Many cannabis consumers assume that RSO and CBD are similar products because they come from the same plant. This couldn’t be further from the truth.
While RSO is a full-spectrum cannabis extract, CBD is a cannabinoid that occurs in hemp and cannabis. Traditional RSO is typically rich in THC, delivering intense psychoactive effects.
CBD, on the other hand, is non-intoxicating. It is commonly used in oils, gummies, capsules, and topicals, allowing users to enjoy the benefits of cannabis without getting high.
That said, RSO is also therapeutic. It was created by Rick Simpson, who used it to treat his own skin cancer. And even though scientific evidence supporting its efficacy is still limited, it has become widely sought after by cancer patients.
Today, we’ll discuss which option is best for you depending on your goals, the kind of experience you’re looking for, your personal tolerance, and other factors. If you’re wondering whether to choose CBD or RSO, this guide will tell you everything you need to know.
A Quick Look At RSO Vs CBD
| Category | RSO | CBD |
| What Is It? | Concentrated cannabis extract | Cannabinoid found in hemp and cannabis |
| Contains THC? | Yes, in very concentrated amounts | Little to no THC in hemp-derived products |
| Typical Effects | Stronger psychoactive and body effects | Non-intoxicating effects without a traditional cannabis high |
| Will It Get You High? | Yes | No (or very unlikely with hemp-derived products) |
| Potency | Very concentrated, often 60-90%+ cannabinoids | Varies by product, but typically much milder |
| Beginner-Friendly | Better suited for experienced cannabis users | Better suited for new users |
| Ease of Dosing | Requires measuring very small amounts | Usually easier to measure and adjust |
| Common Product Types | Syringes, capsules, and edibles | Oils, gummies, capsules, drinks, and topicals |
| Accessibility | Typically sold through licensed cannabis markets | Widely available if hemp-derived |
| Best For | Experienced users seeking strong THC effects and maximum potency | Beginners, daytime use, and people who want to avoid getting high |
What Is RSO?
RSO stands for Rick Simpson Oil, a highly concentrated THC extract named after Rick Simpson, a Canadian cannabis advocate who developed it in the early 2000’s to manage his skin cancer. In the decade that followed, he promoted this extract widely, saying other cancer patients could also benefit from it.
Traditional RSO is a full-spectrum extract [1], meaning it preserves the entire range of cannabinoids and other chemicals in the cannabis plant. It commonly contains THC, CBD, minor cannabinoids like CBN and CBG, terpenes, chlorophyll, and other chemical compounds.
It is usually THC-dominant, with cannabinoid potency levels testing at 60-90%. This is way higher than pre-rolls, tinctures, and many other cannabis products. Due to its high intensity, RSO is dosed in small amounts: as small as a grain of rice.
Our online store sells RSO capsules, oral syringes, tinctures, and even infused gummies. To enjoy RSO tinctures and extract, you can either consume it sublingually (under your tongue) or orally (by swallowing it directly or mixing it into your food).
Are you a seasoned cannabis user looking for a potent, high-THC extract? Then RSO is the perfect choice for you.
What Is CBD?
Short for cannabidiol [2], CBD is one of the main cannabinoids found in cannabis and hemp plants. It is non-psychoactive, meaning users can enjoy it without getting intoxicated.
However, many users have reported feeling slightly sedated after using CBD. Others claim it helps with anxiety and inflammation. Unlike RSO, CBD has been extensively studied and shown to offer therapeutic benefits.
It’s the active ingredient in Epidiolex [3], the first FDA-approved prescription medication derived from cannabis, which is used to manage seizures in patients with specific forms of epilepsy.
In the United States, most CBD tinctures, gummies, capsules, beverages, topicals, and vapes are hemp-derived, thus contain less than 0.3% THC. This makes them ideal for users who want to incorporate cannabis in their wellness routines.
CBD products are either broad-spectrum, full-spectrum, or isolate. Full-spectrum contains CBD and other cannabinoids, including trace amounts of THC. Broad-spectrum CBD contains multiple cannabinoids, but no THC at all. Finally, isolate CBD products contain CBD only.
If you’re new to medical cannabis or simply don’t enjoy getting high on weed, CBD is the best way to get your daily dose of cannabis.
RSO vs CBD: Key Differences
Now that we’ve discussed what CBD and RSO are in detail, let’s take a look at how they compare with each other.
THC Content and Intoxication
Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the cannabinoid that gets us high when we smoke cannabis or eat infused edibles. Traditional RSO contains lots of THC, with potency levels testing as high as 90%. In contrast, most CBD products contain little or no THC.
Therefore, while CBD won’t get you high, only a little RSO will make you feel like you’re floating on the clouds. Many people have reported feeling euphoric, calm, and sedated after taking a few drops of RSO.
If you are an experienced cannabis user, you’ll find that RSO effects are manageable. But if you’re a beginner with a low THC tolerance, it may get you higher than you can handle.
Cannabinoid Profile
RSO is a finished cannabis extract with abundant cannabinoids and other chemicals, including terpenes, and both THC and CBD. On the other hand, many CBD products only contain trace amounts of THC, if any.
RSO products can have varying chemical profiles. Some contain THC only, others are THC-dominant but contain some CBD, and others contain a balance of THC and CBD.
If you’re looking for a layered and holistic cannabis experience, we recommend going for RSO products with both THC and CBD, or CBD products with trace amounts of THC.
Effects and User Experience
Since traditional RSO is THC-dominant, it is often associated with stronger and more noticeable effects than CBD products. This is because THC interacts directly with CB1 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, resulting in euphoria, calmness, and other psychoactive effects.
CBD interacts differently with the endocannabinoid system, affecting sleep, appetite, and mood without causing significant intoxication. Due to its subtle effects, you can easily incorporate CBD into your daily wellness routine.
The experience you have with both CBD and RSO will depend on your dose, how often you use them, your personal tolerance, your individual metabolism, and the product formulation. For instance, a full-spectrum CBD tincture will feel different from a CBD-only product.
Potency
Few cannabis products are as concentrated as traditional RSO. Potency levels reach 60-90% by weight, meaning a single gram of RSO may contain 600-900+ milligrams of cannabinoids. That explains why RSO is usually administered in small doses.
CBD products are much less potent, and their formulations vary. Tinctures, specifically, are easiest to dose because their cannabinoid content is evenly distributed across multiple servings.
However, it’s important to note that a higher potency doesn’t necessarily mean a product is better. It’s much more essential to consider the product’s cannabinoid profile, effects, and ease of use. If you’re a new cannabis user, you’ll find that CBD products are much more approachable than traditional RSO syringes and tinctures.
Product Types
The most popular RSO format is the concentrated oral syringe, which is filled with thick, full-spectrum cannabis extract. We also offer RSO gummies, capsules, tinctures, lollipops, and other infused products.
In contrast, common CBD products include oils, tinctures, gummies, flower, capsules, beverages, powders, topicals, vape formulations, and even pet products. If you’re looking for a wide variety to choose from, CBD is the clear winner.
Want to ease inflammation in your joints[4]? Then a topical CBD cream is the format for you. Need long-lasting effects for when you go to sleep? CBD gummies are a great choice.
Ease of Use
CBD tinctures are super easy to use. They typically come with dropper bottle caps and pipette calibrations. CBD gummies, capsules, and softgels are pre-measured. This makes precise dosing convenient and effortless, which is crucial if you’re using CBD long-term.
But while most CBD products are designed for straightforward, everyday use, RSO has a thick, viscous texture that can be much harder to handle. In fact, one of the most common questions we get is from customers wondering how to use an RSO syringe.
When taking RSO, we recommend starting with amounts as small as a grain of rice. You should also take greater care when storing your RSO syringes.
Legality
Hemp-derived CBD products with no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight are compliant with the 2018 Farm Bill, making them federally legal. This is why they’re so easy to buy online, in wellness stores, specialty retailers, and some pharmacies.
Traditional RSO, which is high in THC, is only available in states where cannabis is legal for medical or recreational use. And even though some states permit its sale and use, RSO is still federally illegal in the United States.
Before you buy CBD or RSO, make sure to check the local regulations.
Cost and Value
Unlike CBD products, traditional RSO typically contains a much higher concentration of cannabinoids in a smaller amount of oil. It also tends to have a lower cost per milligram of cannabinoids, offering greater value for your money and making it an appealing option for budget-conscious consumers.
You’ll notice that premium CBD products cost more than traditional RSO due to additional ingredients, packaging, and lab-testing, all of which increase production costs. If you’re looking for consistent dosing and don’t mind the higher cost, then CBD could be a good purchase.
Which Should You Choose?
Now that you know what RSO and CBD are, you’re likely wondering: which of the two should I choose? Here’s a quick breakdown:
Choose RSO If…
- You are comfortable with THC and psychoactive effects: If you can handle an intense cannabis experience, or are actively seeking it, then RSO is perfect for you.
- You want a highly concentrated cannabis product: RSO is one of the most potent cannabis products. If that’s what you’re looking for to manage your symptoms, then RSO will serve you better than CBD.
- You prefer full-spectrum cannabis extracts: When you consume RSO and other full-spectrum cannabis extracts, you experience a complex, dynamic phenomenon known as the entourage effect.
- You are looking for maximum cannabinoid content in a small serving: If value for money is important to you, then RSO makes the most sense. It delivers lots of cannabinoids in a small serving, meaning one RSO syringe could last you a long time.
- You want stronger, longer-lasting effects than most CBD products provide: RSO not only hits harder than CBD; it also lasts longer. If you’re looking for long-term effects, RSO is the ideal choice.
Choose CBD If…
- You want to avoid intoxication: If you are sensitive to THC or prefer not to experience psychoactive effects, try CBD instead.
- You are new to cannabis-derived products: Beginners will find CBD products much more manageable than RSO. When your tolerance builds up, you can move on to small amounts of RSO.
- You need a product that can fit more easily into daytime routines: RSO intense potency means it’s hard to take during the day, when you’ve got work and other commitments. CBD is non-psychoactive, so you can take it at any time.
- You value convenience and ease of dosing: Serving up a ‘grain-sized amount’ of RSO is a hard task. If you prefer something easier to dose and more convenient to use, CBD products are the best option.
Conclusion: RSO vs CBD
RSO and CBD couldn’t be more different. One is THC-dominant, highly concentrated, and intensely intoxicating. The other is a cannabinoid derived from hemp: non-psychoactive, mildly sedative, and therapeutic.
RSO is mostly packaged in syringes, gummies, capsules, and tincture bottles. CBD is available in a wide variety of formats: gummies, oils, topicals, tinctures, vape formulations, and more.
That said, neither RSO nor CBD is universally better than the other. If you’re looking for a non-psychoactive cannabis compound you can add to your daily wellness routine, then CBD is the perfect choice.
But if you’re looking for potency and a full-spectrum cannabis experience, you won’t go wrong with RSO. And at RickSimpsonOil, we’ve curated a premium selection of RSO products, just for you. From tinctures and syringes to lollipops and capsules, there’s something for everyone.
Want to see how Rick Simpson Oil stacks up against other popular options on the market? Check out our other detailed breakdown guides:
RSO vs CBD: Frequently Asked Questions
Is RSO Better Than CBD?
That depends on whether you’re looking for a psychoactive cannabis high or a medical experience. RSO delivers high THC levels, while CBD offers therapeutic, non-psychoactive effects.
Will RSO Get You High?
Yes. RSO contains high levels of THC and will get you higher than most cannabis products.
Is RSO Stronger Than CBD?
Yes, Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) is significantly stronger than standard CBD oil. RSO is unrefined and undiluted; it has more cannabinoids than most CBD products, which are refined and diluted with carrier oils.
Can You Take RSO and CBD Together?
Yes, you can take RSO and CBD together. That’s actually a common strategy some users use to counterbalance the intense effects of high-THC RSO.
Sources
- F., A., M., L., G., B., R., G.-J., S., K., & I., M. (2025). Effectiveness of full spectrum cannabis extracts in the treatment of chronic pain: An open label study. Journal of Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy, 39(3), 346–352. https://doi.org/10.1080/15360288.2025.2517778
- Sideris, A., & Doan, L. V. (2023). An overview of cannabidiol. Anesthesia & Analgesia, 138(1), 54–68. https://doi.org/10.1213/ane.0000000000006584
- Abu-Sawwa, R., Scutt, B., & Park, Y. (2020). Emerging use of Epidiolex (cannabidiol) in epilepsy. The Journal of Pediatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 25(6), 485–499. https://doi.org/10.5863/1551-6776-25.6.485
- Hammell, D. C., Zhang, L. P., Ma, F., Abshire, S. M., McIlwrath, S. L., Stinchcomb, A. L., & Westlund, K. N. (2015). Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain‐related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis. European Journal of Pain, 20(6), 936–948. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejp.818
