RSO and distillate are two types of cannabis extracts with very different compositions, extraction methods, benefits, and effects.
Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) is a full-spectrum cannabis oil that preserves all of the naturally-occurring cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids in the plant for a stronger therapeutic effect. RSO is extremely high in THC, and that combined with all of the other compounds it contains makes it effective for patients treating serious conditions.
Distillate, on the other hand, is a refined extract composed of a single isolated cannabinoid – usually THC – for high psychoactive potency. It’s often used in vapes, edibles, and dabs, especially for recreational purposes.
But which one should you choose?
To help you decide, in this guide, we’ll give you a comprehensive overview of the differences between RSO and distillate.
RSO vs. Distillate: Key Differences
What is RSO?
Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) is a full-spectrum cannabis extract known for its high THC content and powerful effects. It was originally created by Rick Simpson, a Canadian medical cannabis advocate who used it to treat his own skin cancer and later shared his method publicly.
What makes RSO unique from many other cannabis extracts is that it retains all of the compounds naturally found in cannabis, including cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and lipids, which means that if you take it, you’ll receive the full therapeutic benefits of the plant.
RSO’s full-spectrum composition lends it to many medical uses. Research and anecdotal evidence suggests RSO is effective for cancer, chronic pain, sleep issues, and many other health conditions.
What is Distillate?
Distillate is a purified cannabis extract that isolates tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a cannabinoid in cannabis (“distillate” can also refer to other isolated cannabinoids, like CBD or CBG, but in this context, it typically refers to THC distillate).
It’s made by stripping away other plant compounds through winterization and fractional distillation, producing a golden, nearly flavorless oil that’s typically 90% or more pure.
Unlike full-spectrum extracts like RSO, distillate doesn’t contain terpenes, flavonoids, or supporting cannabinoids unless reintroduced after processing.
Because of this, isolate isn’t as therapeutically beneficial as more comprehensive extracts. Still, it delivers THC in a very potent format, making it the most commonly used extract in cannabis vapes, dabs, and edibles (often in combination with terpenes and other distillates).
RSO vs. Distillate: Extraction & Cannabinoid Composition
RSO and distillate vary significantly in how they’re extracted – and their composition in final form.
RSO is typically made using ethanol, which extracts all the cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant compounds from cannabis. The mixture is then reduced down into a thick, tar-like oil.
By this process, the final RSO extract retains cannabinoids (THC, CBD, CBG, CBN, and so on), terpenes, flavonoids, chlorophyll, fats, waxes, and every other natural compound in the plant.
Distillate, on the other hand, is made by winterizing cannabis to remove the fats and waxes from the plant. This material is then purified through fractional distillation, which strips away everything except the target cannabinoid, THC (this also applies to other types of distillate).
RSO preserves the full spectrum of plant compounds, while distillate isolates THC and strips the rest away. Whereas RSO supports the elevated therapeutic benefits of the entourage effect, distillate is potent, but lacks the depth and benefits of RSO’s full-spectrum profile.
RSO contains a wide range of cannabinoids, like THC, CBD, and CBG, along with terpenes, plant lipids, and other natural compounds.
RSO’s full-spectrum mix supports the entourage effect, where the plant’s compounds work together for stronger, more balanced effects.
RSO vs. Distillate: Appearance & Taste
RSO is a thick, sticky, dark extract with a deep, earthy flavor. It has this consistency because it contains all of the core compounds of the cannabis plant, with very little stripped away.
Distillate, on the other hand, is a pure cannabinoid extract, so it’s a viscous, translucent oil with a honey or amber-like hue. Because it doesn’t contain terpenes (which are what give the cannabis plant its flavors and smells), distillate is flavorless. For this reason, specific terpenes are typically added to it to create flavored products like vapes or edibles.
RSO vs. Distillate: Potency & Effects
Distillate has a stronger THC potency than RSO, often testing at 90% THC or more.
The effects of distillate hit fast and hard, making it popular if you’re looking for a quick, intense high. But some people find that it feels flat or overly sharp, especially in higher doses.
RSO usually ranges from 50-80% THC, but what it lacks in sheer potency, it makes up for in depth. Thanks to its full-spectrum profile, RSO tends to create effects that are more grounded and body-focused, delivering an experience often better suited for therapeutic use than pure recreation.
If you want strong and straightforward, distillate delivers. But if you’re looking for longer-lasting relief with more nuance, RSO tends to offer a more complete experience.
RSO vs. Distillate: Uses
Distillate is mostly used for recreational purposes. You’ll find it in vape cartridges, dabs, and edibles where high THC and fast-acting effects are the main goal.
It’s also used in wellness products like tinctures and capsules, often in combination with other distillate cannabinoids and terpenes.
RSO is more commonly chosen for therapeutic use. Patients turn to it for help managing chronic pain, inflammation, appetite loss, and sometimes as part of cancer care routines.
Many people who don’t have conditions consume RSO, too, but typically as part of a wellness routine rather than for recreation.
RSO vs. Distillate: Consumption Methods
While RSO and distillate are both cannabis extracts that can be consumed orally, there are some ways you can consume distillate that don’t work for RSO.
You can’t inhale – smoke, vape, or dab – RSO because it contains chlorophyll, lipids, and other compounds from the cannabis plant that can cause throat irritation if combusted.
Likewise, dabs, vapes, and joints made with distillate are extremely common in dispensaries.
Certain consumption methods are also more or less common for each product.
Syringes are a common delivery method for RSO, as they allow you to measure it carefully for oral consumption or addition to food.
On the other hand, you can technically dispense distillate from an applicator syringe, but most people prefer pre-made distillate products like gummies due to the extract’s lack of taste.
Here are the main consumption methods by product:
How to Take RSO
- Oral Ingestion: You can take RSO orally by measuring pure oil from an RSO syringe or adding it to a food or drink.
- Edibles: Another method of oral RSO consumption is to take a pre-made RSO product like RSO gummies, RSO capsules, and RSO tinctures.
- Topical Application: You can also apply pure RSO oil to your skin for localized treatment or relief for cancer and pain.
- Suppositories: RSO suppositories are used rectally or vaginally for deep, targeted relief without a heavy head high. They bypass digestion, kick in within 15 to 30 minutes, and deliver a more physical effect with less mental fog.
How to Take Distillate
- Distillate Vape Cartridges: Vape carts are one of the most popular ways to consume distillate, especially if you’re looking for fast, hard-hitting effects.
- Distillate Dabs: Dabbing distillate delivers high-THC effects in seconds. You’ll need a dab rig or e-nail, but if you’re experienced and want a strong, fast-acting hit, this method is effective.
- Distillate Edibles: Distillate is often used to infuse gummies, chocolates, and baked goods. These edibles are pre-dosed, easy to take, and offer long-lasting effects.
RSO vs. Distillate: Which One Should You Choose?
As you’ve learned, there are quite a few differences between RSO and distillate.
Here’s how to decide which cannabis extract is right for you.
Choose RSO If:
- You’re taking cannabis for therapeutic or medical purposes
- You want the full-plant benefits of cannabis (entourage effect)
- You want a balanced mind and body high
Choose Distillate If:
- You’re enjoy cannabis for recreational purposes
- You’re looking for a high-potency, high-THC product
- You want a euphoric head high
Just remember that no matter which option you choose, the key to a beneficial and enjoyable cannabis experience is choosing a high-quality product. Look for lab-tested RSO and distillate products from reputable brands with good reviews.
Want to see how Rick Simpson Oil stacks up against other popular options on the market? Check out our other detailed breakdown guides:
