Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) is a full-spectrum cannabis extract often used for pain, stress, and other therapeutic purposes. Since it was first developed in 2001, it’s been widely used by people looking for a more concentrated form of cannabis.
Because RSO is highly potent, dosing it correctly matters. There are no standardized guidelines, and research is still evolving, which can make figuring out how much to take feel confusing.
Most people start with a very small amount – about a rice grain-sized portion per day (around 30 mg total), split into smaller doses and increased gradually. Since it can take time to feel the effects, it’s best to wait before taking more.
To help simplify things, we’ve created an in-depth RSO dosage guide, calculator, and chart based on our experience helping a wide range of users understand and manage their dosing.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any high-potency cannabis regimen.
How Much RSO Should You Take?
There’s no standardized RSO dosage – it depends on your tolerance, body chemistry, and use. Most people start with a very small amount and increase gradually.
Generally speaking, you should start by taking a drop of pure RSO extract about half the size of a small grain of rice three times a day.
Your total daily dose should equal one rice grain-sized amount, or roughly 30 milligrams of RSO. You can then gradually increase your daily dosage based on how you feel.
Because RSO is typically ingested, effects can take 1–2 hours to fully set in, so it’s important to wait before taking more rather than increasing your dose too quickly.
Cancer patients should start with this dose and adjust the doses they take according to our RSO protocol.
Pure RSO extract, typically delivered through an oral syringe/applicator, is the purest form of this full-spectrum extract and is the product that the rice grain rule is based upon.
RSO dosage is commonly measured in size increments (e.g. a rice grain) rather than milligrams because it’s easier to eyeball a dosage of RSO than it is to measure it precisely, given its thick, sticky consistency.
However, we’ve provided milligram-based estimates for this dosing guidelines for different types of products (based on the fact that 1 rice grain sized drop of RSO is about 30mg) to make it easier to understand.
Factors That Influence RSO Dosage
While the rice grain rule is a general guideline for RSO dosage, your exact starting dosage will depend on several key factors:
-
- Body Weight: Based on how much you weigh, you might need to slightly increase or decrease your starting RSO dosage to find the amount that’s right for your body.
- Use: The amount of RSO you’ll need to take will depend on why you’re taking it; you’ll need to employ a different protocol when taking RSO for cancer treatment than when taking it for ongoing physical discomfort management, for example.
- Tolerance: Because RSO is highly concentrated in THC, your starting dose should reflect your cannabis experience. New users should start very low (around a rice grain or less, roughly 5-10 mg), while more experienced users may tolerate slightly higher doses (10-20+ mg). Increase gradually.
- Product Type: The rice grain rule applies to pure RSO, but dosage can vary by product. Tinctures and gummies are typically less concentrated than syringes or capsules, so always check the label and dose based on milligrams (mg).
- Mode of Administration: How you take RSO affects how quickly it works and how strong it feels. Sublingual use acts faster, while ingesting it takes longer but lasts longer, so dosage may need to be adjusted.
- Medication: RSO can affect how your body processes certain medications, especially those handled by liver enzymes like CYP450. If you’re taking prescriptions, it’s best to check with a healthcare provider before starting or adjusting your dosage.
RSO Dosage By Use
Your ideal starting dose of RSO should be dependent on why you’re using it. We categorize RSO dosage strengths as low, medium, or high.
Each dosage strength works with our weight-based formula to provide you with an RSO dosage that fits your use and body type.
Here are the RSO dosage strengths we recommend by condition:
- Pain: Medium strength.
- Cancer Treatment: High strength.
- Skin Conditions: Low strength.
- Anxiety and Stress Relief: Low strength.
- Neuroprotection: Low strength.
And here are our RSO dosage strength formulas:
Low Strength RSO Dosage Formula
(0.05) x (your body weight in lbs.) = your daily dose of RSO in mg.
Medium Strength RSO Dosage Formula
(0.1) x (your body weight in lbs.) = your daily dose of RSO in mg.
High Strength RSO Dosage Formula
(0.2) x (your body weight in lbs.) = your daily dose of RSO in mg.
Example: If you weigh 150 lbs and use a medium-strength formula: 0.1 × 150 = 15 mg of RSO per day
RSO Dosage Protocol (Step-by-Step Guide)
| Phase | Daily Dose | Notes |
| Days 1-4 | ~30mg | Start with a rice grain-sized amount, split into doses |
| Days 5-8 | ~60mg | Double the dose if well tolerated |
| Days 9-12 | ~120mg | Continue doubling every 4 days |
| Days 13-20 | 200-500mg | Gradually building tolerance |
| Weeks 4-5 | Up to 1g/day | Reaching target daily dose |
| Weeks 5-12 | Maintain ~1g/day | Continue until ~60 grams total is used |
RSO Dosage Calculator
Instructions:
- Enter your body weight in lbs
- Select your RSO dosage strength based on your condition or use
- Click the calculate button to determine your recommended RSO dosage
- Enter your body weight in lbs
- Select your RSO dosage strength based on your condition or use
- Click the calculate button to determine your recommended RSO dosage
RSO Dosage Chart
| Body Weight | Low Dose | Medium Dose | High Dose |
| 100lbs | 5mg | 10mg | 20mg |
| 120lbs | 6mg | 12mg | 24mg |
| 140lbs | 7mg | 14mg | 28mg |
| 160lbs | 8mg | 16mg | 32mg |
| 180lbs | 9mg | 18mg | 36mg |
| 200lbs | 10mg | 20mg | 40mg |
| 220lbs | 11mg | 22mg | 44mg |
| 240lbs | 12mg | 24mg | 48mg |
Low-Strength Dosage Formula: (0.5) x (your body weight in lbs) = your daily dose of RSO in mg
Medium-Strength Dosage Formula: (0.1) x (your body weight in lbs) = your daily dose of RSO in mg
High-Strength Dosage Formula: (0.2) x (your body weight in lbs) = your daily dose of RSO in mg
RSO Dosage by Product
While the rice grain RSO dosage guideline is helpful if you’re taking pure RSO extract from an oral syringe, there are many other types of RSO products. Since each has a unique delivery method and concentration, you’ll need to dose and use each differently. Here’s what you need to know:
RSO Syringes
Onset Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Effect Duration: 6-8 hours
RSO syringes contain full-spectrum RSO in its purest, most concentrated form. Also called RSO applicators or simply referred to as RSO oil, oral syringes are versatile, allowing for oral ingestion, infusion into food, sublingual absorption, or topical application.
Because RSO syringes contain pure RSO extract, you’ll only need to take a small amount to see significant benefits and effects.
Here’s a weight-based RSO syringe dosage chart:
| Weight Range | Medium RSO Dose | RSO Oral Syringe Amount |
| 100-140lbs | 10-14mg | ⅓ of rice grain-sized drop |
| 140-180lbs | 14-18mg | ½ of rice grain-sized drop |
| 180-220lbs | 18-22mg | ⅔ of rice grain-sized drop |
| 220lbs+ | 22mg+ | ¾ of rice grain-sized drop |
RSO Tincture
Onset Time: 15-20 minutes
Effect Duration: 4-6 hours
RSO tinctures are a liquid form of Rick Simpson Oil mixed with a carrier oil. Because tinctures are thinner than pure RSO oil and come with a metered dropper, they’re easier to dose precisely. RSO tinctures can be taken sublingually (under the tongue) or mixed into food or beverages for a more gradual onset.
Because tinctures are less concentrated than pure RSO, you’ll need to check how many milligrams (mg) of RSO are in each milliliter (ml) and measure your dose accordingly.
Here’s a weight-based dosage chart based on a 30ml (1 oz) tincture containing 1000mg of RSO:
| Weight Range | Medium RSO Dose | RSO Tincture Amount |
| 100-140lbs | 10-14mg | 0.3-0.42ml |
| 140-180lbs | 14-18mg+ | 0.42-0.54ml |
| 180-220lbs | 18-22mg+ | 0.54-0.66ml |
| 220lbs+ | 22mg+ | 0.66ml+ |
RSO Gummies
Onset Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Effect Duration: 6-8 hours
RSO gummies are gummy candies infused with Rick Simpson Oil. They provide a flavorful and convenient way to consume this beneficial extract. Each gummy contains a pre-measured dose, allowing for controlled intake. RSO gummies take longer to kick in due to digestion but offer long-lasting effects.
Because RSO gummies can feel strong and take time to take effect, it’s best to start with a smaller portion and increase gradually. Wait at least 1-2 hours before taking more to avoid overconsumption.
Since RSO gummies contain fixed doses of RSO, you’ll need to determine how many gummies (or what fraction of a gummy) you need to take in order to get your target dose.
Here’s a weight-based dosage chart based on 50mg RSO gummies:
| Weight Range | Medium RSO Dose | RSO Gummies Amount |
| 100-140lbs | 10-14mg | ¼ of a gummy |
| 140-180lbs | 14-18mg | ⅓ of a gummy |
| 180-220lbs | 18-22mg | ⅖ of a gummy |
| 220lbs+ | 22mg+ | ½ of a gummy |
RSO Capsules
Onset Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Effect Duration: 6-8 hours
RSO capsules divide RSO into pre-measured doses, offering a quick, tasteless way to consume Rick Simpson Oil. They’re taken like regular supplements and produce slow, long-lasting effects as they’re digested.
Because capsules contain fixed, often higher doses and can’t be easily split, they’re less flexible for beginners. They’re typically better suited for those who have already increased their dosage over time and need a more consistent, higher-dose option.
Here’s an RSO capsule dosage chart based on where you are in the RSO protocol (based on 500 mg capsules):
| Treatment Week | RSO Dose | RSO Capsules Amount |
| 5 | 500mg | 1 capsule |
| 6-12 | 1000mg | 2 capsules |
RSO Suppositories
Onset Time: 30-60 minutes (vaginal administration) or 15-30 minutes (rectal administration)
Effect Duration: 6-8 hours
RSO suppositories are designed for rectal or vaginal use, allowing for rapid absorption of cannabinoids through tissues in the colon. This method bypasses digestion, delivering high bioavailability and targeted effects. RSO suppositories are commonly used for pain relief, cancer symptom management, and gastrointestinal conditions.
Like RSO capsules, RSO suppositories contain pre-measured amounts of RSO and are rigid in terms of dosing flexibility (for obvious reasons).
Here’s an RSO suppository dosage chart that provides recommendations on what strength of RSO suppository to use, depending on which week of the RSO protocol you’re on:
| Treatment Week | RSO Dose | RSO Suppository Strength |
| 5 | 500mg | 500mg |
| 6-12 | 1000mg | 1000mg (1g) |
How Much RSO Is Too Much?
Given that our recommended starting dose of RSO is 30mg – but cancer patients end their treatment protocol by taking 1000mg of RSO per day – there is no specific amount of RSO that could be considered “too much.” It all depends on your body weight, tolerance, and use.
However, generally, doses in excess of 30-40mg RSO per day are too much if you’ve never taken RSO or THC before.
While RSO is a full-spectrum cannabis extract that’s non-toxic and very beneficial for a wide range of therapeutic applications, it does contain large amounts of THC and is psychoactive, so taking too much can result in adverse effects.
Side effects of RSO may include:
- Anxiety
- Dry Mouth
- Increased Appetite
- Memory Loss
- Red Eyes
- Slowed Reaction Times
- Rapid Heart Rate
Avoid driving or operating machinery until you understand how RSO affects you.
What To Do If You Take Too Much RSO
While taking too much RSO is unpleasant, it’s not fatal. Here are some tips to help you get through it:
- Stay Calm: If you take too much RSO, your immediate reaction might be to panic. While this may seem like a tall order, try to take a deep breath and stay calm. Remind yourself that RSO is non-toxic and the feelings are only temporary.
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to ensure your system is able to process the RSO and THC as efficiently as possible. Staying hydrated will also generally help you stay alert and think straight, despite the unpleasant sensations.
- Rest: One of the best ways to deal with the mental effects of taking too much RSO, while giving your body a chance to catch up, is simply to rest. Find a quiet, comfortable place to lie down and rest. Close your eyes, take deep breaths, and put on calming music or white noise if needed to help you block out your surroundings.
- Eat Something: While eating can sometimes increase the potency of cannabis, it’s important you eat as normal, even if you’re currently experiencing the effects of taking too much RSO. This will help your body regulate itself and continue to process the RSO through.
- Consult a Professional: If, after trying the above steps, you still feel uncomfortable hours after taking the RSO or the symptoms have become severe, it’s crucial to seek medical care through an emergency room visit.
Conclusion: How to Determine Your RSO Dosage
Finding the right RSO dosage requires carefully considering factors like your use, body weight, and tolerance, and then increasing your dosage gradually until you achieve the result you’re looking for.
The other part of finding success with RSO, though, is choosing a high-quality product.
As the Official Rick Simpson Oil website, we carry a wide variety of RSO products, including RSO syringes, RSO tinctures, RSO gummies, RSO capsules, RSO suppositories, and more. Every product is 3rd-party lab tested and made with premium cannabis. Get high-quality RSO from the official source, delivered directly to your doorstep.
RSO Dosage: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions we’re frequently asked about RSO dosage.
How Many MG of RSO Should I Take?
For cancer treatment and symptom management, take a dose of RSO the size of a rice grain (about 30mg) daily. Split this amount into three doses, taking 4 hours apart. If using RSO for general wellness, sleep, or pain relief, a lower dose may be sufficient.
What Is The Appropriate RSO Dosage for Dogs And Cats?
RSO dosage for dogs and cats should be much lower than for humans, as animals are highly sensitive to THC. Start with 3-6 drops of RSO tincture, 2-3 times per day, then gradually increase it every week until the desired result is achieved.
What Is The Dosage of RSO to Reduce Cancer?
To treat cancer with RSO, you need to consume 60 grams of RSO in 90 days. Start by taking 30mg of RSO per day (a drop of pure RSO the size of a rice grain), split into three daily doses. At week 2, double your intake every days until the end of week 5. At the beginning of week six, you should be able to take 1 gram of RSO per day; take this amount until your 60 gram supply is gone (usually it will be gone by week 12). For more, see our RSO protocol page.
What’s the Difference Between RSO Syringe Dosage and RSO Sublingual Tincture Dosage?
RSO syringe dose is usually measured in terms of the size of drops – often, rice grains are the size comparison used. Syringes contain pure RSO, which is highly potent but also difficult to measure precisely due to its sticky consistency. RSO tincture dosage is measured in milligrams (the RSO potency) and milliliters (the tincture amount), given that it’s not 100% potent as RSO syringes are.
