How to use RSO Syringes? Opening, Smoking & Dosing Guide Skip to content
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How to Use RSO Syringes


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RSO is a sticky, crude cannabis extract made using a solvent extraction method and cannabis plant flower to seperate the trichomes, rich in cannabinoids, terpenes, and plant esters from the larger raw plant materials.

RSO is named after Rick Simpson, who invented it and advocated for the potential benefits of cannabis oil for treating his skin cancer —though that remains a controversial topic as it hasn’t been thoroughly researched and tested for this purpose. 

The most common use of RSO is through syringes.

To use RSO syringes, simply place the syringe under your tongue and squeeze out the RSO oil. Hold it there for 30-90 seconds, then swallow. 

This isn’t your typical medical syringe but rather a tool for precise dosing. RSO syringes allow for accurate measurement, ensuring you get the right amount. You can use RSO syringes for topical application, direct ingestion, or mixing into food.

RSO Syringe

Steps to Using RSO Syringes

To use RSO, you’ll want to consider why you’re using it, doses, and methods of consumption. RSO is highly concentrated and often contains substantial levels of THC and other cannabinoids, which can lead to intense psychoactive effects. Because of its high potency, beginners are advised to start with minimal doses when ingesting RSO oil. 

  1. Determine Dosage: RSO is very potent, so start with a small dose — about the size of a grain of rice if you’re ingesting it. Gradually increase the dosage over time if needed, usually following the 90-day regimen suggested by Rick Simpson. When applied to the skin, you don’t have to worry about the dose as much since it won’t deliver systemic effects (won’t get you high), but may provide relief to areas of discomfort. 
  2. Methods of Consumption:
  • Orally: Squeeze a small amount onto a spoon, directly onto your finger, or on a piece of food (like bread or a cracker) to mask the taste. Then swallow it.
  • Sublingually: Place a small amount under the tongue for faster absorption. This can provide quicker effects but may be too intense for new users.
  • Topically: Some people apply RSO to the skin for localized relief support. Apply a small amount to the affected area and cover with a bandage if necessary.
  1. Storage: Keep the syringe in a cool, dark place, like a refrigerator, as this can help preserve the potency of the oil.
  2. Consider Timing: Since RSO is often high in THC, it can produce a strong, long-lasting effect. Many people start with nighttime dosing to gauge the effects before using it during the day.

With several consumption methods and factors, like dosage, to choose from, using RSO may look different for each individual. However, whether you choose to administer RSO topically or orally, follow the recommended amount listed on the product’s label, hence why syringes can be convenient due to the ease of precise dosing. 

Systemic effects can be strong and include deep relaxation, euphoria, and potential drowsiness due to the high THC concentration, with results often taking 1-2 hours to set in and lasting several hours fully.

Timeline

For a full regimen, the RSO dosage is often increased gradually over a 90-day period, following Rick Simpson's original approach. Here’s a general timeline for a typical RSO regimen:

Weeks 1–2: Start Low

  • Dosage: Start with a dose about the size of a grain of rice (around 0.1 ml) per day.
  • Frequency: Take once per day, preferably in the evening to manage any drowsiness.

Weeks 3–5: Increase Gradually

  • Dosage: Slowly double the dose every 4 days, increasing from 0.1 ml up to about 0.5 ml per day.
  • Frequency: Take in divided doses (morning, afternoon, and evening) as your tolerance builds.

Weeks 6–12: Reach Full Dose

  • Dosage: Aim to consume 1 gram of RSO per day, broken into multiple doses (typically three times per day).
  • Frequency: Continue taking smaller doses spread out over the day to maintain effects without overwhelming psychoactive effects.

Maintenance Phase (Optional)

  • After the initial 90-day cycle, some people choose to continue using RSO at a smaller, maintenance dose—often around 1-2 grams per month, depending on individual tolerance and needs.
Infographic of RSO Regimen, a 90-day trial period

Can You Use RSO Syringes for Smoking?

While a lot of cannabis products can be enjoyed through smoking, RSO syringes are not intended for smoking

The oil is thick and unrefined, often containing plant matter, chlorophyll, and high levels of cannabinoids, which are best suited for oral or topical use rather than inhalation. 

Smoking RSO could produce harmful byproducts because it isn’t processed or filtered like other concentrates meant for inhalation, such as distillates or vape oils.

How to Open an RSO Syringe

To open and use RSO syringes, purchase from a reputable source, inspect the product, warm the syringe to loosen the product, and dispense the oil depending on your desired consumption method. Make sure you store your product properly to preserve its potency. 

  1. Inspect the Cap: Most RSO syringes come with a small cap on the end of the plunger to prevent leaks.
  2. Warm the Syringe (Optional): If the oil is too thick to dispense, you can gently warm the syringe by running it under warm (not hot) water for a few seconds. This helps the oil flow more easily.
  3. Remove the Cap: Hold the syringe upright, then twist or pull off the cap, depending on the syringe model.
  4. Dispense the Oil: Slowly press the plunger to dispense a small, measured dose.
  5. Re-Cap for Storage: Place the cap back on after dispensing to keep the remaining oil fresh and prevent leaks.

As we mentioned before, make sure to store the syringe in a cool, dark place, ideally in the refrigerator, to maintain the oil's potency and consistency.

RSO Syringe Doses

This schedule outlines a gradual increase in RSO dosage over several weeks, allowing the body to adjust to its potency. 

Start with a very small amount (0.1 ml) in Weeks 1–2, equivalent to a grain of rice. 

After this initial phase, increase the dose every 4 days in small increments, as detailed in the chart, until reaching 0.5 ml by Day 20. 

This gradual approach helps minimize potential side effects and allows you to monitor your body’s response before taking more. 

Stage (Weeks)

Days

Dosage Instructions

1-2 

Start (Initial Dose)

0.1 ml (grain of rice) once per day

3–5

Increase: Day 1–4 

Increase to 0.1 ml per day for 4 days

3–5

Increase: Day 5–8

Increase to 0.2 ml per day for 4 days 

3–5

Increase: Day 9–12

Increase to 0.3 ml per day for 4 days

3–5

Increase: Day 13–16

Increase to 0.4 ml per day for 4 days

Maintenance Dose (Optional)

  • After the initial 90-day regimen, some individuals may choose to continue at a lower maintenance dose, such as 1-2 grams per month, depending on personal needs.

RSO Syringes

With Rick Simpson serving as an advocate for the growing plant-based approach to health and wellness, more and more people are gaining interest in RSO. Given the thick consistency of RSO, syringes are a common way to integrate RSO into a daily routine. Syringes also allow for the option to consume RSO or apply it topically. 

A RSO syringe full of black liquid on a flat white surface

It’s important to be cautious of any health claims you may see RSO brands make. 

While there are rave personal anecdotes and limited research to support RSO’s potential role for various health needs, more research is needed before any claims are made. For those interested in adding RSO to their regimen, we strongly encourage you to discuss this choice with your primary care physician.
BY
Dr. Boris Cicak

Dr. Bo Cicak is one of the leading chiropractors in San Diego, passionately committed to helping individuals heal naturally and achieve optimal health. With a rich background as a wellness consultant and teacher, Dr. Cicak brings a comprehensive approach to his practice, emphasizing the importanc...


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