RSO gummies and live resin gummies are two types of full-spectrum cannabis edibles.
While Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) is made by using a solvent to extract a thick, dark oil that’s high in THC, secondary cannabinoids, and terpenes, live resin is extracted from fresh, frozen cannabis flower and is a less-potent, yet more terpene-rich extract.
Because these two extracts are so different, they render different effects. As a result, choosing between RSO gummies and live resin gummies all comes down to what you’re looking for in an edible.
In this article, we’re doing a deep dive on the differences between these edibles so you can find the option that’s best for you.
What Are RSO Gummies?
RSO gummies (also called RSO edibles) are gummies infused with Rick Simpson Oil (RSO), a full-spectrum cannabis extract known for its high THC content and potential therapeutic benefits.
RSO gummies offer a convenient and delicious way to consume this highly beneficial extract.
Unlike traditional RSO, which has a thick, oil-like consistency, RSO Gummies provide a pre-measured, easy-to-dose alternative with a more enjoyable taste.
Gummies retain all the cannabinoids, terpenes, and plant compounds found in RSO, maximizing the entourage effect for enhanced therapeutic effects. This makes them ideal if you’re a medicinal user who values both potency and convenience.
What Are Live Resin Gummies?
Live resin gummies are cannabis edibles made with live resin, a THC-rich, terpene-rich extract that’s known for its balanced, uplifting effects and nuanced flavor palette.
Gummies are a wonderful way to consume this extract, as the addition of natural fruit flavoring to the flavorful terpenes of live resin create a highly enjoyable recreational or therapeutic treat.
Live resin is unique in that it’s made from fresh-frozen cannabis flower, rather than dried and cured buds.
This unique starting point preserves a much higher amount of terpenes — the aromatic compounds responsible for a strain’s scent, flavor, and part of its effects — compared to most other extraction methods.
RSO Gummies vs. Live Resin Gummies: Differences and Similarities
Here are the key differences and similarities between RSO gummies and live resin gummies:
Extraction Method
RSO is extracted using a solvent-based method, which most commonly employs food-grade ethanol. Application of a solvent strips away solid plant particles, leaving behind a thick, dark, dense, and potent oil that’s rich in cannabinoids, terpenes, and plant matter.
Live resin, on the other hand, is extracted from flash-frozen cannabis flower using hydrocarbons. This method preserves more terpenes than most extracts, leading to better flavor and a more true-to-strain experience. However, live resin typically contains fewer minor cannabinoids than RSO, meaning it may not deliver quite the same therapeutic depth.
Effects & Strength
Because RSO gummies retain the full plant profile – including high levels of THC alongside THC, CBD, CBG, CBN, and some terpenes – they provide a powerful mind and body high that’s physically relaxing, mentally relaxing, and even sedating.
And because RSO has these secondary cannabinoids, it’s less likely to cause THC-induced anxiety or paranoia. CBD, CBN, CBG, and other cannabinoids help to temper the more extreme parts of the psychoactive experience produced by THC.
Live resin gummies also provide balanced psychoactive effects, but with fewer physical effects and more of a cerebral sensation. Many people report that the high from live resin gummies is more uplifting (without being overpowering), but that it isn’t as effective for therapeutic use as RSO is.
Therapeutic Benefits
RSO gummies are the go-to if you’re using cannabis edibles primarily for therapeutic purposes. The high THC levels and entourage effect from RSO’s full-spectrum composition make it beneficial for cancer treatment, cancer symptom management, pain, sleep, and many other uses.
RSO is widely regarded as the best cannabis extract for heavy-duty therapeutic use.
Live resin gummies also offer therapeutic effects, especially due to their rich terpene content. However, they don’t contain as many secondary cannabinoids – such as CBN, CBG, and CBD – and therefore won’t be quite as effective for physical comfort, mental relaxation, and other similar uses.
Due to the rich terpene profile of live resin, the benefits of live resin gummies will also depend to a great degree on the strain used.
Taste
RSO gummies are not known for their taste. Because RSO is so concentrated, even high-quality RSO gummies may have a bitter or hashy edge to them.
RSO contains chlorophyll and plant fats from cannabis, which some people find off-putting.
Live resin gummies, on the other hand, are often praised for their flavor. Because the extraction process preserves strain-specific terpenes, the gummies tend to taste fresher, fruitier, or more floral, depending on the cultivar.
This makes them a great choice if you’re primarily focused on the consumption experience rather than the therapeutic element.
Cost
RSO gummies and live resin gummies both occupy the higher end of the edible price spectrum, but for different reasons. RSO products tend to be more expensive due to their full-spectrum formulation and higher therapeutic value. A pack of RSO gummies may cost $60 to $70, depending on the dose and brand.
Live resin gummies also carry a premium price tag, mostly due to the more complex extraction process and the use of flash-frozen flower. You might expect to pay anywhere from $40 to $60 for a comparable pack.
Legality
RSO gummies are typically made from cannabis with more than 0.3% THC and are therefore considered marijuana under federal law. This means they’re only legal and available from select online retailers (liks us) or from dispensaries in states where cannabis is legal and regulated.
Live resin gummies, on the other hand, may either be considered hemp (federally legal) or marijuana (only legal in some states), depending on the type of cannabis sativa they’re made from. This means you can find products online, in CBD stores, or in dispensaries.
Pros and Cons of RSO Gummies
Here are the pros and cons you’ll want to consider when deciding whether to try RSO gummies:
Pros
- Full-Spectrum Formulation: Contains THC, CBD, CBN, CBG, terpenes, and other plant compounds for enhanced therapeutic effects via the entourage effect.
- Potent Medicinal Effects: Frequently used for managing cancer symptoms, chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, and inflammation.
- More Balanced High: The presence of secondary cannabinoids helps reduce the likelihood of anxiety or paranoia.
- Therapeutic Dosing Options: Often formulated with medical use in mind, making it easier to measure doses for specific uses.
Cons
- Strong Taste: Earthy and plant-heavy flavor can be off-putting for some people..
- Limited Availability: Often only sold by select online retailers or licensed dispensaries within legal cannabis states.
- Higher Price Point: Typically more expensive than distillate or even live resin gummies.
- Not Always Beginner-Friendly: High potency means new users must start with extremely low doses.
Pros and Cons of Live Resin Gummies
Here are the pros and cons you’ll want to consider when deciding whether to try live resin gummies:
Pros
- Superior Flavor Profile: Preserved terpenes offer strain-specific, aromatic flavors that are more enjoyable.
- Balanced Psychoactive Effects: Often delivers a smooth, euphoric high without the same potential for sedation as with RSO gummies.
- Versatile for Day or Night: Depending on the strain, can be uplifting, relaxing, or somewhere in between.
- Great for Recreational Use: A solid choice if you’re looking for creativity, mild relief, or to enjoy cannabis socially.
Cons
- Fewer Secondary Cannabinoids: Typically lacks the broader therapeutic compound range found in RSO.
- Less Medicinal Potency: May not be as effective for cancer, physical discomfort, or sleep.
- Strain-Dependent Results: Effects vary significantly based on the strain used, which isn’t always apparent.
- Inconsistent for Sleep: Some people report live resin gummies negatively impact sleep quality compared to RSO gummies.
Conclusion: Which Gummy is Right For You?
If you’re looking for therapeutic benefits, RSO gummies are the best choice – not just compared to live resin gummies, but to any type of cannabis edible.
On the other hand, if you want vibrant flavors and a cerebral, uplifting head high, live resin gummies are the way to go.
RSO Gummies vs. Live Resin Gummies: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions we frequently get asked about the differences between RSO gummies and live resin gummies.
Is Live Resin Better Than RSO?
It depends on what you’re looking for. Live resin is known for its rich flavor and terpene profile, making it great for recreational use and those who value taste and aroma. RSO, on the other hand, is more medicinal and often more potent, especially for pain, sleep, or serious health conditions.
Are Live Resin Gummies More Potent?
Not usually. Live resin gummies are potent in their own way – especially when it comes to flavor and full-spectrum effects – but RSO gummies typically contain higher levels of THC and other cannabinoids.
How Do RSO Gummies Make You Feel?
RSO gummies usually make you feel calm, heavy, and relaxed. The high is full-bodied and can be deeply sedating, especially at higher doses.
What Is Stronger Than RSO?
Very few things. High-dose full-extract cannabis oils (FECO) or distillate + RSO combos can sometimes hit harder, but RSO is one of the most potent and medicinal cannabis products available.
