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What you will learn in this post:
Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) is a high-potency extracted cannabis oil containing much of the original plant’s profile. Unlike most cannabis extracts, RSO is a thick, dark oil rather than golden yellow or amber. Some even compare it to tar. RSO is often ingested via a syringe, but it’s also used as a topical, vape cartridge, or edible.
With RSO, there’s a lot to unpack and explore. This highly concentrated cannabis extract is extremely potent, making accurate dosing more important than ever, especially if you want to avoid some of its possible side effects. Plus, RSO is a surprisingly versatile extract with plenty of convenient uses.
RSO Dosing
RSO can be consumed in a variety of ways. Its versatility is similar to other cannabis options, including CBD oil. Like with CBD, people turn to RSO to address several medical needs. For example, someone seeking treatment for skin or muscle conditions may use RSO topically. Someone seeking prolonged, more substantial relief may opt for an edible. Those seeking a quicker onset may turn to a smoked, vaped, or sublingual (under the tongue) application.
Each person's unique needs and conditions make it hard to call any choice the ideal option for all patients. However, thanks to its versatility, potency, and full-plant profile, RSO is a highly regarded pick for people with conditions ranging from cancer to chronic pain.
Like with any cannabis product, each consumption method has its advantages and disadvantages. It’s good to get to know each one and choose the best for your unique needs.
Topical Application
RSO has been reported to aid in treating various skin conditions, ranging from melanoma to dry and sensitive skin. With a range of possible medical benefits, patients may be compelled to apply ample amounts of ointment onto their skin. Instead, your RSO dosage should start small. Apply just the amount that covers the affected area. Then, apply a bandage. Change your dressing every few hours, and re-apply RSO as needed.
RSO Syringe
Syringes are the most common way to administer a dose of RSO. This benefit especially applies to patients with cancer, chronic pain, and other conditions needing precise dosages.
RSO dosing via a syringe often adheres to a multi-week plan. The first week usually calls for a half dose that increases over the next month. In the course of the next six or so weeks, patients often consume one gram per day. Remember that these doses and frequencies will change depending on your conditions, reactions to RSO, and your tolerance and experience with cannabis.
Keep scrolling for a typical RSO dosage chart you can review with your medical practitioner.
RSO Edibles
Edibles are excellent options for people who want prolonged, more substantial results. Unlike sublingual, topical, smoked, and vaped options, edibles hit harder after going through the digestive process. This journey through the body often means effects won’t kick in until 30 to 120 minutes after consuming the edible. However, some new infused food and beverages shorten the wait to roughly 15 to 30 minutes.
Be careful. Edibles can be deceptive. Because of the slow onset and increased potency, it’s all too easy to use too much, landing yourself with an unpleasant experience. Both patients and recreational consumers should consider the start low, go slow method. To start, consume a grain of rice size or less dose of RSO. Evaluate yourself after 30 minutes to 2 hours. Re-apply the exact dosage as needed.
You can also make your edibles or capsules at home. But as any home edible maker can tell you, dosing can get away from you quickly. To avoid any misdosed edibles, use an edible calculator.
Can You Vape RSO?
RSO is made with solvents that are not safe for consumers to inhale and contain high amounts of plant fats and chlorophyll; therefore, vaping or smoking RSO is not recommended.
RSO Dosage Chart
RSO’s higher potency makes it critical to avoid over-consuming. When figuring out your ideal starting RSO dose, consider the list of consumption options below, tailored to new or infrequent consumers.
RSO Beginner's Guide
Method | Beginner Dosage |
Topical | One-third to half a grain of rice, administered daily |
Sublingual | One-third to half a grain of rice, taken daily |
Edible | One third to half a grain of rice, taken daily |
Patients may need time to adjust to RSO’s effects and varied dosing. Patients report changes over time, with significant differences noticeable when switching to a one-gram-per-day dosage. Those looking to level up may want to follow a regimen like the one detailed in this RSO dosage chart:
RSO Dosage Chart
Day | Dosage |
1-7 | Half a grain of rice each day |
8-11 | Full grain of rice each day |
12-15 | 2 grains of rice per day |
16-19 | 4 grains of rice per day |
20-23 | 8 grains of rice per day |
24-27 | ½ gram per day |
28-30 | Full gram each day |
RSO Regimen
If you want to incorporate RSO more long-term in your life, consider the following RSO dosage chart:
Long-Term RSO Dosage Chart
Week | Dosage |
1 | Half a grain of rice, or a quarter of a syringe drop, administered every eight hours |
2 | Half a grain of rice, or a quarter of a syringe drop, administered every eight hours |
3 | Half a grain of rice, or a quarter of a syringe drop, administered every eight hours |
4 | Increase to a full grain of rice, or a half of a syringe, administered every eight hours |
5 | Increase to two full grains of rice, or a full syringe drop, administered every eight hours |
6 | Increase to four full grains of rice, or two full syringe drops, administered every eight hours |
7-12 | Increase to a gram, or three full syringe drops, administered every eight hours |
Ongoing | After 90 days, patients typically need just one or two grams, totaling eight to 16 syringe drops, per month to maintain their base cannabinoid levels. It is recommended patients consume a small amount each day to reach this point. |
How Frequently Can I Take RSO?
The answer varies with each person. However, there are some standards based mainly on anecdotal evidence:
- Doses are typically administered eight hours apart.
- Most RSO dosing regimens have a set period, often 2 to 3 months. However, some people will use RSO longer.
- Consult a physician to determine your ideal dosage, frequency, and intervals.
Side Effects of RSO to Watch Out For
Like most cannabis products, RSO is considered relatively safe when consumed correctly. Still, some side effects can occur as a result of RSO’s high potency. Adverse reactions to RSO are similar to most other cannabis products and can include:
- Dizziness/coordination loss
- Increased anxiety
- Lethargy
- Nausea
- Intoxication
- Short-term memory loss
Do your best to avoid these outcomes by measuring your dosage. Stick to the regimen laid out by your medical professional. Report any adverse effects your regimen may produce. As always, start low and go slow at the beginning.
The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.