So you’ve got your hands on some Rick Simpson Oil and you’re ready to use it but now you’re wondering: how long is this going to take? That’s a fair question, and honestly, it depends on how you take it.
RSO is notably different from other cannabis products. It’s thick, highly concentrated, and packed with THC. The way you consume it makes a huge difference in when you’ll start feeling effects. Let’s break it down in a way that actually helps you plan your experience.
The Quick Answer
Here’s the shorthand breakdown:
| Method | Onset Time | Duration |
| Sublingual (under the tongue) | 15-30 minutes | 4-8 hours |
| Oral (swallowed or in food) | 60-120 minutes | 6-10 hours |
| Topical (applied to skin) | 5-15 minutes | 2-4 hours |
Why RSO Hits Different Than Other Cannabis Products
Here’s something most blogs don’t explain: RSO is a full-spectrum, lipid-based extract. Unlike smoking or vaping where THC enters your bloodstream almost instantly through your lungs, RSO needs to go through your digestive system in most cases which takes longer but also produces longer-lasting effects.
RSO is also much thicker and more concentrated than typical cannabis oils. That thickness actually helps it absorb better sublingually, but it also means you need to dose carefully because a little goes a long way.
Sublingual: The Fastest Option
Putting RSO under your tongue is the most popular method for people who want quicker effects without waiting hours.
Onset: 15-30 minutes Full effects: 30-60 minutes Duration: 4-8 hours
How to do it properly
- Place a small amount (about half a grain of rice) under your tongue
- Hold it there for 60-90 seconds before swallowing
- The warmth of your mouth helps it absorb through the mucous membranes
- Avoid eating or drinking anything for about 10 minutes after
The reason sublingual works faster is that the THC absorbs directly into the bloodstream through the soft tissue under your tongue, bypassing your liver’s first-pass metabolism. That’s why you feel it sooner than if you swallowed it.
Oral: Slower But Stronger
When you swallow RSO directly, mix it into food, or take it in capsule form, you’re in for a longer wait but often a more intense and longer-lasting experience.
Onset: 60-120 minutes Full effects: 2-3 hours Duration: 6-10 hours
Why it takes so long
Once swallowed, RSO travels to your stomach, then your small intestine, where it’s absorbed into your bloodstream. From there, it goes to your liver, which converts THC into a more potent form (11-hydroxy-THC). This process takes time, but the result is often a stronger, more body-heavy high that lasts much longer.
This method is ideal for:
- People using RSO for pain relief or sleep
- Those who need long-lasting effects
- Patients on the RSO protocol who need consistent dosing throughout the day
Pro tip
Taking RSO on an empty stomach can speed up onset slightly, but it might also increase intensity and potential discomfort. Taking it with a small meal (especially something with healthy fats) can help smooth out the effects and reduce stomach upset.
Topical: Targeted Relief
Applying RSO directly to your skin is a completely different experience and a different timeline.
Onset: 5-15 minutes Full effects: 20-30 minutes Duration: 2-4 hours
What to expect
Topical RSO doesn’t produce psychoactive effects because the THC doesn’t enter your bloodstream through your skin. Instead, it interacts with local cannabinoid receptors in the affected area, providing localized relief for:
- Skin conditions
- Muscle aches
- Joint pain
- Inflammation
The effects are more subtle and therapeutic than recreational, making this a great option for daytime use when you need relief without impairment.
Factors That Affect How Fast RSO Works
Your onset time isn’t set in stone. Several factors can speed up or slow down the process:
Your Metabolism
Faster metabolism = faster onset. If you have a fast metabolism, you might feel effects on the sooner end of the timeline. Slower metabolizers might wait longer.
What You’ve Eaten
An empty stomach generally means faster onset but potentially stronger effects. A full stomach slows absorption but can make the experience smoother.
Your Tolerance Level
New users often feel effects faster and more intensely. Regular cannabis users might need larger doses to feel the same effects, which can also affect timing.
The Quality of Your RSO
Not all RSO is created equal. High-quality, properly made RSO with good terpene preservation tends to work more consistently than poorly processed variants.
Your Individual Body Chemistry
Everyone’s endocannabinoid system is different. Some people feel effects quickly; others wait longer. This is why starting low and going slow is so important.
How to Make RSO Kick In Faster
If you’re tired of waiting and want to feel effects sooner, here are some strategies:
1. Use the Sublingual Method
This is genuinely the fastest oral route. Skip mixing it in food if speed is your priority.
2. Hold It Under Your Tongue Longer
The longer you hold it, the more it absorbs directly through the mucous membranes. Try a full 2 minutes instead of 30 seconds.
3. Don’t Eat or Drink Immediately After
Wait at least 15-20 minutes after taking RSO sublingually before consuming anything.
4. Use a CBD or Terpene Boost
Some users report that adding a few drops of CBD oil or a terpene tincture can enhance absorption, though evidence is anecdotal.
5. Try Warm Water Method
Place your RSO container in warm water for 30 seconds before dosing. Warmed RSO is thinner and easier to measure and absorb.
Signs Your RSO Is Kicking In
Here’s what to watch for:
Early signs (30-60 minutes sublingual)
- Gentle relaxation spreading through your body
- Slight heaviness in limbs
- Mood softening, feeling more at ease
Full effects (1-2 hours oral)
- Deeper body relaxation
- Possible drowsiness
- Heightened sensory awareness (colors seem brighter, music sounds better)
- Warmth or tingling sensation
For topicals
- Localized warmth or cooling sensation
- Reduced pain or stiffness in the applied area
- Muscle relaxation in the targeted region
Common Mistakes That Delay Effects
A lot of people mess this up without realizing:
Taking Too Much
More isn’t always better. If you take too much RSO too often, you might build tolerance, requiring larger doses and longer wait times for effects.
Swallowing Immediately (Sublingual)
If you swallow your RSO too quickly after placing it under your tongue, you essentially turn your sublingual dose into an oral dose meaning you’ll wait longer for effects.
Inconsistent Dosing
Taking RSO sporadically makes it harder to predict when effects will hit. Consistent dosing on a schedule helps your body adjust and respond more predictably.
Low-Quality Product
Poorly made RSO may have degraded cannabinoids, which means weaker or inconsistent effects.
RSO vs. Other Cannabis Products: Why the Difference?
You might be wondering why RSO takes longer than, say, smoking a joint.
Here’s the science
- When you inhale cannabis, THC goes directly from your lungs to your bloodstream to your brain fast. When you ingest RSO (sublingual or oral), it must be absorbed through mucous membranes or your digestive system, then processed by your liver. This takes time but also produces different effects.
- RSO also contains the full spectrum of cannabinoids, terpenes, and plant compounds. This “entourage effect” creates a more nuanced high that’s often described as more body-heavy and therapeutic compared to the head-focused high from inhalation methods.
How Long Should You Wait Before Taking More?
This is crucial: don’t re-dose too soon. RSO effects can take time to fully materialize, and if you take more before the first dose has peaked, you might accidentally take too much.
General Guidelines
- Sublingual: Wait at least 2 hours before considering more
- Oral: Wait at least 3-4 hours
- Topical: Wait at least 1-2 hours
Start with the smallest amount possible (about the size of a grain of rice) and give it time. You can always take more, but you can’t take less once it’s in your system.
When to Expect Peak Effects
Understanding when effects peak helps you plan your day:
- Sublingual: Peaks around 1-2 hours after dosing
- Oral: Peaks around 2-4 hours after dosing
- Topical: Peaks around 30-60 minutes after application
After peak, effects gradually taper off over the next few hours.
Quick FAQ
Why does my RSO take longer to kick in than my friend’s?
Individual metabolism, tolerance, and body chemistry vary significantly. What works for one person may differ for another.
Can I speed up RSO absorption?
Yes, use the sublingual method, hold it under your tongue longer, and avoid eating/drinking immediately after.
Is sublingual RSO as strong as oral?
The intensity is similar, but the character differs. Sublingual often feels more “heady,” while oral produces a heavier body effect.
Does RSO work faster on an empty stomach?
Generally, yes but it may also feel more intense. A light meal can smooth out the experience.
How do I know if my RSO has gone bad?
If it smells off, has changed color significantly, or feels unusually hard or sticky, it may have degraded. Properly stored RSO lasts up to 10 years.
Can I use RSO during the day without feeling too impaired?
Start with a very small dose (tiny grain of rice). Topical application also provides relief without psychoactive effects.
The Bottom Line
How long RSO takes to kick in depends on your method:
- Sublingual: 15-30 minutes (fastest for whole-body effects)
- Oral: 60-120 minutes (slowest but longest-lasting)
- Topical: 5-15 minutes (fastest but localized, non-psychoactive)
Your individual body chemistry, what you’ve eaten, your tolerance level, and the quality of your RSO all play a role. Start with a small dose, be patient, and give yourself at least 2 hours before considering more.
