Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) is a highly concentrated cannabis extract known for its strong effects and full-spectrum cannabinoid profile. Unlike more refined cannabis products, RSO is designed to preserve many of the plant’s original compounds, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and other naturally occurring elements.
Originally popularized by medical cannabis advocate Rick Simpson, RSO has become widely associated with symptom support for issues like pain, sleep, appetite, and nausea. Because it’s so potent, RSO is used by experienced cannabis consumers or people looking for heavier, more body-focused effects than many traditional cannabis products offer.
What is RSO?
Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) is a thick, dark cannabis extract made from the whole cannabis plant. Unlike highly refined cannabis concentrates like distillate, RSO is designed to retain a broad range of naturally occurring compounds, including cannabinoids like THC and CBD, along with terpenes, flavonoids, and other plant compounds.
RSO is especially known for its high THC content, which is why it tends to create stronger, heavier effects than many other cannabis products.
The oil is typically made by soaking cannabis plant material in a solvent such as ethanol to extract cannabinoids and other compounds. The solvent is then evaporated away, leaving behind a thick, concentrated oil.
RSO was developed and popularized by Canadian medical cannabis advocate Rick Simpson, who began sharing his homemade cannabis oil formula publicly after using it for his own health concerns.
Traditionally, RSO was made using high-THC indica cannabis strains, which tend to deliver more relaxing, body-focused effects than sativa or hybrid varieties. At RickSimpsonOil.com, we continue to follow Rick Simpson’s original whole-plant approach in its formulations.
One of the biggest differences between RSO and more refined cannabis extracts is that RSO is intended to preserve as much of the plant’s original chemical profile as possible rather than isolating a single compound like THC or CBD.
Because of this, many cannabis consumers consider RSO a full-spectrum extract.
RSO vs. Other Cannabis Extracts: Why It’s Different
While RSO is a type of cannabis extract, it’s very different from many other extracts and cannabinoids in both its composition and effects.
RSO vs. Distillate
RSO and distillate are both concentrated cannabis extracts, but they’re made very differently. RSO is a full-spectrum extract that retains cannabinoids, terpenes, and other naturally occurring plant compounds, while distillate is heavily refined to contain primarily THC or another single cannabinoid.
Because of this, RSO is associated with heavier, more body-focused effects, while distillate tends to deliver a more straightforward, high-THC experience. Distillate is commonly used in vape cartridges and edibles, while RSO is typically chosen by people looking for a whole-plant cannabis extract.
RSO vs. CBD
RSO and CBD products differ significantly in both their cannabinoid composition and effects. RSO is typically very high in THC, which produces noticeable intoxicating effects, while most CBD products contain little to no THC and are considered non-intoxicating.
Because of its high THC content, RSO is better if you’re looking for heavier, more intense effects or more targeted symptom support. CBD, on the other hand, is a great option for general daily wellness routines and milder effects.
CBD is also the best choice if you want to avoid the head high, while RSO is a viable option if you’re comfortable with the effects of THC.
Is RSO Legal? Understanding Its Legal Status
The legality of RSO depends largely on where you live, since traditional RSO typically contains high levels of THC. In the United States, THC-rich cannabis products are still federally illegal, though many states allow them through medical or adult-use cannabis programs.
In states where cannabis is legal, RSO may be available through licensed dispensaries or certain online sources. Some products marketed as “RSO” are hemp-derived and contain very low amounts of THC, but these are not the same as traditional high-THC Rick Simpson Oil. Because cannabis laws vary widely by state, it’s important to check your local regulations before purchasing or using RSO.
Benefits of RSO
RSO is most commonly used for symptom support related to pain, sleep, appetite, and nausea. Many medical cannabis patients also use RSO as part of broader wellness or treatment-support routines, particularly for chronic pain and cancer-related symptoms.
- Cancer & Cancer Symptom Management: Some early studies have explored how cannabinoids like THC and CBD interact with cancer cells in lab and animal models, including effects related to cell growth and apoptosis (programmed cell death) [1]. Cannabinoids have also been more consistently studied for managing symptoms related to cancer and its treatment, including pain, nausea, appetite loss, and sleep disruption [2].
- Pain & Inflammation: THC and other cannabinoids have been studied for their potential pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects through interactions with the body’s endocannabinoid system [3,4].
- Neurological Conditions: Early research has explored the possible neuroprotective properties of cannabinoids in certain neurological conditions [5].
- Sleep Support: THC and CBD have both been studied for their potential role in sleep support, with THC associated with more sedating effects [6,7].
How to Take RSO
RSO can be used in several different ways, from direct oral use to tinctures and topical application, depending on your preferences and desired effects.
Oral Consumption
One of the most common ways to take RSO is by swallowing it directly or mixing it into food or drinks. Because RSO is typically ingested rather than inhaled, effects usually take longer to set in, ranging from about 45 minutes to two hours.
RSO syringes are one of the most flexible consumption options because they make it easy to measure small, controlled doses. You can take the oil on its, add it to coffee or other drinks, add it to food, and incorporate it into recipes (such as making your own edibles).
RickSimpsonOil.com offers some of the best RSO syringes in multiple sizes depending on your dosage needs and preferences. RSO capsules are another option if you prefer a more cleaner, pre-measured format.
Sublingual Absorption
RSO can also be taken sublingually by placing it under the tongue and holding it there briefly before swallowing. This method allows cannabinoids to absorb more quickly compared to standard oral consumption, leading to a faster onset.
Liquid tincture-style products are often easier to use sublingually than thick RSO oil because they’re easier to measure and distribute under your tongue.
We carry multiple RSO tinctures designed for convenient dosing and sublingual use. While effects may still take time to fully develop, many of our customers report that sublingual absorption is much faster than swallowing RSO oil or taking an edible.
Topical Application
You can also apply RSO directly to your skin, or buy a pre-mixed product containing RSO like a cream, balm or salve. This method is typically used for more localized support rather than full-body effects.
Unlike oral consumption, topical application does not usually produce the same psychoactive experience because the effects are localized to the area where it’s applied.
How Much RSO Should You Take?
There’s no single standardized RSO dosage because the right amount can vary depending on your tolerance, body chemistry, experience with THC, and intended use. However, RSO syringes make it easier to measure more precise, consistent doses.
Most people begin with a very small amount of RSO and increase gradually over time. A common starting point is a drop of pure RSO extract about half the size of a grain of rice taken three times per day.
Because RSO is typically ingested, effects can take one to two hours to fully set in, so be sure to wait for it to kick in before you take more.
Many people using RSO for cancer and other forms of therapeutic support follow our Rick Simpson protocol, which is Rick Simpson’s original dosing approach.
The protocol involves starting with very small doses, gradually increasing intake every few days, and slowly building up tolerance over time. The long-term goal of the protocol is to consume approximately 60 grams of RSO over a 90-day period.
Buy RSO Products Online and Have Them Shipped to Your Doorstep
RickSimpsonOil.com is the official Rick Simpson Oil website and offers a wide selection of high-THC, full-spectrum RSO products for different preferences and consumption methods. Product options include RSO syringes, tinctures, capsules, gummies, suppositories, and other infused products designed for therapeutic use.
Unlike hemp-derived products that contain very little THC, traditional RSO is known for its high THC content and whole-plant cannabinoid profile. Every product from RickSimpsonOil.com is made using real, high-THC RSO and is third-party lab tested for quality and consistency.
RickSimpsonOil.com ships RSO products domestically and worldwide where legally permitted, making it easier for people to access authentic Rick Simpson Oil products from an official source.
Frequently Asked Questions About RSO
Here are answers to some of the most common questions people have about Rick Simpson Oil.
Will RSO Get Me High?
Yes, RSO will get you high. Most RSO contains high levels of THC, so you should expect strong, noticeable effects.
Is RSO More Potent Than Edibles?
RSO can feel more potent than many edibles because it’s a concentrated cannabis extract. The actual strength depends on the dose you take.
What’s The Difference Between RSO And CBD?
RSO contains high levels of THC and gets you high. CBD does not get you high and is usually better for people who want non-intoxicating cannabis support.
What Does RSO Feel Like?
RSO usually feels deeply relaxing, heavy, and body-focused. At higher doses, it can feel very strong and sedating.
Is RSO Sativa Or Indica?
RSO can come from sativa, indica, or hybrid cannabis strains. The effects depend on the strain used and the product’s cannabinoid profile.
Is RSO Worth It?
RSO is worth it if you want a strong, full-spectrum cannabis extract and you’re comfortable with THC. It may not be the best fit if you’re new to cannabis or sensitive to strong effects.
Can You Smoke RSO?
You should not vape or smoke RSO. Use it orally, sublingually, or topically instead.
Sources
[1] Guggisberg, J., Schumacher, M., Gilmore, G., & Zylla, D. M. (2022). Cannabis as an Anticancer Agent: A Review of Clinical Data and Assessment of Case Reports. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 7(1), 24–33. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2021.0045
[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
[4] 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
[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] 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
[7] 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
