Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) has carved a niche in the cannabis market. Distinct from CBD oil, RSO is typically derived from high-THC strains of cannabis (marijuana), and it's a highly concentrated cannabis oil.
It has a thick, dense consistency similar to molasses, often packaged in syringes — not for injection — but for easier dispensing.
If you're feeling a bit lost about where to start with this intense oil, don't worry. We're here to guide you through the process.
You'll learn the different types of Rick Simpson Oil products available and alternative cannabis products that also feature concentrated cannabis extracts made with federally legal hemp plants. For those of you in states where marijuana isn't recreationally legal, this means you can reap the benefits of a potent cannabis oil without a medical cannabis license.
How To Use RSO | All Different Methods
The two main methods of using Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) are topical application and ingesting it.
Traditional Rick Simpson Oil is a highly concentrated form of cannabis oil with a high THC content as well as a range of other cannabinoids, terpenes, and plant components, making it dark in color and thick and sticky in consistency.
Can You Smoke or Dab RSO?
While some might consider smoking or dabbing RSO to achieve fast-acting psychoactive effects, it's not the ideal method to experience its benefits.
RSO is not ideal for smoking or dabbing because it contains high concentrations of chlorophyll, waxes, and lipids that can irritate the lungs. While you can technically add RSO to a joint or blunt along with your smoking material, it will produce a harsh smoke and an overall unpleasant experience.
The strong, earthy, and somewhat bitter taste can be pretty off-putting when inhaled. This is in stark contrast to other cannabis products designed explicitly for inhalation, which have a more pleasant flavor profile.
Smoking RSO can also introduce residual alcohol solvents into your lungs, making the extract a poor choice for inhalation.
Unlike concentrates intended for inhalation, the production process of RSO often involves solvents like isopropyl alcohol or ethanol. While these alcohols typically evaporate off, residual solvents can remain in the final product, and inhaling these residues can be harmful and irritate the respiratory system.
Not only can smoking RSO release harmful fumes, but the solvents can sometimes be flammable, creating a significant safety risk.
This is also a risk when vaporizing the extract. Although some recreational users might try vaping an RSO syringe or using the extract in a dab pen, these consumption methods can be dangerous. Overall, smoking, dabbing, or vaping RSO is not recommended.
How To Use RSO Topically
To use RSO topically, you want to dispense a small, controlled amount from the syringe. The precision ensures you apply just enough to cover the affected area without excess and mess-free.
The benefit of topical application is localized treatment without systemic, psychoactive effects, as it doesn't enter the bloodstream. Instead, the active cannabinoids interact with endocannabinoid receptors in the skin to exert their effects.
By applying RSO directly onto the skin, or using cbd cream for pain, it can all be used to target specific areas of discomfort or concern. This method is particularly valued for its potential to provide relief at the application site.
The story of RSO’s creation is deeply tied to its topical use. Rick Simpson allegedly used his homemade cannabis oil on bandages that he then applied to his basal cell carcinoma (skin cancer).
Simpson reported that after a few days of consistent application, the cancerous spots on his skin showed significant healing. This personal experience was the catalyst for his advocacy of cannabis oil, particularly RSO, for medicinal purposes.
The scientific community has never thoroughly investigated or validated the validity of Simpson's claims. Still, his story has nonetheless ignited considerable interest in the potential of medicinal cannabis.
Mixing RSO In Food
Adding RSO into food is another common method of consumption, especially for those who want to avoid its potent taste and make the experience more enjoyable.
RSO is known for its very strong, earthy, and sometimes bitter taste, which can be off-putting when ingested directly.
Adding RSO to certain foods can mask or complement their taste. Stronger flavors, like chocolate, peanut butter, or spices, can help mask the taste of RSO effectively.
If you plan on cooking CBD gummies with RSO, be mindful of the heating temperature. High heat can degrade the cannabinoids, potentially reducing their effectiveness. Therefore, it's best used in low-heat recipes or added to foods after cooking.
RSO blends well with fats, making it ideal for integration into recipes that include butter, oil, or other fatty ingredients. This can improve the absorption of cannabinoids in the digestive system.
To cook or bake with RSO, mix it into your butter or coconut oil before using in a recipe. You can get creative here as long as the extract fully dissolves. For instance, melting the extract with chocolate is a great way to incorporate RSO into brownies, cakes, or cookies.
When starting with RSO in food, begin with a very small full spectrum RSO amount (the size of a grain of rice), especially if you are unfamiliar with its effects. It can be more potent when ingested through distillate options, and the effects can take longer to be felt compared to inhalation.
Mixing RSO with Drinks
You can put RSO in tea if you don’t mind the earthy taste. For best results, add something fatty like milk or cream for the oil to bind to. This will prevent the RSO from floating on top of your drink or sticking to the side of your mug, ensuring you don’t waste precious extract.
RSO can also be mixed into other drinks, like alcoholic beverages. Pre-dissolve it in high-proof alcohol or make an RSO-infused syrup for use in mixed drinks. The extract may not dissolve properly when mixed directly into cold beverages.
How To Use RSO Capsules
Rick Simpson Oil Capsules are convenient for those who prefer not to deal with the extremely potent flavor and measuring out doses.
RSO capsules contain a specific amount of Rick Simpson Oil in each capsule. This pre-measured RSO dosage ensures consistency in consumption, making it easier to monitor and adjust your intake as needed.
Like any other pill, RSO capsules should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. It's important not to chew or open the capsule, as the oil inside is very potent and has an intense flavor.
Taking RSO capsules with food is often recommended, particularly a meal with some fats. This can aid in the absorption of cannabinoids and minimize any potential gastrointestinal discomfort.
How To Use RSO Tincture
Traditionally, cannabis tinctures are made by dissolving a medicinal herb in alcohol. However, modern tinctures now use carrier oil such as hemp seed oil, coconut oil, or MCT oil, which has a milder flavor, making it more palatable and easy to consume.
You can consume RSO as a tincture, which then dilutes the cannabis extract into more manageable doses with faster sublingual administration, which helps to increase the onset of effects by bypassing the digestive system.
However, if you're worried about the psychoactive effects or high of traditional RSO made from marijuana (high THC cannabis plant), you can opt for Neurogan RSO (Real Scandinavian Oil) made from federally legal hemp plants. The name comes from the Neurogan founders who invented this inspired from their Danish roots and extensive knowledge of hemp and extraction processes.
Modern tinctures like the Neurogan RSO tincture (Real Scandinavian Oil) offer a blend of high-potency CBD with THC. These tinctures provide a more approachable and beginner-friendly option. The use of MCT oil, instead of traditional alcohol, allows for a smoother experience and customizable dosing.
How Often To Take RSO
The frequency and timing of taking RSO depends on the individual's needs and their reasons for using RSO. Some people take one large dose internally daily, while others take it multiple times throughout the day.
While cannabinoids are typically safe to take in large doses, some people may be sensitive to high doses, which is why it's recommended to work your way up in dose to allow the endocannabinoid system to adjust.
How Long Does RSO Take to Work?
RSO starts working within 30 minutes to 2 hours when swallowed and within 15 minutes when taken sublingually. When consumed orally, it can take up to three hours for peak effects to kick in.
If RSO takes a long time to start working for you, here’s a pro tip: users find that RSO works faster when taken with food, especially fatty foods such as peanut butter or yogurt. This is because fat aids the absorption of fat-soluble cannabinoids in the digestive system, helping transport those active compounds into your bloodstream more efficiently.
Using RSO as a topical? Expect it to take effect more quickly, typically within a few minutes of applying the oil to your skin. This is ideal when you need fast-acting, localized relief from pain and inflammation.
What is the Proper Way to Store RSO?
The best way to store RSO is in a cool, dark place. While you can store it at room temperature in a closet or cupboard, refrigeration is recommended for preserving the potency of the extract.
Just keep in mind that the extract will solidify a bit in the fridge, making it harder to dispense. Before you use it, hold the syringe in your hand to warm it up. You can also place it in a cup of warm water to loosen the concentrate for easier consumption.
Types of RSO Available: Understanding Plant Species and Strains
Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) can be derived from various types of cannabis plants, each offering its unique profile of cannabinoids and effects.
The primary categorizations of cannabis plants are Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid strains, and more recently, RSO made from hemp has also become available. Understanding these variations is crucial for choosing the RSO that best suits your needs.
Indica-Based RSO
- Characteristics: Indica plants are typically associated with a more relaxing and soothing effect. They’re often chosen for their potential to help with sleep and relaxation.
- RSO Use: RSO derived from Indica strains may be preferred for nighttime use or people seeking relief from stress and restless nights.
Sativa-Based RSO
- Characteristics: Sativa plants are known for their energizing effects and potential to enhance alertness and creativity.
- RSO Use: Sativa-based RSO might be favored for daytime use or for those looking for a more uplifting and invigorating effect.
Hybrid Strains
- Combination: Hybrid strains are cultivated by combining Indica and Sativa plants to offer a balance of effects. The specific ratio of Indica to Sativa in these hybrids can vary widely.
- RSO Use: RSO from hybrid strains can provide a more balanced effect, potentially suitable for a broader range of purposes and times of day.
Hemp-Derived RSO
- High CBD, Low THC: Unlike traditional RSO, which is high in THC, hemp-derived RSO typically contains high levels of CBD and very low levels of THC.
- Legal Accessibility: Hemp-derived products are more widely legal in places where THC-rich products are still restricted. This makes hemp-derived RSO a more accessible option for those in such areas.
- RSO Use: This type of RSO is particularly suitable for those who want the potential benefits of CBD without the psychoactive effects of THC. It's often chosen for its purported benefits for relieving discomfort, inflammation support, and stress management.
Considerations in Choosing RSO Type
- Desired Effects: Choose a strain in your edible product based on the effects you're seeking. Indica for relaxation vs Sativa for energy, or hybrids for balance, and hemp for high-CBD benefits.
- THC Tolerance: Your tolerance and sensitivity to THC should guide your choice. Hemp-derived RSO is an option for those with low THC tolerance or those who wish to avoid psychoactive effects.
- Legal Restrictions: Be aware of the legal status of cannabis in your area. Hemp-derived RSO is generally more widely legal compared to THC-rich options.
- Medical Guidance: If using RSO for specific health conditions, consider seeking advice from a healthcare professional experienced in cannabis use.
Understanding the types of RSOs available and their benefits helps you make an informed decision that aligns with your personal needs and preferences. Whether you opt for Indica, Sativa, Hybrid, or Hemp-derived RSO, each type offers unique properties and potential benefits.
The Benefits of RSO Oil
There isn't much scientific research conducted on RSO specifically. However, there is a lot to suggest that cannabinoids have therapeutic properties. Although this field of study is still evolving, many users report various benefits from using RSO.
RSO is commonly used to relieve pain, inflammation, and anxiety, making it a versatile option for managing a range of symptoms. It’s also a popular choice among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, as it may help reduce nausea and vomiting.
These therapeutic benefits are closely tied to RSO’s high THC content, which enhances its effectiveness while also producing strong psychoactive effects. Even if your goal isn’t recreational use, these effects can make you feel deeply relaxed — perfect for winding down in the evening and improving your sleep quality.
Here's an overview of the commonly cited benefits :
Chronic Pain Management
The high concentration of full spectrum cannabinoids and terpenes plays a significant role in how it may offer therapeutic effects for users, particularly when it comes to pain management and inflammation.
Research has indicated that cannabinoids, including those in RSO, can have anti-inflammatory effects. This property is particularly beneficial in understanding its potential in managing conditions like arthritis, where inflammation is a primary cause of pain and discomfort [1].
The anti-inflammatory action of cannabinoids comes from their interaction with cannabinoid receptors in the body's immune and nervous systems, potentially reducing the release of pro-inflammatory substances and thus alleviating inflammation.
Support Mental Health
Cannabinoids have been a well-studied area in the realm of mental health issues [2].
THC in high potencies can be a bit of a double-edged sword. While some people can enjoy the psychoactive benefits of THC for relaxation and stress relief, too much can cause heightened feelings of anxiousness.
This is where CBD from hemp-derived RSO may offer more predictable and manageable benefits for stress management as it doesn't produce psychoactive effects. However, you can find some RSO formulations that may provide a balance of THC and CBD for a synergistic balance in supporting mental health.
Sleep Support
RSO, mainly when derived from Indica strains, has gained a reputation for its soothing effects. These can be especially beneficial for individuals struggling to get a good night's sleep.
Cannabinoids like THC and CBD have been observed to influence sleep patterns, potentially helping reduce sleep latency (the time it takes to fall asleep) and sleep duration [3].
RSO as Cancer Treatment
Rick Simpson invented this potent oil in mind — tackling cancer. After his own reported positive experience using the oil on his skin cancer, he became a vocal advocate for cannabis' potential in cancer treatment.
There is a glimmer of hope for this in animal studies, hinting that cannabinoids may have some cancer-fighting properties [4]. But we mustn't jump to conclusions and start calling RSO a cancer cure. The studies aren't extensive, and most haven't been done on humans.
Despite the lack of solid evidence, there are cancer patients out there who choose to include high-cannabinoid products like RSO as a part of their cancer treatment routine as it helps to manage the side effects of cancer treatments, like nausea or loss of appetite. It's not about replacing their standard treatments but more about adding something they believe might help.
The Takeaway: How To Use RSO
Rick Simpson Oil could offer a potent & cheaper option compared to high potency oils, and contains richer cannabinoids from the cannabis plant.
For those seeking a legal and high-potency full spectrum extract alternative, RSO or our Real Scandinavian Oil, made from hemp, stands out as an accessible choice in the market, offering the full cannabinoid benefits without the legal concerns associated with high-THC products.
As always, users should approach RSO thoughtfully and consult healthcare professionals, especially when considering it for severe health conditions.
Resources:
- Richardson, D., Pearson, R. G., Kurian, N., Latif, M. L., Garle, M. J., Barrett, D. A., ... & Chapman, V. (2008). Characterisation of the cannabinoid receptor system in synovial tissue and fluid in patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis research & therapy, 10, 1-14.
- Scherma, M., Muntoni, A. L., Riedel, G., Fratta, W., & Fadda, P. (2020). Cannabinoids and their therapeutic applications in mental disorders. Dialogues in clinical neuroscience, 22(3), 271-279.
- Babson, K. A., Sottile, J., & Morabito, D. (2017). Cannabis, cannabinoids, and sleep: a review of the literature. Current psychiatry reports, 19, 1-12.
- Śledziński, P., Zeyland, J., Słomski, R., & Nowak, A. (2018). The current state and future perspectives of cannabinoids in cancer biology. Cancer medicine, 7(3), 765-775.
