RSO Dosage Chart [2024 Update]

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 asthma to multiple sclerosis. 

Like with any cannabis product, each consumption method has its own advantages and disadvantages. It’s good to get to know each one to choose which works 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 a coin-sized amount that covers an affected area. Then, apply a bandage. Change your dressing every few hours, re-applying RSO as needed. 

RSO Syringe

Syringes are excellent ways to administer a measured 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 common 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. Consume 5 milligrams or fewer to start. Evaluate yourself after 30-60 minutes. Re-apply the same dosage, if needed. 

You can also make your own edibles 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 vapes are available but aren’t the most common option. One of the reasons it isn't as popular as other options may be the increased potency. Vaping RSO oil may provide too much THC for some patients. Others worry vaping can eliminate some of the desired effects. When used as a vape, RSO is heated and undergoes a chemical change called decarboxylation. This process can remove some of the plant profile, reducing the overall potency of your RSO. Be cautious of your RSO dosing, especially early on. 

While many patients prefer other methods, there are plenty of reasons an RSO vape may be ideal for you. From their near-instant high-dose effects to their discretion, vapes make a ton of sense for numerous use cases. 

Like with an edible, you’ll want to exercise more caution than most other consumption options. The start low, go slow approach is always wise with cannabis, and especially true with high potency products like RSO. Take one or two pulls, totaling a second or less each time. Then, see how you feel in 30-60 minutes and re-apply your dosage if needed. 

RSO Dosage Chart

RSO’s higher potency makes it critical to avoid over-consuming. Consider the list of consumption options below, tailored to new or infrequent consumers, when figuring out your ideal starting RSO dose.

RSO Beginner's Guide

Method	Beginner Dosage
Topical	One third to half a grain of rice, administered every eight hours
Sublingual	One third to half a grain of rice, administered daily
Edible	One third to half a grain of rice, taken daily
Vape	One third of a grain of rice, administered daily

Patients may need time to adjust to RSO’s effects and its 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 time span, often 2 to 3 months. However, some people will use RSO longer.
• Consult with 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 
• Psychoactivity  
• 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. And, as always, start low and go slow when 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.