisdiction. In places where medical and/or recreational cannabis use is legal, RSO can typically be purchased and used within certain regulations.
However, under federal US law and in many other countries, RSO remains illegal to produce, distribute, possess, or ingest. Local laws should always be verified before attempting to make, acquire, transport or consume RSO products.
In areas where RSO is illegal, there are elevated risks including:
- Acquiring contaminated or impure products
- Lack of quality control and testing
- Unpredictable effects from unknown concentrations
- Potential criminal penalties for possession
RSO should be avoided in any context where legality cannot be guaranteed. Those with legitimate medical needs may pursue legal medical exemptions when available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I overdose on RSO?
While extremely unpleasant side effects like vomiting, paranoia, and disorientation are possible, true lethal overdose from THC alone is unlikely. However, novice users should use extreme caution with dosing to avoid negative experiences.
Does RSO get you higher than smoking/vaping cannabis?
Due to its high potency, RSO can create very intense psychoactive effects compared to smoking or vaping cannabis flower. However, onset of effects is slower with ingested RSO.
How long does the RSO high last?
Effects typically last between 4-12 hours depending on dosage, tolerance, and ingestion method. Plan accordingly for effects to taper off slowly over many hours.
Can RSO go bad or expire?
With proper storage away from air, heat, and light, RSO may remain stable for 6 months up to a year before degrading. Refrigeration can prolong shelf life. Discoloration, change in consistency, or spoiled odor indicate it may have expired.
Does RSO need to be decarboxylated?
No additional decarboxylation is necessary with RSO, as the extraction and evaporation process converts the THCA and CBDA naturally present in raw cannabis into the activated THC and CBD forms.
Conclusion
When used responsibly, RSO can be safely ingested orally or via other routes for its potential therapeutic properties. However, caution is advised, particularly for novice users, to avoid any negative effects from overconsumption. Those new to RSO should start with an extremely small dose and increase slowly over time. Consulting a doctor is also recommended when combining RSO with other medications.
While home production of RSO is possible, it may be safer and more convenient to source lab-tested products from licensed dispensaries where laws allow. Safety and legality should always be top priorities when considering use of RSO.
