Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) is one of the most talked-about cannabis products in the medical marijuana community. Developed by a Canadian engineer, it has become a symbol of cannabis’s potential as a therapeutic medicine particularly in the cancer community. But what exactly is it, how is it used, and is it right for you?
This guide covers everything you need to know about RSO: its origins, chemistry, benefits, risks, proper dosing, legal status, and how it compares to other cannabis oils.
What Is Rick Simpson Oil?
Rick Simpson Oil is a highly concentrated, full-spectrum cannabis extract made by soaking cannabis plant material in a solvent (typically isopropyl alcohol or ethanol), straining out the plant matter, and then evaporating the solvent to leave behind a thick, dark, viscous oil.
Unlike many cannabis products, RSO is undiluted and unprocessed beyond extraction. The result is an extremely potent oil that retains nearly all of the cannabis plant’s cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids including high levels of THC (often 50–90%), CBD, CBN, and other minor cannabinoids.
Who Is Rick Simpson?
RSO takes its name from Rick Simpson, a Canadian engineer who claims to have used cannabis oil to treat his own basal cell carcinoma (an aggressive form of skin cancer) in 2003. After applying a homemade cannabis extract to his skin lesions for four days, he reported that the cancerous spots disappeared.
Simpson went on to produce and distribute his cannabis oil free of charge to patients in his community, documenting his results and advocating for cannabis as a cancer treatment. His story spread worldwide and inspired a movement. Today, commercial versions of RSO are available in licensed dispensaries across many states.
Potential Benefits of RSO
Research specifically on RSO is limited. However, because RSO is a full-spectrum cannabis extract, the extensive body of research on THC and other cannabinoids applies directly. The most significant potential benefits include:
Cancer and Anti-Tumor Properties
The most prominent claim surrounding RSO is its potential anti-cancer effects. While clinical evidence remains limited and inconclusive, preclinical studies have shown that THC and CBD can trigger apoptosis (programmed cell death) in certain cancer cell lines in laboratory settings. Researchers are actively exploring cannabinoids as a complementary cancer therapy, though RSO should never replace conventional cancer treatment without medical supervision.
Pain Relief
RSO’s high THC content makes it one of the most potent forms of cannabis for pain management. THC binds to CB1 receptors in the central nervous system, modulating pain signals. It may be particularly effective for neuropathic pain, cancer-related pain, and inflammatory conditions like arthritis.
Other Conditions RSO May Help With
- Anxiety and depression
- Chronic insomnia and sleep disorders
- Inflammation and inflammatory conditions
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) and muscle spasms
- Asthma and respiratory inflammation
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Nausea and appetite loss including chemotherapy-induced nausea
Because RSO is more potent than almost any other cannabis product, even small doses can produce significant effects. Always start low and go slow.
Risks and Side Effects
RSO carries all the risks of any high-THC product amplified by its extreme potency. Users should be fully aware of the following:
Common Side Effects
- Intense psychoactive effects and disorientation
- Anxiety and paranoia especially in new users or at high doses
- Accelerated heart rate (tachycardia)
- Dizziness and coordination problems
- Dry mouth and red eyes
- Fatigue and sedation
- Nausea or vomiting at excessive doses
- Delayed reaction times do not drive or operate machinery
Drug Interactions
RSO may interact with a range of medications because THC and other cannabinoids are metabolized by the liver’s cytochrome P450 enzyme system the same pathway used by many common drugs. Known potential interactions include:
- Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs)
- Opioid pain medications
- Sedatives, benzodiazepines, and sleep aids
- Blood thinners (e.g., warfarin)
- Antiepileptic medications
Always consult your physician before using RSO if you take any prescription medication.
How to Dose Rick Simpson Oil
Because RSO is so potent, dosing carefully is essential. Rick Simpson himself developed a 90-day protocol, originally intended for cancer treatment:
Simpson’s 90-Day Protocol
- Week 1–2: Start with a rice-grain-sized drop (approximately 0.025g) three times daily
- Weeks 3–5: Double the dose every four days as tolerance builds
- Weeks 5–12: Work up to 1 gram per day until 60 grams total have been consumed
This protocol was designed specifically for cancer patients. For general wellness or other conditions, much lower doses are appropriate and a physician’s guidance is strongly recommended.
Methods of Consumption
Sublingual (under the tongue): Fastest absorption after inhalation; place a small amount under the tongue and hold for 60–90 seconds.
Oral/Ingestion: Mix into food or swallow directly. Onset is slower (1–2 hours) but effects last longer (4–8 hours).
Topical: Applied directly to skin lesions or affected areas. Does not produce psychoactive effects when used topically.
Do not smoke or vaporize RSO the product is not designed for inhalation and may contain residual solvents that are unsafe when heated directly.
RSO vs. Cannabis Oil: What’s the Difference?
RSO and regular cannabis oil are often confused, but they are very different products:
Concentration: RSO is undiluted it is a raw concentrate. Regular cannabis oils are diluted in a carrier oil (MCT oil, hempseed oil), resulting in significantly lower potency.
Potency: RSO typically contains 50–90% THC. Standard cannabis oils usually range from 10–30%.
Packaging: RSO is sold in a syringe for precise dosing. Cannabis oils typically come in dropper bottles.
Full-spectrum: Both RSO and quality cannabis oils are full-spectrum they contain the complete range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, providing the entourage effect.
Hemp-derived RSO: A THC-free (or low-THC) version of RSO made from hemp rather than marijuana. It is high in CBD and is federally legal. It may share some of RSO’s therapeutic properties without the psychoactive effects.
How Is RSO Made?
RSO is produced through solvent extraction:
- Cannabis plant material is submerged in a solvent typically high-proof ethanol or isopropyl alcohol
- The solvent draws out cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds from the plant material
- The mixture is strained to remove all plant matter
- The solvent is then slowly evaporated using low heat, leaving behind the concentrated oil
The final product is a thick, dark brown-to-black oil with a strong, earthy flavor. Making RSO at home is not recommended the process involves flammable solvents and, if done incorrectly, can be dangerous. It is also illegal to produce in many jurisdictions without a license.
Is RSO Legal?
RSO’s legal status depends on where it comes from and where you live:
Marijuana-derived RSO: Federally illegal in the United States as a Schedule I substance. Legal in states that have legalized medical or recreational cannabis.
Hemp-derived RSO: Legal federally under the 2018 Farm Bill, as long as it contains less than 0.3% delta-9 THC. Legal in all 50 states.
Low-THC states: In states like Texas and Georgia that only permit low-THC cannabis products, high-THC marijuana-derived RSO is prohibited.
Always verify the current laws in your state before purchasing or using RSO. Regulations change frequently.
The Bottom Line
Rick Simpson Oil is among the most potent cannabis products available. Its full-spectrum profile and extremely high THC content make it a compelling option for patients managing serious conditions particularly chronic pain, cancer-related symptoms, and treatment-resistant insomnia.
However, its potency demands respect. RSO is not for casual or first-time cannabis users, and it should always be used under medical supervision when possible. With proper guidance, measured dosing, and a legitimate medical marijuana card, RSO can be a powerful tool in a patient’s therapeutic arsenal.
To access RSO legally and safely, connect with a licensed physician through MarijuanaDoctors to get your medical marijuana card today.
Get Your Medical Marijuana Card Connect with a licensed physician online in minutes. Access larger purchase limits and higher potency strains.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does RSO take to kick in?
When taken orally, RSO typically takes 1–2 hours to take effect, similar to other cannabis edibles. Sublingual absorption is faster usually 15–45 minutes. Effects can last 4–8 hours depending on dose and individual metabolism.
Is RSO the strongest cannabis product?
RSO is one of the most potent cannabis products available, with THC concentrations often between 50–90%. It is comparable in potency to other full-extract cannabis oils (FECO) and some high-grade concentrates like live resin or rosin, though those products are typically not consumed in the same way.
Can RSO be used for conditions other than cancer?
Yes. While RSO was originally developed for skin cancer, many patients use it for chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety, MS, and other conditions. Always consult a physician to determine whether RSO is appropriate for your specific health needs.