How Strong Is RSO? Effects & Potency

Rick Simpson Oil, or RSO, is unlike any other cannabis product you’ll find in an online dispensary. Most cannabis users are familiar with the light-headed buzz THC causes. But RSO delivers a whole new experience altogether, and today, we’ll find out why.

Touted as one of the strongest forms of cannabis, RSO products boast ridiculously high THC levels, 60-90% being the average. This is much higher than what pre-rolls, edibles, and vapes offer. 

RSO also delivers a full-spectrum cannabis high. By retaining the entire array of chemicals present in the cannabis plant, they offer a more complex, wholesome, and holistic experience than many isolated THC products.

Finally, because of how we consume it, RSO effects last much longer than, say, vapes or pre-rolls.

Many first-timers continue to underestimate the intensity of RSO, taking too much and eventually going through uncomfortable side effects. This guide will make that a problem of the past: we’ll discuss RSO potency, its effects, how it compares to other cannabis products, and important dosing considerations every beginner should follow. 

How Strong Is RSO?

RSO is one of the most potent cannabis products available on the market today. This cannabis extract typically contains very high THC levels, usually ranging from 60-90%, depending on the product’s formula and the extraction method. 

To make RSO, manufacturers use a whole-plant extraction process, preserving cannabinoids, terpenes, chlorophyll, and cannabis compounds often not present in distillates and other cannabis products. As a result, RSO has a rich and concentrated full-spectrum formula that hits harder and lasts longer than regular cannabis products. 

Known as the entourage effect, this phenomenon occurs when terpenes, cannabinoids, and other cannabis compounds work together to produce effects that are greater than, or at least different from, the effects of each compound on its own. 

Due to its high potency, you’ll notice that RSO leans towards heavy, full-body sedation rather than light, cerebral effects. That’s why many medical cannabis patients use RSO to manage the painful physical symptoms associated with cancer care, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, and more. 

Another reason RSO is much stronger than pre-rolls and vapes is the metabolic route it takes. 

Since you can consume RSO orally and swallow it, it follows the same route as edibles. It undergoes first-pass metabolism in the liver, where THC is converted into 11-hydroxy-THC. 

According to a study published in the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 11-hydroxy-THC is a much more bioavailable metabolite that lasts 4-8 hours longer than regular THC. This explains why even small, rice-sized doses still produce such intense psychoactive effects, especially for new users with a low tolerance for THC, and why RSO is more intense than inhalable THC products at the same dose. 

Finally, formulation matters. If you’re seeking a more intense session, opt for RSO products with higher THC than CBD levels. 

Is RSO Stronger Than Edibles?

If you’ve never tried RSO before, this comparison will help give you an idea of what to expect in terms of potency, onset, duration, and overall intensity. 

RSO vs Edibles: Onset

Rick Simpson Oil and edibles have the same onset window: between ½ an hour and 2 hours. The body processes both in the same way and in the same timeframe. 

RSO vs Edibles: Potency

RSO is far more concentrated than cannabis edibles. While the average THC gummy contains 5-10 mg of THC per serving, a grain-of-rice-sized dose of RSO easily boasts the same amount or more. Secondly, while RSO is full-spectrum, most commercial edibles are made with distillate, a THC isolate. 

Therefore, if you value potency more than anything else, you should buy Rick Simpson Oil instead of high-THC edibles. 

RSO vs Edibles: Duration of Effects

Due to its higher potency, RSO lasts longer than THC edibles. Edibles keep you high for 4-8 hours, while RSO effects linger for 6-10 hours, or even longer when you take a higher dose. If you’re looking for medical cannabis treatment, RSO will keep your symptoms under control for a longer period.

RSO vs Edibles: Overall Intensity

Many people know edibles to be the strongest form of cannabis. Well, at least until RSO enters the picture. RSO is much more intense than cannabis edibles, even at the same dose. You’ll find that RSO produces a heavier full-body sensation and is more sedating than edibles.

RSO vs Other THC Products

When comparing RSO to typical cannabis products, you’ll find that while both are powerful, one operates in an entirely different league. To put RSO’s potency further into perspective, here’s how it measures up against other THC products:

Flower

When you inhale smoke from cannabis flower, THC goes from your lungs straight into your bloodstream. Therefore, you enjoy a much faster onset window: about 5-10 minutes. However, because you bypass first-pass liver metabolism, the effects last only about 2 hours. And since cannabis flower is much less potent than RSO, its high is significantly less intense. 

Infused Pre-Rolls

Premium hash joints and infused pre-rolls packed with concentrates like shatter, diamonds, or budder deliver a much stronger experience than traditional joints. But still, despite their elevated potency, they cannot rival the strength and cannabinoid concentration of Rick Simpson Oil.

Vape Carts

Vape carts are loaded with distillates, oils, live resin, and other highly potent forms of cannabis. They, therefore, have a fast onset and an intense high. That said, RSO still hits harder and lasts longer. 

Here’s a quick comparison between RSO and other cannabis products:

What to Know Before Taking RSO

RSO isn’t one of those recreational cannabis products you can approach casually. Due to its high potency, it is prone to overconsumption, especially by beginners with slow tolerance. Follow these tips for a safe and manageable RSO experience:

RSO Dose for Beginners

If you’re new to using medical cannabis, we recommend starting with a low dose. As a general rule, you should aim for a grain-of-rice-sized dose, or even lower, and then work your way up. When using RSO, starting low and going slow is the only way to guarantee a fun, safe, and manageable experience. 

Expect a Delayed Onset

Unlike flower, vapes, and dabs, RSO has a much longer onset. After waiting some time, many users mistakenly take another dose, assuming the first won’t work. Then, when they least expect it, both doses kick in, resulting in an overwhelming cannabis experience. You should therefore wait at least 2 hours before taking a second dose.

Account for Long-Lasting Effects

RSO effects last for a significantly long time. Depending on your metabolism and how much you consume, you will be high for 6-10 hours or more. We, therefore, recommend taking RSO before bed or when you don’t have too much on your plate. 

THC vs CBD vs Full-Spectrum RSO

Some RSO products contain more THC than CBD, delivering a powerful, psychoactive effect. You could also buy CBD-leaning RSO, which helps manage various symptoms without getting too intoxicated. We recommend buying full-spectrum RSO that contains both THC and CBD, offering you the best of both worlds.  

Conclusion: Is RSO the Strongest Cannabis Product?

RSO is, without doubt, one of the strongest cannabis products you can buy online without having to get synthetic cannabis compounds like THC-P. Far more potent and heavy, this extract delivers a more intense experience than flower, edibles, vapes, oils, and dabs. 

Thanks to its high THC concentration and full-spectrum composition, RSO has an intensity few THC products can rival. That’s why if you take too much while you’re new to RSO, you can feel nauseous and overwhelmed for a few hours. 

It’s, therefore, important to not only start with a small dose but also to understand your personal tolerance and metabolism rate. Use RSO carefully: remember, you can always take more when you need to, but the only solution to an unintended high dose is to brace yourself and wait it out. That’s an experience few enjoy, so make sure you don’t find yourself in that situation. 

And that’s all you need to know about dosing RSO! If you’re ready to try it out, explore our wide selection of premium RSO products. We’ve got it all, from RSO syringes to edibles, tinctures, capsules, gummies, lollipops, and more!

How Strong Is RSO? Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most common questions about RSO potency and effects.

How Strong Is RSO Compared to Dabs?

RSO is just as strong or stronger than many dabs because it combines high THC levels with full-spectrum composition. While dabs usually hit faster, RSO tends to last longer and feel heavier for many users.

How Strong Is RSO Compared to Edibles?

RSO is stronger than standard cannabis edibles because it contains more THC, additional cannabinoids, and terpenes. Many users find RSO to be longer-lasting and more intense than regular THC gummies.

What Does an RSO High Feel Like?

An RSO high is heavy, relaxing, and long-lasting. Depending on the dose, many users report strong body effects, sedation, euphoria, and intense psychoactive effects.

How Much RSO Do You Need to Get High?

How much RSO you need to get high depends on personal tolerance, THC concentration, your metabolism, and product formulation. Even a grain-of-rice-sized dose can feel very strong for beginners.

Does RSO Get You Higher Than Smoking?

RSO gets you higher than smoking. This is because oral cannabis products are processed through the liver, producing longer-lasting effects. Many users find RSO to be heavier and more intense than inhaled cannabis.