Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) is a full-spectrum cannabis extract that contains THC along with other cannabinoids, terpenes, chlorophyll, and plant compounds.
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is just one cannabinoid out of the 100+ naturally occurring cannabinoids in the cannabis plant [1] Products made with THC distillate typically contain primarily THC and a few trace amounts of other cannabinoids and terpenes.
Because RSO preserves more of the original cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds, it produces stronger effects than products made with THC alone.
In terms of use, RSO’s composition means that it’s more commonly used for medical purposes like treating cancer or managing chronic pain [2].
This is because the extra cannabinoids and terpenes in RSO create the entourage effect which elevates the effectiveness of each cannabinoid beyond their individual benefits.
Standard THC products are used more for recreation but also have many anti-inflammatory and anti-disease benefits.
In this article, we dive deeper into the difference between RSO and THC and which one may be right for you.
Key Differences Between RSO and THC
| Feature | THC (Isolate / Distillate) | RSO (Rick Simpson Oil) |
| What it is | Purified, isolated tetrahydrocannabinol | Whole-plant, “full-spectrum” extract |
| Composition | Concentrated THC with few to no other cannabinoids or terpenes | THC, CBD, CBN, CBG, CBC, terpenes like myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, limonene, and pinene, and chlorophyll |
| Psychoactivity | Produces intense and fast-acting effects, will get you high | Slower onset time but longer duration and stronger, full-body effects, will get you high |
| Primary Use | Recreational consumption, precise edible dosing | Medical/therapeutic use (e.g., pain, sleep, cancer) |
| Dosage | Easy to measure precisely (often vaped or in gummies) | Because RSO is highly potent, start with a rice grain-sized dose or around 2.5mg-5mg of RSO and slowly increase your dose |
What is RSO?
Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) is a viscous, full-spectrum cannabis extract that contains THC, CBD, CBG, CBN, CBC, and many other cannabinoids along with chlorophyll and terpenes.
It was pioneered by Canadian cannabis activist Rick Simpson after he was diagnosed with skin cancer in 2003. He found that after topically applying the extract he created with isopropyl alcohol extraction, his cancer went into remission and eventually disappeared.
Consequently, RSO is used by many of our customers to treat cancer, fight chronic pain, improve sleep quality, and control appetite.
What is THC?
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis [3].
It produces the iconic “high” feeling you get when you consume it. Usually THC is infused into edibles, vapes, and tinctures. Or, the cannabis flower can be smoked or pressed into hash which is a high THC additive.
Of all the cannabinoids there are, it’s easily the most well-known and it isn’t hard to see why as it provides both recreational and medical benefits.
RSO vs. THC: Key Differences
Though both RSO and THC are extracted from the cannabis plant, the method of extraction and what each extract preserves creates a vastly different product in the end.
Composition
RSO is a full-spectrum cannabis extract, so it contains many cannabinoids including THC along with CBD, CBG, CBN, CBC, terpenes, chlorophyll, and other compounds from the cannabis plant.
THC distillate or isolate, is made to contain mostly THC with very few cannabinoids, terpenes, and no chlorophyll left over.
The extra chlorophyll and plant compounds is why RSO appears darker and is much thicker while THC isolate is practically transparent when made correctly.
Effects
RSO produces stronger effects that last longer because it’s a full-spectrum extract that creates the entourage effect.
Products made with THC distillate tend to produce more intense effects that onset quicker and don’t last as long. Most people use them for recreation or basic relaxation.
RSO syrings, gummies, and other products will feel stronger than distillate products at the same THC dose because the extra cannabinoids and terpenes will change how the THC interacts with your endocannabinoid system.
Benefits
RSO is the better choice if you want stronger, longer lasting effects, and legitimate medical benefits. Many of our customers use it for chronic pain, sleep, inflammation, appetite control, and cancer treatment.
Regular THC distillate products are better if you are a recreational cannabis consumer because they produce a more manageable high. THC gummies, vapes, drinks, and other edibles are simpler to use, easier to dose, and typically taste better.
If you want full-spectrum effects, RSO is the better fit. If you want convenience, flavor, and a more manageable buzz, regular THC is the best option for you.
Dosing
RSO requires more caution with dosing because it’s highly concentrated and produces stronger effects. There’s also no single dose that works for everyone.
Generally, we recommend our customers to start with a tiny amount of RSO, such as a rice grain-sized dose or around 2.5mg to 5mg, then slowly increase based on your tolerance, body chemistry, and dosage goals.
Regular THC gummies are easier to dose because each gummy has a set amount of THC. If you’re new to cannabis or have a lower THC tolerance, a low-dose THC gummy will be better for you.
Which One is Right For You?
So, which extract is right for you? Here’s what you need to know:
- If you want stronger, longer lasting effects, choose RSO. Since RSO is a high-THC, full-spectrum cannabis extract it’s more effective than THC alone. Our customers use RSO to treat serious conditions like cancer, severe inflammation, manage chronic pain, and control appetite.
- Choose regular THC distillate products if you want a lighter or more recreational high. THC gummies, vapes, drinks, and other standard THC products are more often used socially, for relaxation, and creativity than RSO products. Keep in mind that RSO will typically feel stronger than regular THC products, even at similar doses.
- Regular THC is usually easier to dose, so if you’re new to cannabis or have a low tolerance, standard THC gummies or low-dose THC products might be better for you.
- RSO is better for full-spectrum effects. If you want the entourage effect from THC plus minor cannabinoids and terpenes, RSO is the way to go. Likewise, THC products are better for flavor and convenience. Regular THC edibles, drinks, vapes, and live resin products tend to taste better and fit more casual use cases.
Start low with either option, especially RSO, and wait 1-2 hours before taking any more.
References
[1] Cannabis (Marijuana) and cannabinoids: What you need to know. (n.d.). NCCIH. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/cannabis-marijuana-and-cannabinoids-what-you-need-to-know
[2] Guggisberg J, Schumacher M, Gilmore G, Zylla DM. Cannabis as an Anticancer Agent: A Review of Clinical Data and Assessment of Case Reports. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2022 Feb;7(1):24-33. doi: 10.1089/can.2021.0045. Epub 2021 Aug 7. PMID: 34370591; PMCID: PMC8864433.
[3] Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) for cancer: Does it work? (2026, May 20). WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/cancer/rick-simpson-oil-for-cancer-overview
