Whereas RSO gummies are made with a high-THC full-spectrum cannabis extract that also contains CBD, CBN, CBG, and natural cannabis terpenes, regular cannabis gummies are often made with THC distillate, which contains no additional cannabinoids or terpenes.
This means that, while both RSO gummies and regular cannabis gummies are capable of creating a high effect, RSO gummies are more therapeutically beneficial.
RSO gummies are commonly used for cancer treatment and pain relief, whereas regular gummies are better for lighter-weight therapeutic use or recreational use.
In this article, we’re breaking down the differences between RSO gummies and regular cannabis gummies.
We’ll look at the differences in formulation, effects, benefits, cost, availability, and recommended usage.
Let’s get into it.
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 Cannabis Gummies?
Cannabis gummies are gummies infused with extract from the cannabis sativa plant. While “cannabis gummies” is a blanket term describing any type of gummy with cannabis in it, this term is often used specifically to refer to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) gummies.
Cannabis gummies can contain full-spectrum THC extract, which contains other cannabinoids and terpenes alongside THC, but they’re often made using THC distillate, a high-THC concentrate that doesn’t contain other cannabinoids or terpenes.
Like cannabis flower, cannabis gummies provide a euphoric, relaxing head high along with physical relaxation. But because they often don’t contain other cannabinoids or terpenes, many cannabis gummies aren’t as therapeutically beneficial as gummies made with full-spectrum extractions (such as RSO).
RSO Gummies vs. Regular Cannabis Gummies: Key Differences
RSO gummies and regular gummies differ in several key ways. Here’s a bit about each:
Formulation
RSO Gummies are made using full-spectrum Rick Simpson Oil, a high-THC cannabis extract that also contains CBD, CBN, CBG, and other cannabinoids, as well as terpenes (naturally-occurring compounds in cannabis responsible for its flavors, smells, and some its benefits).
Regular cannabis gummies are usually made with THC distillate. THC distillate is a type of cannabis concentrate that does not contain other cannabinoids and terpenes – in essence, it’s pure THC.
Effects
Because RSO contains a wide range of cannabinoids and terpenes alongside high levels of THC, RSO gummies provide a variety of mental and physical therapeutic effects in addition to the head high.
While RSO will create euphoria, it also promotes physical comfort and relaxation. Additionally, the presence of CBD, CBG, and CBN in RSO tends to reduce the potential adverse effects of THC, leading to a more balanced high.
Regular cannabis gummies, on the other hand, will create a euphoric, relaxing high. The psychoactive effects tend to be more potent compared to RSO as other cannabinoids don’t temper the experience, but the other aspects of THC’s effects (like physical relaxation) aren’t as powerful.
Additionally, with distillate-made gummies, there’s a higher chance you may feel side effects such as anxiety and paranoia from the THC, as other cannabinoids aren’t there to these sensations.
Benefits
Due to the range of beneficial compounds in RSO, RSO gummies create the entourage effect. The entourage effect is a scientifically observed phenomenon in which you experience greater therapeutic benefits and effects when you take cannabinoids together versus in isolation.
Regular cannabis gummies also provide mental and physical relaxation, but they don’t typically deliver the entourage effect, making them less beneficial for therapeutic use cases such as cancer treatment or pain relief.
Potential use cases of RSO include:
- Cancer: Preliminary research has indicated that cannabinoids, particularly THC and CBD, may have potential anti-cancer properties, including the ability to induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells and inhibit tumor growth in animal models [1].
- Cancer Symptom Management: Preliminary research suggests that THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids found in RSO may have therapeutic benefits for cancer symptoms such as pain, nausea, and appetite loss [2].
- Pain and Inflammation: Research suggests THC and other cannabinoids may have analgesic (pain-reducing) and anti-inflammatory properties [3,4]. Cannabinoids may work by interacting with your body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates pain perception.
- Neurological Conditions: Preliminary research suggests that THC, CBD, and the other cannabinoids found in RSO may have neuroprotective properties, potentially benefiting people with neurological conditions [5].
- Anxiety and Mood Disorders: RSO, which is high in THC and CBD, may have beneficial properties for mood disorders in lower doses (higher doses of THC may exacerbate anxiety). Preliminary research has found that THC and CBD have potential therapeutic benefits in these sorts of use cases [6,7].
- Appetite Stimulation: Research suggests that THC may have appetite-stimulating properties. THC has specifically been researched as an appetite stimulant in cancer patients, and many studies have shown positive results [8]. Given RSO’s high THC content, it may offer these therapeutic benefits.
- Sleep: RSO is high in THC and CBD, which have sedative and relaxing properties, respectively. THC and CBD have both been researched for their potential therapeutic benefits for sleep disorders [9,10].
- Antibacterial Properties: Research suggests cannabinoids may possess antibacterial properties. Cannabinoids have been studied for their effect on antibiotic-resistant strains like MRSA, in particular [11]. RSO is rich in a variety of cannabinoids, meaning it may offer these benefits.
- Seizure Management: Cannabinoids, particularly CBD, have been investigated for their anticonvulsant properties. Given that RSO is a full-spectrum extract containing CBD and a variety of other beneficial cannabinoids, it might have these properties [12].
Potential use cases of THC include:
- Stress & Anxiety: Research on THC for anxiety suggests it may have anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects for some people, while causing the opposite effect in others [13]. Studies suggest that THC is most effective at promoting mental relaxation in smaller doses.
- Pain & Inflammation: Research suggests THC may have anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-reducing) properties [14].
- Sleep: Research suggests THC may promote restful sleep through its euphoric, relaxing effects [15]. THC products high in cannabinol (CBN) or that are made with indica strains may be particularly beneficial for this use.
- Appetite: Research suggests THC may have appetite-stimulating properties, indicating it may be therapeutically beneficial for conditions that involve appetite suppression as a side effect [16].
- Nausea: Research has found that THC may have antiemetic (anti-nausea) properties [17].
Cost
RSO gummies tend to be more expensive than regular cannabis gummies due to their comparatively high levels of secondary cannabinoids and terpenes.
Whereas regular THC gummies might cost between $30 and $50 for a bag with 10-15 gummies or 500mg THC, a comparable-sized RSO gummy product will run you $60 to $70.
RSO gummies are also more likely to be formulated specifically for therapeutic use. This often means they contain higher amounts of cannabinoids in general, making them more expensive.
Legality & Availability
Because RSO gummies are often made from cannabis containing more than 0.3% THC (which the government classifies as marijuana), they’re often only legal at the state level. This means RSO gummies are usually only available at dispensaries in regulated market states.
Some brands sell products online labeled as RSO that aren’t really RSO – rather, they’re products with a full-spectrum extract that isn’t typically as powerful as regular RSO.
(As the official Rick Simpson Oil website, we’re one of a few select online retailers that’s able to ship RSO nationally and internationally).
Regular cannabis gummies, on the other hand, may or may not be federally legal. If they’re made with THC distillate extracted from hemp (cannabis with less than 0.3% THC), cannabis gummies are federally legal and therefore available for purchase online and at brick-and-mortar CBD stores in many US states.
Dosage & Usage
Because RSO gummies are often more potent than regular THC gummies, you’ll want to take a comparatively smaller amount of them in the beginning.
If you’re new to RSO, a dose between 2.5mg and 5mg (which will often be just a piece of a gummy) is best to start, while if you’re new to THC, a dose as large as 10mg could be a suitable starting point.
For more, see our RSO dosage guide. If you’re using RSO gummies for cancer-related uses, we recommend you follow our RSO protocol.
Conclusion: Which Type of Gummy Edible Is Right For You?
RSO gummies and regular cannabis gummies both offer a variety of beneficial effects, and both can be used for either therapeutic or recreational purposes.
However, due to their full-spectrum composition, RSO gummies are typically more therapeutically effective.
RSO has emerged as a natural cancer treatment in recent years, and many people also use RSO gummies for chronic discomfort.
Regular cannabis gummies, on the other hand, are best for milder therapeutic use or recreational fun.
Whichever option you choose, only buy a product if it’s been 3rd-party lab tested and made with American-grown cannabis or hemp. This will ensure that it’s safe to use as well as effective.
RSO Gummies vs. Regular Gummies: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions we’re frequently asked about RSO gummies vs. regular gummies.
Are RSO Gummies Stronger Than Edibles?
Yes, RSO gummies are typically stronger than regular THC edibles because they contain full-spectrum Rick Simpson Oil (RSO), which includes a wide range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and plant compounds. This entourage effect enhances the potency and therapeutic benefits compared to edibles made with THC distillate or isolate.
How Do RSO Gummies Compare to CBD Gummies?
RSO gummies are high in THC, while CBD gummies contain little to no THC and focus on relaxation without psychoactive effects. RSO gummies provide stronger therapeutic effects, including pain relief, appetite stimulation, and sleep support, while CBD gummies are better for mild mental and physical relaxation.
How Do RSO Gummies Compare to Live Rosin Gummies?
RSO gummies and live rosin gummies both contain full-spectrum cannabinoids, but RSO is more potent because it includes higher THC concentrations and retains all of the naturally-occurring compounds in cannabis.
How Is RSO Different?
RSO is different from other cannabis products because it is a highly concentrated, full-spectrum extract made to retain all cannabinoids, terpenes, and plant compounds. Unlike THC distillates, which strip away everything except THC, RSO contains additional cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, and CBC, which work together to enhance the therapeutic effects of the THC.
Is RSO More Potent?
Yes, RSO is one of the most potent cannabis extracts available. It contains higher THC levels than most other cannabis oils and edibles, delivering stronger effects with a smaller dose. Since RSO is full-spectrum, it also enhances the entourage effect, making its therapeutic impact greater than THC distillate or isolate.
How Fast Do RSO Gummies Work?
RSO gummies typically take 45 minutes to 1 hour to kick in, depending on your metabolism and whether you take them with food. Since they are ingested, they must be digested before the effects set in, but once they do, they last longer than other forms of RSO.
Sources
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[2] Brooke, W. et al., Cannabis Use in Patients With Cancer: A Clinical Review. JCO Oncol Pract 18, 743-749(2022). DOI:10.1200/OP.22.00080
[3] Weizman, L., Dayan, L., Brill, S., Nahman-Averbuch, H., Hendler, T., Jacob, G., & Sharon, H. (2018). Cannabis analgesia in chronic neuropathic pain is associated with altered brain connectivity. Neurology, 91(14), e1285–e1294. https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0000000000006293
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[5] Prakash, S., & Carter, W. G. (2021). The Neuroprotective Effects of Cannabis-Derived Phytocannabinoids and Resveratrol in Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Literature Review of Pre-Clinical Studies. Brain sciences, 11(12), 1573. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci11121573
[6] Lichenstein S. D. (2022). THC, CBD, and Anxiety: A review of recent findings on the anxiolytic and anxiogenic effects of cannabis’ primary cannabinoids. Current addiction reports, 9(4), 473–485. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40429-022-00450-7
[7] Wright, M., Di Ciano, P., & Brands, B. (2020). Use of Cannabidiol for the Treatment of Anxiety: A Short Synthesis of Pre-Clinical and Clinical Evidence. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 5(3), 191–196. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2019.0052
[8] Nelson, K., Walsh, D., Deeter, P., & Sheehan, F. (1994). A phase II study of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol for appetite stimulation in cancer-associated anorexia. Journal of palliative care, 10(1), 14–18.
[9] Ried, K., Tamanna, T., Matthews, S., & Sali, A. (2023). Medicinal cannabis improves sleep in adults with insomnia: a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study. Journal of sleep research, 32(3), e13793. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsr.13793
[10] Kisiolek, J. N., Flores, V. A., Ramani, A., Butler, B., Haughian, J. M., & Stewart, L. K. (2023). Eight Weeks of Daily Cannabidiol Supplementation Improves Sleep Quality and Immune Cell Cytotoxicity. Nutrients, 15(19), 4173. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15194173
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[13] Lichenstein S. D. (2022). THC, CBD, and Anxiety: A review of recent findings on the anxiolytic and anxiogenic effects of cannabis’ primary cannabinoids. Current addiction reports, 9(4), 473–485. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40429-022-00450-7
[14] Anil, S. M., Peeri, H., & Koltai, H. (2022). Medical Cannabis Activity Against Inflammation: Active Compounds and Modes of Action. Frontiers in pharmacology, 13, 908198. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.908198
[15] Ried, K., Tamanna, T., Matthews, S., & Sali, A. (2023). Medicinal cannabis improves sleep in adults with insomnia: a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study. Journal of sleep research, 32(3), e13793. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsr.13793
[16] Nelson, K., Walsh, D., Deeter, P., & Sheehan, F. (1994). A phase II study of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol for appetite stimulation in cancer-associated anorexia. Journal of palliative care, 10(1), 14–18.
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