Living with pain, whether from cancer, chronic illness, or injury, takes a heavy toll. Many turn to prescriptions or over-the-counter remedies, only to find limited relief or harsh side effects.
Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) offers another option. As a full-spectrum cannabis extract with high THC levels, it captures the plant’s full range of compounds. Patients often turn to RSO when conventional treatments fall short.
In this guide, we’ll cover what RSO oil is, how it works for pain, safe dosing, possible side effects, and how it compares to other pain treatments.
What is RSO Oil?
Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) is a concentrated cannabis extract created by Canadian advocate Rick Simpson. He first developed it while treating his own skin cancer, and his story spread quickly, reaching people around the world.
Unlike many cannabis concentrates, RSO is full-spectrum, keeping the plant’s natural range of cannabinoids, terpenes, fats, and waxes. Many patients feel RSO works better than extracts that remove certain compounds.
RSO oil is high in THC, which gives it strong intoxicating effects. Because of its potency, people mainly use it for cancer care, chronic pain, and symptom relief.
How Is RSO Oil Made?
RSO is made using a food-grade solvent, most often ethanol, to draw out the plant’s active compounds.
Dried cannabis flower is soaked in ethanol, which pulls cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial compounds from the plant. The mixture is then stirred to help release as much as possible.
Next, the liquid is strained to remove solids and gently heated so the ethanol can evaporate. What’s left is a thick, tar-like oil containing the full range of the plant’s natural ingredients.
Unlike many concentrates, RSO keeps chlorophyll, fats, and waxes that are usually filtered out. Preserving these elements gives RSO its full-spectrum profile, which many patients feel makes it more effective.
Can RSO Oil Help With Pain?
Living with constant pain can make even simple tasks exhausting. Many patients turn to RSO oil because it has the potential to ease that burden in ways other treatments have not.
As a full-spectrum cannabis extract, RSO contains cannabinoids and terpenes that interact with the body’s pain-regulation systems.
Its high THC levels may calm inflammation, relax tense muscles, and change how the brain interprets pain signals. For people dealing with cancer pain, nerve pain, or long-term chronic conditions, these effects can bring meaningful relief.
RSO’s effects often last for several hours after a single dose. It can be swallowed, placed under the tongue, or taken in capsule form. Pre-measured gummies and capsules are also available for those who want a simple, no-mess option.
While experiences vary, many who use RSO report more restful sleep, less day-to-day discomfort, and a higher quality of life.
Benefits of RSO Oil for Pain
For many people living with pain, RSO oil may offer more than one kind of relief, helping to ease discomfort, calm nerve pain, and support better sleep.
RSO Oil May Reduce Discomfort
Research suggests cannabinoids like THC and CBD, both found in RSO, may ease pain and inflammation in ways that go beyond simply masking symptoms.
In one clinical trial, patients with chronic nerve pain who received THC reported meaningful pain relief compared to placebo. Brain scans even showed that THC helped “turn down” the brain’s pain signals at their source [1].
Other research points to cannabinoids reducing the body’s inflammatory chemicals, which are often behind aches, swelling, and sensitivity [2].
Because RSO is a full-spectrum oil, it carries not only THC and CBD but also other compounds like CBG and terpenes, which may work together to boost these effects.
For patients, this could mean less stiffness in the morning, fewer flare-ups during the day, and a better chance at restful sleep.
RSO Oil May Provide Support Against Nerve Pain
Early research suggests that THC, CBD, and the other cannabinoids found in RSO may help protect nerves from damage.
In lab studies, they lowered brain inflammation, reduced cell stress, and prevented nerve cells from dying – the same problems that drive conditions like Parkinson’s disease [3].
Most of this research has been in animals, but it shows that cannabinoids may protect nerve cells, keep dopamine-producing cells alive longer, and ease movement problems caused by nerve damage.
By calming inflammation and protecting nerve cells, RSO may help reduce burning, shooting, or tingling pain that standard medications often fail to control.
RSO May Promote Restful Sleep
Poor sleep can intensify pain, worsen mood, and make even simple tasks harder. Sleep medications may help, but often leave people groggy or dependent.
Research suggests cannabis oils high in THC and CBD, like RSO, may help people get deeper rest.
In one study, adults with chronic insomnia reported sleeping longer, waking up less, and feeling more refreshed. After just two weeks, most no longer met the criteria for clinical insomnia [4].
In another study, healthy young adults who took CBD daily reported better sleep quality. Their immune systems also showed a boost, hinting that CBD may help the body rest and defend itself at the same time [5].
By calming the nervous system and supporting natural sleep signals, they could help people fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up feeling more rested.
How RSO Oil Works for Pain
RSO oil works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which helps manage things like pain, inflammation, and mood. When this system is out of balance, chronic pain can be harder to control.
RSO is rich in THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids that influence two main ECS receptors:
- CB1 receptors, found in the brain and nervous system, which shape how we perceive pain.
- CB2 receptors, located in the immune system and tissues, which help control inflammation.
Through these receptors, RSO can dial down pain, calm inflammation, and make it easier to relax.
RSO contains THC, CBD, terpenes, and other natural compounds that work together to make its pain-relieving effects stronger.
How to Use RSO Oil for Pain
There’s more than one way to take RSO oil. The right method depends on your needs and comfort level. For a step-by-step overview, see the official guide on how to use RSO oil.
- Oral ingestion: RSO syringes make it easy to measure a tiny dose you can swallow directly or mix into food and drinks for longer-lasting relief. If you’d rather skip measuring, RSO gummies offer the same benefits in an easy, flavorful form.
- Sublingual Absorption: For faster relief, place RSO oil under your tongue. If you prefer a lighter texture and easier dosing, RSO tinctures offer the same benefits in liquid form.
- Topical Application: Apply RSO oil to the skin for direct relief without the high.
- Capsules: For a mess-free, tasteless option, fill empty capsules with RSO oil. Or skip the prep and choose pre-made RSO capsules for simple, precise dosing.
- Suppositories: RSO can also be blended into a base to make rectal or vaginal suppositories, which absorb quickly and work efficiently. For convenience, you can choose pre-made RSO suppositories instead.
RSO Oil Dosage for Pain
Finding the right dose of RSO takes patience. The safest way is to start low and increase slowly so your body has time to adjust. For a step-by-step breakdown, check out the official RSO dosage guide.
- Starting dose: Begin with about ¼ the size of a grain of rice (~25mg) every 8–12 hours. This small amount is often enough for first-time users to notice pain relief.
- Gradual increase: Every 4–7 days, add another ¼ grain of rice per dose until you find the level of relief that works for you. Many people feel comfortable in the 50–100mg range per dose.
- Maintenance dose: Once you’ve found your “sweet spot,” stick to it. Some people do well with 2 doses per day, while others prefer 3 evenly spaced doses.
It can take a couple of hours to feel the full effects of RSO, so be patient before adding another dose. Capsules and gummies keep things simple with pre-measured amounts.
Side Effects of RSO
RSO can be very helpful, but because it’s high in THC, it may also cause side effects.
The most common side effects include:
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Red eyes
- Increased appetite
- Slowed reaction time
- Anxiety
- Dizziness
Because of these side effects, start with a small dose of RSO. The Rick Simpson protocol suggests beginning with about ¼ the size of a grain of rice (~25mg) and raising the dose gradually once you feel comfortable with the effects.
For more information, check out the Rick Simpson protocol and our RSO dosage guide.
RSO Oil vs. Other Pain Treatment Methods
Here’s how RSO stacks up against other ways people manage pain.
RSO Oil vs. Prescription Painkillers
- Effectiveness for chronic pain: Both can ease pain, but RSO oil works with the body’s own system that helps manage pain and inflammation, while prescription painkillers mostly just block the signals.
- Addiction risk: Unlike opioids, RSO oil isn’t physically addictive, so it’s generally safer to use long term.
- Side effects: RSO oil may cause a high or drowsiness, while opioids often cause constipation, heavy sedation, and even breathing problems.
- Overall wellness: RSO oil contains cannabinoids and terpenes, which can improve sleep, appetite, and mood, while prescription painkillers generaly don’t.
RSO Oil vs. OTC Pain Medications
- Effectiveness for chronic pain: RSO oil may offer longer-lasting relief by working with the body’s endocannabinoid system, while OTC meds are usually best for mild or short-term aches.
- Addiction risk: Neither is addictive, but taking too much OTC medicine can stress the liver or kidneys. With RSO oil, the main issue is the strength of the high.
- Side effects: RSO oil can cause a high or make you sleepy, while long-term use of OTC pain relievers may upset the stomach or put stress on the liver and kidneys.
- Overall wellness: RSO oil’s mix of cannabinoids and terpenes may also support things like sleep, appetite, and mood, while OTC pain relievers mainly just reduce pain.
Is RSO Oil Legal?
Because RSO is cannabis-based, its legality depends on state laws. In the U.S., it’s only sold in states with cannabis programs – sometimes through dispensaries, sometimes with a medical card.
The one exception is the Official Rick Simpson Oil Website. We’re licensed to produce and ship RSO nationwide, so you can order online and get it delivered discreetly to your door.
We also ship to certain international locations where cannabis products are permitted.
Conclusion: An Effective Natural Painkiller
Living with constant pain wears you down, and most treatments either don’t last or come with trade-offs.
RSO oil gives people another choice. Many find it not only eases pain but also helps with sleep, appetite, and mood – things that matter when pain make it hard to get through the day.
It’s not physically addictive like opioids, and it often works better for long-term relief than over-the-counter pills. The key is to start small and slowly adjust until you find what feels right.
For anyone searching for a natural option with fewer downsides, RSO oil can help people feel more comfortable and get back to their routines.
RSO Oil for Pain: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions our customers frequently ask us about RSO oil for pain:
Can RSO Be Used for Pain?
Yes. Many people use RSO oil for relief from chronic, inflammatory, and severe pain due to its high THC content and full-spectrum benefits.
Does RSO Work for Nerve Pain?
It may. RSO’s cannabinoids can help reduce inflammation and calm nerve activity, which some users find helpful for nerve pain.
How Does RSO Make You Feel?
RSO oil can produce strong, long-lasting effects, including deep relaxation, pain relief, and a noticeable intoxicating high.
Which Oil Is Best for Pain Relief?
For strong or long-lasting pain, full-spectrum cannabis oils with high THC, like RSO oil, are often the go-to choice.
Is RSO Oil Stronger Than Edibles?
In most cases, yes. RSO oil is much more concentrated than most standard edibles, so even a small dose can feel stronger.
Is RSO Oil Legal?
It’s legal only in states with regulated cannabis programs, except when purchased directly from the Official Rick Simpson Oil Website, which ships nationwide under special licensing.
Sources
[1] 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
[2] 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
[3] 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
[4] 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
[5] 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
