The Complete Guide to RSO Gummies

Over the past few decades, Rick Simpson oil (RSO) has gained significant traction for its potential health benefits. Similarly, the edibles market has flourished, with market projections expecting substantial growth, with some anticipating up to 16.5% annual growth through 2032. Edible popularity is bolstered by a range of benefits, including convenience, discretion, and amplified effects compared to other cannabis options.^1,2

RSO has become a focal point for many edible consumers looking for a decisive result, mostly for medical purposes. However, are RSO gummies a viable option for consumers?

What Are RSO Gummies?

RSO gummies are a type of infused cannabis edible. Rather than using traditional cannabis infusion options, such as a flower or hash rosin, RSO gummies incorporate Rick Simpson oil. Adding this full-spectrum cannabis extract, made by its namesake, is often associated with a significant dose of cannabis. That substantial dosage comes with many reported potential medical benefits. While additional research is required, some claim that RSO has helped treat conditions like cancer when used in various forms.

Gummy producers follow a relatively similar production process with RSO gummies as they do with other infused edibles. They use ingredients such as glycerin, corn syrup, sunflower, and more. RSO stands out as a difference between the recipes.

RSO gummies stand out for two prominent characteristics: potency and distinct flavor. Gummies typically come in various fruit flavors to mask the robust and cannabis taste associated with RSO. Like other infused gummies, RSO edibles are generally capped at 10 to 20mg per piece, depending on local and state law. However, some home producers may create higher-quantity products, delivering a more substantial dosage of RSO in every piece.

Advantages of RSO Gummies

RSO edibles offer many potential advantages, including a full plant spectrum offering. With RSO, consumers can enjoy as much of the plant's complex compound profile as possible. In doing so, they are believed to receive the most beneficial experience, as the synergy between the plant's various cannabinoids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and other substances leads to the most effective outcome. This is often referred to as the entourage effect. 

Numerous other factors are also considered advantageous to RSO gummies. They include:

• Potency and Spectrum: With a tendency for high THC content and a complex compound profile, RSO offers consumers robust effects, even when compared to other edibles.
• Taste Preference: While some consumers may not prefer a cannabis taste to their edibles, RSO provides that option to consumers looking for a plant taste in their gummies. 
• Cost-Effectiveness: Prices can vary depending on the brand, producer, and state market. However, those making RSO edibles can quickly realize the cost-effective benefits of making gummies at home.
• Pharmacokinetic Benefits: Select research has found that full-spectrum cannabis extracts, like RSO, can enhance the permeability of the body's blood-brain barrier, showing the potential to boost the efficacy of cannabinoids.³ This effect suggests that RSO may play a role in modulating THC effects on various conditions, providing pain and anti-inflammatory relief for some consumers.⁴

Drawbacks of RSO Gummies

Many find benefits in RSO gummies and other consumption options. However, that isn't always the case. Primary drawbacks consumers should be on the lookout for include: 

• High Potency: Edibles, through their unique digestion and metabolization journey, amplify cannabis effects by roughly three times in many cases. RSO is considered one of the most potent forms of cannabis oil today. This could lead to accidental overconsumption and unwanted effects, such as a greenout. 
• Taste: Some may love a cannabis-tasting edible. If so, then RSO gummies may be an ideal option. For those looking to enjoy the effects of cannabis without the taste, then most RSO edibles may not be for you. 
• Possible Mess: Making RSO gummies at home can save you money while ensuring you know exactly what you’re consuming. However, with several sticky ingredients, the mess may prove substantial. This shouldn’t deter you from trying to make DIY RSO edibles but keep caution in mind.

What You Need to Make RSO Gummies

Making infused edibles, like RSO gummies, at home is a relatively straightforward process, especially for those already familiar with making infused edibles and gummies. When prepping your kitchen for a batch of DIY RSO gummies, be sure to have the following on hand:

Equipment Needed

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small saucepan
• Double boiler
• Whisk
• Funnel
• Squeeze bottle
• Silicone candy molds (e.g., gummy bear or cannabis leaf shapes)
• Coffee cup warmer or small saucepan
• Silicone spatula
• Wire cooling/drying racks

Ingredients

• Water or juice
• Unflavored gelatin 
• RSO 
• Liquid lecithin 
• Lemon juice or mold inhibitor
• Flavored gelatin (for the base flavor of the gummies)
• Flavoring oils or natural fruit extracts for additional flavoring (optional)

Common dietary ingredient alternatives for making edibles include:

• Gelatin Alternatives: Agar-agar can be used instead of gelatin to achieve something close to the classic gummy consistency.
• Sweetener Adjustments: Corn syrup alternatives include honey or agave nectar, but can alter the gummy’s texture and taste.
• Flavoring Options: Flavor oils and natural fruit extracts are viable replacements for synthetic flavors and are a standard option for organic, kosher, or halal diets.
• Lecithin Source: Sunflower lecithin is a viable non-soy alternative, providing an option to anyone with soy allergies or adhering to a non-GMO diet.

Another valuable tool to have on hand is a dosage chart. These guides help break down what’s needed to create specific doses for each RSO gummy made, eliminating the guesswork associated with DIY edibles over the years.

How to Make RSO Gummies

1. Gelatin Preparation - Mix the gelatin with water in a saucepan over heat and let it sit for a few minutes to ensure it absorbs the water.
2. Emulsify RSO Mixture - Combine the glycerin or glycerin substitute with lecithin or lecithin substitute in a separate container or saucepan. Add the RSO to the mixture. If you are making your own RSO, be sure to decarb your flower before making your RSO to activate the THC. Once all these ingredients have been added, warm the container using a stove or hot plate on low heat to emulsify the ingredients. Do not let the container begin to boil, or you may risk degrading your cannabinoid content.
3. Combine Flavors and Gelatin - Add flavored gelatin and corn syrup to the mix, stirring over low heat until the ingredients are evenly mixed and smooth in texture. 
4. Add Cannabis Oil and Flavoring - Remove the gelatin mixture from heat. Then, add any flavoring and other food-grade essential oils to the mix. The optional mold inhibitor can also be added to ensure a thorough mixture.
5. Prepare Molds - Clean and dry your silicone molds. Then, lightly grease the inside of the molds with a cooking spray to ensure the edibles can be removed from the mold when complete.
6. Fill Molds - Once cleaned and greased, use a dropper or silicone squeeze bottle to fill the molds with your gelatin mix. Keep track of how many candies you're making to understand the dosage per piece properly.
7. Chill and Set - Once filled, place the molds in the refrigerator until the mix has stabilized, creating a firm and set gummy in each mold.
8. Unmold and Dry - Once set, carefully remove each gummy from its molding and let each piece air dry on a food-safe surface.
9. Storage - Place any gummies you plan to use later in an airtight container, ideally UV-protected. Place this container in a cool, dark place for later usage. A refrigerator is an ideal option, though some may use the freezer. Any edibles made without a mold inhibitor need to be refrigerated or frozen to ensure that the product remains in a cold setting, or you may risk quick spoiling. 
10. Dosage and Consumption - Use your dosage chart to total up the amount of RSO used to gauge the amount of gummies created. Using a dosage chart will also help ensure each piece is consistently dosed. Once the dosage is sorted, you can assess the ideal serving for you or your guests. Consider starting with a low dose and building up to an ideal dosage to avoid possible overconsumption drawbacks.

Tips for Buying RSO Gummies

Consumers should consider the following when buying RSO gummies or other edibles:

• Potency 
• Ingredient Quality  
• Company Reputation   
• Consumer Reviews 

Producers may make strain-specific RSO using a single strain instead of a blend of different strains. If you are seeking a specific strain in RSO form, it may be best to make your own unless you can find a producer near you.

Only purchase from licensed producers who provide lab test results from trusted, licensed third-party labs that can confirm the product's formulation, potency, and other critical factors. 

Remember, RSO is a highly potent cannabis extract, typically containing between 600mg and 900mg of THC per gram. It is best to start low and ease into using RSO edibles with a half gummy or whole gummy, depending on the THC dosage per gummy.

References

1. Barrus DG, Capogrossi KL, Cates SC, et al. Tasty THC: Promises and Challenges of Cannabis Edibles. Methods Rep RTI Press. 2016;2016:10.3768/rtipress.2016.op.0035.1611. doi:10.3768/rtipress.2016.op.0035.1611 ↩︎
2. Spindle TR, Bonn-Miller MO, Vandrey R. Changing landscape of cannabis: novel products, formulations, and methods of administration. Curr Opin Psychol. 2019;30:98-102. doi:10.1016/j.copsyc.2019.04.002 ↩︎
3. McPartland JM, Russo EB. Cannabis and Cannabis Extracts. Journal of Cannabis Therapeutics. 2020;1(3-4):103-132. doi:https://doi.org/10.1300/j175v01n03_08 ↩︎
4. Maayah ZH, Takahara S, Ferdaoussi M, Dyck JRB. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of formulated full-spectrum cannabis extract in the treatment of neuropathic pain associated with multiple sclerosis. Inflammation Research. 2020;69(6):549-558. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00011-020-01341-1 ↩︎

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.