What Is RSO (Rick Simpson Oil)
Apr
What is RSO
Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) is a strong cannabis concentrate. It is named after Rick Simpson, a Canadian medical-cannabis advocate. RSO is made by soaking cannabis flowers in a solvent, usually ethanol or naphtha. After soaking, the solvent is evaporated. This process creates a thick, dark oil. The oil is rich in THC, cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other plant chemicals. Unlike hemp-derived CBD oils, which usually have little THC, RSO uses the whole cannabis plant. This creates the “entourage effect.” In this effect, many compounds work together to boost therapeutic benefits. New uses include taking it by mouth or applying it to the skin. Users say it helps with pain and inflammation. It may also help in cancer care. However, there are not many strong clinical trials. Some side effects can happen, like dizziness, fatigue, and stomach upset.
Understanding Rick Simpson Oil
Origins and Naming
Rick Simpson is a Canadian engineer. He created RSO in 2001 to treat his skin cancer. This was after regular treatments did not work. He popularized a protocol for producing and dosing his namesake oil, often referring to it as “Phoenix Tears.”
Extraction Process
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Selection of Plant Material: High-THC cannabis indica strains are most commonly used.
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Solvent Wash: Flower is submerged in ethanol or light naphtha to dissolve cannabinoids and terpenes.
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Filtration and Evaporation: We remove plant matter, and then we gently evaporate the solvent. This is often done using a double boiler. This process leaves behind a thick oil.
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Storage: The final product is usually stored in syringes or dark glass jars. This helps protect it from light and air.
Benefits and Potential Uses
Therapeutic Claims
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Pain Management: Some reports and small studies suggest that RSO may help relieve chronic pain. This is due to its high THC and full-spectrum cannabinoids.
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Inflammation: Terpenes and minor cannabinoids may contribute to anti-inflammatory effects, though more research is needed .
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Cancer Adjunct: Early rodent studies indicate THC–CBD combinations can enhance radiation therapy, but human clinical evidence is lacking .
Risks and Side Effects
Common adverse reactions include dry mouth, dizziness, drowsiness, and digestive upset. Because RSO is nearly pure cannabis extract, dosing errors can lead to overconsumption. Patients should consult healthcare professionals before use.
How to Use and Dose RSO
Oral Ingestion
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Rice Grain Method: Start with a dose roughly the size of half a grain of rice (≈10–15 mg THC) once or twice daily, then titrate up very slowly .
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Capsules: Pre-measured RSO capsules offer convenience and precise dosing; take with food to enhance absorption .
Topical Application
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Skin Cancer Protocol: Put a small amount directly on the lesions. Cover it with plastic wrap. Leave it on for 12 hours. Repeat this daily for three weeks. This is Rick Simpson’s original method.
Dosing Chart (Sample)
| Week | Morning (Grain Size) | Evening (Grain Size) | Total Daily |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 1 |
| 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| 3 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 3 |
| 4 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
Top RSO Products Reviewed
1. Metta Hemp RSO Syringe
A medical-grade, full-spectrum RSO in a 1 g syringe; lab-tested at 80% THC and packaged with a precision plunger.
2. Curaleaf Grassroots RSO
Organic RSO formulated for patients, with strain-specific terpene profiles, is available in 1 mL syringes across dispensaries.
3. Neurogan RSO Capsules
Convenient vegan capsules delivering a consistent 10 mg of THC per dose; ideal for newcomers seeking precise dosing.
Conclusion and Call to Action
RSO is one of the strongest cannabis extracts. It provides full-spectrum benefits with high THC and minor cannabinoids. RSO shows promise for pain, inflammation, and cancer care. However, users should be careful because it is very strong and there is little clinical data. Always begin with minimal dosing, consult a healthcare provider, and source products from reputable, lab-tested brands.
Ready to explore RSO safely? Check out our RSO Dosage Guide for detailed instructions. You can also look at our Top Cannabis Products to find lab-tested RSO syringes today!
