Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) is a full-spectrum, high-THC cannabis extract that many people use for medical reasons, including cancer, pain, and insomnia.
Because of its whole plant formulation, RSO is able to provide powerful mental and physical benefits that can make a real positive health impact.
But will RSO get you high? Yes – because it contains high amounts of THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, RSO will get you high.
In this guide, we explain how RSO makes you feel, how long these effects last, and more. If you’ve been wanting to know how to take this powerful cannabis extract safely, this is the last article you’ll need.
Does RSO Get You High?
Yes, RSO does get you high. In fact, it is one of the strongest cannabis extracts out there.
RSO is a viscous, full-spectrum extract that consistently tests at 60-90% THC. This extremely high potency is a byproduct of how RSO is made, a process in which the entire cannabis plant is washed with a solvent to create an extract that retains the full array of chemicals, cannabinoids, and terpenes present in the plant.
This whole-plant makeup allows RSO to deliver exceptional benefits that THC distillate products can’t, but it also means you’ll feel strong psychoactive effects.
RSO is decarboxylated and ready to use. You can get it in its pure oil form in an oral syringe, in a tincture, or in many other formats.
Because RSO is consumed orally, it takes about 45 minutes to 2 hours to kick in, but once it does, its physical effects hit hard and linger for a long time (6-8 hours or more).
If you’re new to using RSO, start low and go slow. It is incredibly potent, and its effects may differ from flower, edibles, and vapes. We recommend starting with a low dose, monitoring how your body responds, and adjusting accordingly. If you’re taking older RSO products, the cannabinoids may have degraded and won’t produce as much of a high.
RSO Effects: What Does the RSO High Feel Like?
RSO’s effect is best described as intense mental and physical relaxation. RSO’s full-body impact is the secret to its therapeutic benefits, but the RSO high is also a lot different from smoking cannabis. It builds slowly, lasts longer, and is more physical than mental.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Physical Effects: Taking RSO will make you feel deeply relaxed. You’ll also experience heavy couch-lock, coupled with intense muscle relaxation. Get cozy: you won’t want to go anywhere for a few hours.
- Mental Effects: RSO delivers deep mental relaxation, helping with stress and anxiety. Many people report experiencing a deep sense of euphoria, followed by calm and hazy thinking. You’ll go from running on overdrive to feeling calm and settled.
- Sedative Effects: At higher doses, you’ll find that RSO is notably sedating, more so than other cannabis extracts. Many people take RSO specifically for this purpose. Once the high starts setting in, you may start to feel a bit drowsy; we recommend taking your RSO in the evening 1-2 hours before you head to bed.
Generally speaking, taking RSO makes you feel relaxed, calm, and mentally at peace. Your body feels heavy and your muscles deeply relaxed.
That said, carefully measuring your doses and staying consistent with your RSO routine can make the effects a bit more functional, such that you’re able to get the relief you need while still going about your day.
Possible Side Effects
Like every other cannabis product, RSO has some side effects. However, due to its high THC concentration, these effects may be more pronounced, especially at higher doses. They include:
- Drowsiness: RSO makes most people feel drowsy, which isn’t ideal when you have work to do. Don’t drive or operate heavy machinery after taking this extract. To mitigate this side effect, split your daily dose up into multiple smaller doses.
- Dizziness: Some people feel dizzy after taking RSO oil, especially at high doses. This is a common side effect of consuming high amounts of THC.
- Anxiety or Paranoia (at higher doses): At extremely high doses, some people may feel anxious or paranoid, potentially even experiencing anxiety attacks. This is most common among people with a low THC tolerance and people predisposed to anxiety. To counter this, start with very small RSO doses if you’re new to medical cannabis.
How Long Does RSO Take to Kick In?
The onset time of RSO will depend on how you take it. When swallowed orally, effects take between 45 minutes and 2 hours to kick in. When taken sublingually (held under the tongue for 60 seconds, and then swallowed), effects kick in faster: within 15-30 minutes.
Your exact onset time will be dependent on these factors:
- Metabolism: People don’t metabolize cannabis the same way. Some people have a fast metabolism, meaning effects set in fast and last a relatively shorter time. Others have a slow metabolism, meaning they take a long time to get high, but the effects last much longer.
- Dose: The amount of RSO you take will also determine the onset time. Higher doses set in quickly and linger for longer than microdoses.
- Food Intake: Whether or not you take RSO on an empty stomach will impact the onset time. On an empty stomach, RSO kicks in much faster, but the come-down might be sooner. When you’ve had a hearty meal, especially one rich in fat, the onset is delayed, but the effects last much longer.
How Long Does an RSO High Last?
The effects of RSO typically last anywhere between 6 and 8 hours. That said, they can last 12+ hours, especially at higher doses and if you’ve eaten a meal high in fat beforehand.
Remember, the duration of effects largely depends on the amount of RSO you consume. If you’re seeking an intense, body-heavy, and sedating experience, take a few extra drops of RSO. But when you want a mellow, manageable experience, starting with a microdose is better.
Note: If you’re a cancer patient, follow the RSO protocol for the best results.
Is RSO Safe to Use?
Yes, RSO is safe to use. Although it’s exceptionally potent, it’s highly beneficial if you take it carefully. Here are some tips to make your experience with RSO positive:
- Start With Half a Grain of Rice: The type of experience you have depends squarely on the RSO dose you take. Start with a daily dose of pure RSO oil that’s about the size of half a grain of rice. This is enough to deliver noticeable effects without making you feel overwhelmed. Split your dose up into three equal amounts and take each piece four hours apart.
- Wait Before Re-Dosing: If you take a drop or two of RSO oil and don’t feel the effects, don’t take another dose until an hour or two have passed. Otherwise, both doses will kick in together, resulting in an overwhelming high.
- Avoid Overconsumption: Overindulging in RSO results in remarkably strong effects. It also comes with unwanted side effects like dizziness, nausea, and anxiety. To keep these unwanted effects at bay, start with small doses of RSO until you’re comfortable with how it makes you feel. Be sure to shop from reputable brands whenever you purchase RSO.
- Do Not Smoke, Vape, or Dab: While they may have a similar appearance, RSO oil and regular THC oil couldn’t be more different. RSO is NOT safe to smoke or vape because it contains chlorophyll, lipids, and other plant compounds which irritate your throat when inhaled.
How Strong Is RSO?
Rick Simpson Oil is one of the strongest cannabis products you’ll find at a cannabis dispensary (or anywhere). Due to its high THC concentration of 60-90%, RSO delivers a more intense high than smoking cannabis flower, eating edibles, or vaping cannabis distillate.
Unlike other cannabis products, which are easy to microdose, even a small dose of RSO can feel intense. That’s why we recommend starting with a very small dose of RSO and gradually working your way up if you’re new to taking it. Keep in mind, potency can differ brand to brand.
RSO also differs from extracts like distillate in the type of high it delivers. Taking RSO results in a robust full-body high that makes it hard to leave the couch and get stuff done. Mental effects are mostly calming rather than energizing, allowing your mind to drift off to sleep.
Conclusion: Does RSO Get You High?
RSO has more THC than most cannabis products, meaning it will make you high. In fact, chances are the effects will be stronger and longer lasting than anything else you’ve experienced.
You’ll feel calm, relaxed, and physically sedated after taking a few drops of RSO. If you’ve been having a hard time falling and staying asleep, you’ll love this cannabis extract.
Remember, monitoring your dose is the best way to ensure you have a safe and manageable experience. Whether you’re dealing with pain, insomnia, or inflammation, relief is just a few drops away.
