If you have been researching cannabis oil, you may have asked, what is RSO? How is it different from other cannabis oils?
This guide explains Rick Simpson Oil and Rick Simpson’s story.
What is RSO?
Rick Simpson Oil, or RSO, is a cannabis oil made from the whole marijuana plant. Some people call it RSO oil, but that is redundant because the O already means oil.
Unlike CBD or hemp oil, which is made from flowers or seeds, RSO uses the whole plant. Rick Simpson’s method creates a extract with a full spectrum with cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant compounds. It also has more THC than standard cannabis oil.
Who is Rick Simpson?
Rick Simpson is a former power engineer from Canada. He became interested in cannabis after a work injury in 1997. His injury, and the side effects from his medicine, led him to look for medical marijuana to ease his pain.
In 2003, he was diagnosed with skin cancer, and his distrust of the healthcare system and doctors grew. When modern medicine did not help, he turned to homemade cannabis oil. Rick says it cured his basal cell carcinoma, but studies have not confirmed that claim.
Despite his health problems, he still supports the legal use of medical cannabis. At one point, he gave away his oil for free, until the Royal Canadian Police showed up at his door in 2003 and shut it down.
In 2013, Rick left Canada and has since worked from Europe. He does not make oil for sale. Instead, he teaches people on his website on how to make RSO at home
In 2016, he released a book, Phoenix Tears – The Rick Simpson Story which covers his fight with the health industry and his cannabis advocacy.
What are the Benefits of RSO?
Rick Simpson says it can help with cancer, MS, pain, diabetes, arthritis, asthma, infections, swelling, blood pressure, depression, and insomnia. But most of these claims are personal stories, not hard proof.
There is evidence to suggest that cannabis oil can help with PTSD, with participants reporting reduced anxiety and improved sleep. Some people also use cannabis for pain, though results can vary.
How to Use RSO
RSO is strong. It has more THC than CBD oil, so it can cause strong psychoactive effects if you are not used to it.
RSO works best when swallowed or used in food. The right dose and method depend on your tolerance, goals, and routine.
- The most common and easy option is capsules. If you want something you can eat, High Flavor makes fruit gummies. Try Citrus Sour Diesel for a bright morning kick or Berry Haze for a smooth sativa chew.
- And for anyone asking if you can dab RSO, the answer is YES. Your best option is RSO in a syringe or darts, as they are sometimes called. They are small and cute, so they look less suspicious.
- The main advantage of a syringe is its many uses. In addition to use on the skin, it can also go under the tongue or into food for a slower effect. Seconds has travel-friendly syringes in sativa and indica.
Not sure which strain suits you best? We have another blog post which breaks it down for you. Check it out.
Can You Smoke RSO?
Negative. RSO is not made for smoking, and it tastes awful. Its thick texture makes it burn unevenly and can feel harsh on the throat and lungs. Some RSO is made with solvents such as butane or isopropyl, which can cause a quick high or, in the worst case, release harmful fumes.
If you want to smoke cannabis, a joint, blunt, or spliff is the better choice. This guide explains the differences and can help you pick the best one.
