During your research on cannabis oil you might have come across RSO. What is it and how is it different from other cannabis-derived oils?
This article will tell you all you need to know about it as well as the colourful character who created it.
What is RSO?
Rick Simpson Oil or most commonly known as RSO is a type of oil derived from the cannabis plant. It’s sometimes referred to as RSO oil (although the term is redundant as the O already stands for ‘oil’).
Unlike CBD or hemp oil which is extracted from flowers or seeds, RSO utilizes the entire marijuana plant. The process pioneered by Rick Simpson produces an extract with a full spectrum, containing cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial compounds of the marjuana plant. Because of these properties, RSO contains a higher concentration of THC compared to regular cannabis oil.
Who is Rick Simpson?
Rick Simpson is a former power engineer from Canada who discovered the benefits of cannabis when he suffered a work related head injury in 1997. Complications from his injury and side effects from his medication prompted him to look towards medical marijuana to relieve his suffering.
In 2003 he was diagnosed with skin cancer and his disillusionment with the healthcare system and doctors grew. When modern medicine failed him, he turned to his own homemade cannabis oil. To this day Rick claims it healed him of his basal cell carcinoma, despite studies claiming otherwise due to insufficient evidence.
Despite his ailments he continues to advocate for the legalization of medical cannabis. At one point he was even giving out his oils for free, until the Royal Canadian Police showed up his door in 2003 and pooped all over his party.
In 2013, Rick left Canada and has since been operating out of Europe. He doesn’t produce his own oil for commercial purposes however. Instead he’s been educating people on his website on how to make RSO at home
In 2016, he released a book, ‘Phoenix Tears – The Rick Simpson Story’ in which he details his struggles with the health industry and cannabis advocacy.
What are the benefits of RSO?
On his website, Rick Simpson claims it can treat ‘cancer, MS, pain, diabetes, arthritis, asthma, infections, inflammations, blood pressure, depression and insomnia’. However please bear in mind that most of these claims are anecdotal and have not been thoroughly researched.
There is evidence to suggest that cannabis oil can help with PTSD, with participants reporting reduced anxiety and improved sleep.
How to use RSO
It is also important to highlight that unlike CBD oil, RSO has a higher potency of THC, so you will experience intense psychoactive effects if you’re not used to it.
RSO is most effective when consumed. However the dosage and method of delivery will depend on your tolerance, expectations and lifestyle.
The most common and convenient form would be in capsules. However if you prefer something to munch on Seconds has some fruit-flavored gummies. Available in Citrus Sour Diesel for an instant zing in the morning or Berry Haze with a satisfying sativa crunch.
If you have a sweet tooth, check out this RSO chocolate bar. It’s conveniently portioned into 20 pieces and ideal for people who prefer their THC journey to build up gradually over a few hours. And unlike the Dubai version, it’s not overpriced.
And for anyone asking if you can dab RSO, the answer is YES. Your best options would be to get RSO in a syringe or darts as it’s sometimes called (because it’s small and cute and therefore looks less incriminating).
The main advantage of a syringe is its versatility. In addition to topical, localized treatment, it can also be used as drops under the tongue (sublingually) or added to your food for delayed effect. Seconds has travel-friendly syringes available in sativa and indica.
Not sure which strain suits you best? We have another blog post which breaks it down for you. Check it out.
Can you smoke RSO?
Negative. RSO is not engineered for smoking and tastes really nasty. Its unrefined consistency leads to uneven burning and is harsh on the throat and lungs. Some RSO are made with solvents such as butane or isopropyl which at best can cause intense psychoactive effects in a short period of time or at worst release harmful fumes.
If you want to light it up a joint, blunt or spiff is the way to go. This guide explains the differences between the three and will help you figure out which is best for you.
