Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) is a potent, high-THC cannabis extract that many cancer patients turn to after chemotherapy or radiation. But before buying, most people ask the same question: Is RSO legal?
The answer isn’t simple. Federal law still restricts THC, and state laws vary widely.
Adding to the confusion, hemp-based oils labeled as RSO are legal under the Farm Bill, while authentic high-THC RSO is not.
This guide explains where RSO is legal and how to find lab-tested, high-quality oil from a trusted source.
What Is RSO?
RSO is a high-THC cannabis extract made from the whole plant. Unlike CBD or hemp oils, it keeps the plant’s full range of compounds, with THC levels often reaching 60–70% or more.
RSO is thick, tar-like, and usually dispensed in tiny, rice-sized drops from a syringe. Many patients often use it for strong, long-lasting relief from serious conditions, especially cancer-related symptoms.
Because of its strength and medical use, RSO isn’t the same as other cannabis concentrates or hemp oils sold online.
Authentic RSO contains high levels of THC, while hemp versions contain less than 0.3% THC and are legal under different regulations.
Is RSO Legal in the U.S.?
Whether you can buy RSO legally depends on where you live.
- Federal law: Because RSO contains high levels of THC, it’s still illegal at the federal level.
- State law: In states with medical or recreational cannabis programs, RSO may be available through licensed dispensaries or specific online sources, such as RickSimpsonOil.com. In states without legal cannabis, it isn’t sold locally.
This patchwork leaves many patients frustrated, as access can vary dramatically from one state to another.
Is RSO Legal in My State?
RSO’s legality depends on each state’s cannabis laws. Some states allow it through licensed dispensaries, while others only permit low-THC oils or ban it altogether.
Here’s a state-by-state guide to the legality of RSO:
| State | Cannabis Legal Status | RSO / High-THC Access Notes |
| Alabama | Medical (developing) | RSO may be limited; authentic high-THC oil may not be widely available yet. |
| Alaska | Recreational + Medical | RSO may be available in licensed dispensaries. |
| Arizona | Recreational + Medical | RSO may be sold at adult-use and medical dispensaries. |
| Arkansas | Medical Only | RSO may be accessible to registered patients through dispensaries. |
| California | Recreational + Medical | RSO may be purchased at both medical and adult-use dispensaries. |
| Colorado | Recreational + Medical | RSO may be sold at recreational dispensaries statewide. |
| Connecticut | Recreational + Medical | RSO may be found at licensed retailers. |
| Delaware | Medical Only | RSO may be offered through medical cannabis dispensaries. |
| Florida | Medical Only | RSO may be available for patients with a valid medical marijuana card. |
| Georgia | CBD / Low-THC Only | RSO may not be permitted; only low-THC oil is allowed. |
| Hawaii | Medical Only | RSO may be accessible within the state’s medical cannabis program. |
| Idaho | Prohibited | RSO may not be legal under current laws. |
| Illinois | Recreational + Medical | RSO may be legally sold at licensed dispensaries. |
| Indiana | Prohibited | RSO may not be legally available. |
| Iowa | Medical / Limited | RSO may be restricted to certain formulations under program rules. |
| Kansas | Prohibited / CBD Only | RSO may not be legally accessible. |
| Kentucky | Medical / Developing | RSO may be introduced as the medical program expands. |
| Louisiana | Medical Only | RSO may be sold to qualified patients. |
| Maine | Recreational + Medical | RSO may be legally sold in dispensaries. |
| Maryland | Recreational + Medical | RSO may be available under the adult-use and medical markets. |
| Massachusetts | Recreational + Medical | RSO may be purchased through regulated dispensaries. |
| Michigan | Recreational + Medical | RSO may be available for both medical and adult-use consumers. |
| Minnesota | Recreational + Medical | RSO may be available as adult-use sales expand. |
| Mississippi | Medical Only | RSO may be offered at medical dispensaries. |
| Missouri | Recreational + Medical | RSO may be accessible through adult-use and medical retailers. |
| Montana | Recreational + Medical | RSO may be found in legal dispensaries statewide. |
| Nebraska | CBD / Prohibited | RSO may not be permitted under current law. |
| Nevada | Recreational + Medical | RSO may be legally sold in dispensaries. |
| New Hampshire | Medical Only | RSO may be limited to registered medical patients. |
| New Jersey | Recreational + Medical | RSO may be available in licensed adult-use shops. |
| New Mexico | Recreational + Medical | RSO may be accessible through regulated dispensaries. |
| New York | Recreational + Medical | RSO may be sold in adult-use and medical stores. |
| North Carolina | CBD / Low-THC Only | RSO may not be legally allowed. |
| North Dakota | Medical Only | RSO may be dispensed under medical program rules. |
| Ohio | Medical (Recreational Pending) | RSO may be sold to patients; broader access expected once recreational sales begin. |
| Oklahoma | Medical Only | RSO may be offered in licensed medical dispensaries. |
| Oregon | Recreational + Medical | RSO may be available at licensed retailers statewide. |
| Pennsylvania | Medical Only | RSO may be legally dispensed to certified patients. |
| Rhode Island | Recreational + Medical | RSO may be sold at licensed dispensaries. |
| South Carolina | CBD / Low-THC Only | RSO may not be permitted under current restrictions. |
| South Dakota | Medical Only | RSO may be available to registered patients. |
| Tennessee | CBD / Low-THC Only | RSO may not be legally accessible. |
| Texas | Medical / Low-THC | RSO may be offered under the state’s limited Compassionate Use Program. |
| Utah | Medical Only | RSO may be available to medical cardholders. |
| Vermont | Recreational + Medical | RSO may be legally sold in dispensaries. |
| Virginia | Medical + Limited Adult-Use | RSO may be sold through the medical program. |
| Washington | Recreational + Medical | RSO may be available across retail dispensaries. |
| West Virginia | Medical Only | RSO may be dispensed under the medical cannabis program. |
| Wisconsin | CBD / Low-THC Only | RSO may not be legally available. |
| Wyoming | CBD / Low-THC Only | RSO may not be permitted under state law. |
Note: Cannabis regulations vary by state and are subject to change. Always verify the latest local laws before buying RSO.
Where Can You Legally Buy RSO?
In states with legal cannabis programs, RSO is sold at licensed dispensaries. Access depends on local laws. Some states sell it for recreational use, while others require a medical marijuana card.
Online, things get more confusing.
Many websites market hemp oil as RSO, but these products don’t contain the high THC that defines authentic Rick Simpson Oil. For patients seeking meaningful relief, that difference is important.
The safest option is to buy RSO directly from a trusted, lab-tested source that can legally ship to your state, such as your website. We ship RSO to every state where medical cannabis is legal, and it’s real, original-formula RSO – not hemp substitutes or mislabeled extracts.
Can You Travel with RSO?
No. Because RSO contains high levels of THC, it’s illegal to carry it across state lines or through airports, even if both states allow cannabis.
Under federal law, RSO is still classified as a controlled substance. The safest option is to buy it from RickSimpsonOil.com, or from a dispensary in a state where it’s legal.
Conclusion: Is RSO Legal?
RSO isn’t federally legal in the U.S. because of its high THC content.
Your ability to buy it depends on your state. In places with medical or recreational cannabis programs, you may be able to buy RSO from licensed dispensaries or online, while in states without cannabis laws, it remains prohibited.
Be cautious of hemp-based products labeled as RSO. They may be legal, but they don’t contain the high THC levels found in authentic Rick Simpson Oil.
For patients seeking real, lab-tested RSO, the safest option is to buy directly from an authoritative source like RickSimpsonOil.com, where your products can be shipped discretely to your doorstep and quality and potency are guaranteed.
Is RSO Legal?: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to the questions people ask most often about RSO’s legality.
Can I Buy RSO Online Legally?
Only in states with legal cannabis programs. Most online RSO is just hemp oil.
Do I Need a Medical Card to Buy RSO?
Usually yes, unless your state allows recreational cannabis sales. The one exception is RickSimpsonOil.com – we ship to every state where medical cannabis is legal and no card is required.
Is Hemp RSO the Same as RSO?
No. Hemp versions are legal but contain very little THC and aren’t authentic Rick Simpson Oil.
Can I Fly with RSO?
No. It’s illegal to bring RSO on planes or across state lines.
Will RSO Show Up on a Drug Test?
Yes. RSO’s high THC content always shows up on tests.
Where Is the Safest Place to Buy Authentic RSO?
From RickSimpsonOil.com, where every product is lab-tested and verified for quality.
