Rick Simpson Oil, or RSO, is a concentrated cannabis extract created for therapeutic purposes, typically taken orally or applied topically. It’s known for its high potency and potential health benefits, which has led some users to seek ways to smoke it for fast and potent effects.
However, RSO is not intended for smoking. Its thick, unrefined consistency and the presence of unburned plant materials can result in uneven burning and harsh smoke. Moreover, when heated, RSO is often made using solvents, which can release harmful fumes.
What Happens If You Smoke RSO?
Some people want to smoke RSO for an intense high, but because of its high cannabinoid concentration and presence of plant material, it can be harsh on the lungs, and the high THC dose can be overwhelming for most people.
Here's what can happen if you smoke RSO:
- High Intensity: RSO has high THC levels, so inhaling it could cause an intense psychoactive effect, which may be overwhelming for some people. Unlike edibles, smoking hits the bloodstream quickly, which can make the high feel much stronger and faster.
- Harsh Taste and Burn: RSO is not formulated for smoking, so burning it might lead to a harsh, unpleasant taste. Its sticky consistency makes it hard to burn evenly, potentially producing a harsh smoke that’s rough on the throat and lungs.
- Contaminants: Some RSO is made using solvents like butane or isopropyl alcohol to extract the cannabinoids. If any solvent remains, burning it could release harmful fumes. RSO should always be made by professionals and tested for purity to ensure it’s free from residual solvents.
- Health Risks: Inhalation of RSO could potentially lead to respiratory irritation, coughing, or other lung issues because of its thick consistency and potential impurities.
Can You Dab RSO?
Technically, you can dab RSO, but it's generally not recommended due to potential health and safety risks. The reasons you can’t smoke RSO are pretty much the same as they are for why you can’t dab RSO.
As we said, RSO is often made using harsh solvents. If any residual solvent remains, heating it for dabbing could release potentially harmful fumes, which aren’t good for your lungs.
RSO has a thicker, stickier consistency than most concentrates made specifically for dabbing, like shatter, wax, or live resin. This can make it harsh when inhaled, irritating the throat and lungs.
Some RSOs contain plant waxes, chlorophyll, and other compounds that aren’t ideal for inhalation. These substances don’t burn cleanly, which could lead to a less-than-pleasant taste and potentially harmful byproducts when inhaled.
If you’re considering dabbing, concentrates specifically processed and refined for inhalation (like rosin or live resin) are safer and more effective.
What RSO Products Can You Smoke?
RSO is not typically intended for smoking or dabbing due to the way it’s made and its thick consistency.
Some brands offer RSO-inspired vape products, which are specifically formulated for safe inhalation. True RSO, however, is best used as intended — topically or orally — to avoid the respiratory risks associated with smoking or dabbing.
Can You Smoke RSO oil?
While it’s possible to smoke RSO, it’s generally not recommended. It is a thick, unrefined oil that contains plant materials, chlorophyll, and other compounds that are not ideal for smoking. This makes smoking both unpleasant and potentially harmful to respiratory health.
If any traces of the solvents often found in RSO remain in the oil, smoking it can release harmful fumes, which pose further risks when inhaled. These residual solvents are generally safe when consumed orally or used topically but can become dangerous when heated and inhaled.
Can You Put RSO in a Joint?
Technically, you can add RSO to a joint, but it's not always the best option.
The oil’s consistency can cause it to burn more slowly than the surrounding flower, potentially leading to uneven combustion and harsher smoke. Because RSO is unrefined and can contain plant materials, chlorophyll, and other compounds, it may produce a stronger, less pleasant flavor when burned.
If you’re set on adding a concentrate to a joint, other options like live resin, rosin, or wax might be more effective. These concentrates are typically easier to spread or sprinkle on the flower and are formulated to burn more evenly when smoked, giving a smoother experience with a more enjoyable flavor. However, if you do decide to try adding RSO to a joint, apply a small amount and distribute it evenly to improve the burn and overall experience.
Can You Smoke RSO Syringes?
RSO syringes contain highly concentrated cannabis oil with a thick, sticky consistency that isn’t optimized for smoking.
Can You Smoke RSO Like Wax?
Smoking RSO like a wax isn’t recommended, as RSO differs significantly from concentrates designed for inhalation, such as wax, shatter, or live resin.
The thick, sticky texture of RSO doesn’t burn as cleanly or evenly as wax, leading to a harsher smoking experience that can irritate the throat and lungs. For a smoother, safer experience, using concentrates designed for inhalation, like wax or live resin, is better. These are refined to burn cleanly and provide a more pleasant taste.
Opt for Other RSO Products
RSO, or Rick Simpson Oil, was never intended to be smoked.
Originally created by Rick Simpson as a high-potency cannabis extract to be used orally or topically, RSO was designed to deliver potential benefits through ingestion or direct application. When smoked, RSO’s thick consistency and raw compounds can burn unevenly, releasing potentially harmful fumes and harsh, bitter smoke.
Similarly, Scandinavian Raw Oil and other full spectrum extracts like it are also intended for oral use, retaining all cannabinoids and plant materials — compounds that aren’t ideal for combustion and inhalation.
