RSO oil (Rick Simpson Oil) is a thick, dark, full-spectrum cannabis extract used mainly for symptom relief. People use it for chronic pain, nausea and appetite loss, sleep problems, anxiety, muscle spasms, and skin conditions, and some use it alongside conventional cancer treatment. It is not an FDA-approved medicine, so its use depends on your state's cannabis laws and your doctor's guidance.
What Is RSO Oil Exactly?
RSO is made by soaking cannabis plant material in a solvent, then evaporating the solvent to leave a tar-like oil. Because it is a whole-plant extract, it keeps a wide range of cannabinoids plus terpenes and other plant compounds rather than isolating one molecule. That full-spectrum profile, usually with very high THC, is the main difference between RSO and purified CBD oil or distillate cartridges.
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What Is RSO Oil Used For?
Reported uses cluster into four groups: pain, nausea and appetite, sleep and mood, and topical skin care. Evidence quality ranges from strong (chemotherapy-related nausea) to preliminary (cancer itself).
Chronic Pain and Inflammation
THC and CBD interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, which can dull pain signaling. Reviews of medical cannabis for chronic pain find modest but real relief, and RSO delivers those cannabinoids in a potent oral dose. It is most often used for nerve pain, arthritis, back pain, and post-surgical discomfort.
Nausea, Appetite, and Chemotherapy Support
Oral cannabinoids are proven to reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, which is why the FDA approved dronabinol and nabilone. RSO users frequently report the same benefit plus better appetite and less weight loss. This is one of the best-supported uses of high-THC cannabis extract.
Sleep and Anxiety
Many people take a small evening dose for insomnia and racing thoughts. The sedating effect of a high-THC extract can help with falling asleep and staying asleep. Daily use builds tolerance quickly, so the same dose tends to work less over time.
Muscle Spasms and Neurological Symptoms
Patients with multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, and seizure disorders sometimes use RSO for spasticity and involuntary movements. A purified CBD oral solution is FDA approved for certain severe childhood epilepsies, which supports the seizure-related interest. RSO itself has not been approved for any of these conditions.
Skin Conditions and Topical Use
Diluted RSO rubbed into the skin is used for psoriasis, eczema-like irritation, scarring, and localized joint pain. Topical THC generally does not produce a high because it enters skin receptors more than the bloodstream. Results reported here are anecdotal rather than confirmed in trials.
Cancer-Related Use
Rick Simpson originally promoted RSO as a cancer cure, and it remains the most common question patients ask. Laboratory studies show cannabinoids can kill cancer cells in a dish, but human trials have not shown that RSO cures or shrinks tumors in people. Most clinicians treat it as a comfort measure for pain, nausea, and appetite, never as a replacement for oncology care.
How Is RSO Oil Taken?
- Start with a dose the size of a half grain of rice, roughly 5 to 10 mg of THC.
- Place it on food, under the tongue, or in a gelatin capsule. Do not smoke or vape it.
- Wait at least two hours before judging the effect, then adjust by small increments.
- Keep the syringe warm and sealed; RSO is sticky and degrades with heat and light.
How Strong Is RSO Oil?
Most RSO tests between 60% and 90% THC, which makes it one of the most potent cannabis products available. A single rice-grain dose can contain 15 to 25 mg of THC, well above what a new user should take. Expect a slow onset of one to two hours and effects lasting four to eight hours when swallowed.
Is RSO Oil Legal?
RSO is legal in US states with medical or adult-use cannabis programs, and it is sold in licensed dispensaries with testing and labeling. It remains illegal under federal law, and it cannot legally cross state lines. Some hemp-derived products are sold online as RSO-style oil, but these are typically low-THC and not the same product.
Are There Risks or Side Effects?
Common effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, rapid heart rate, and short-term memory trouble. High-THC cannabis can impair driving and coordination and can lead to dependence with daily use. Do not combine RSO with alcohol, sedatives, or blood thinners without medical advice, and avoid it during pregnancy.
FAQ
Is RSO the same as CBD oil?
No. CBD oil is usually made from hemp and contains little or no THC, while RSO is a full-spectrum extract that is typically high in THC.
Does RSO oil get you high?
Yes, if it contains THC, which most RSO does. Expect a strong intoxicating effect from oral doses above about 10 mg of THC.
What dose should a beginner start with?
Start at 5 mg of THC or less, take it in the evening, and increase slowly over days rather than hours.