You may have heard of Rick Simpson Oil or RSO, but what is it, and what does it do? RSO is a highly concentrated cannabis oil shown to have medical benefits in treating various conditions. Let’s take a closer look at RSO and see what all the fuss is about.
What is Rick Simpson Oil?
RSO is a type of cannabis oil named after Rick Simpson, the man who developed the extraction method used to make it. RSO is made by extracting THC and other cannabinoids from cannabis plants using a solvent like alcohol or hexane. The extraction process removes all the plant material from the cannabis, leaving behind a sticky, dark green oil that is CBD-rich and potent.
RSO typically contains 50-60% THC, making it one of the most potent cannabis oils on the market. For comparison, most THC-rich strains of marijuana contain around 20% THC. This high THC content makes RSO ideal for treating medical conditions that require high doses of THC, such as chronic pain, cancer, and multiple sclerosis.

Graphic by Ethos Cannabis https://ethoscannabis.com/learn/all-about-rso/
What are the Benefits of Rick Simpson Oil?
There are many potential benefits to taking Rick Simpson Oil. Some of the most well-known benefits include the following:
- -Alleviating chronic pain
- -Reducing inflammation
- -Improving sleep quality
- -Stimulating appetite
- -Reducing anxiety levels
- -Decreasing nausea
- -Slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease
What Conditions Does RSO Treat?
Although more research needs to be done on the efficacy of RSO, many people report experiencing relief from various conditions after taking it. Some of the most common conditions that people use RSO to treat include:
- Cancer
- Chronic pain
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
These are just some of the potential benefits reported by users of RSO. While more research needs to be done to validate these claims further, there is promising preliminary evidence that RSO can be an effective treatment for various medical conditions.
Is There Scientific Evidence to Support the Use of RSO?
There is no scientific evidence to support the use of RSO as a treatment for cancer. However, some anecdotal evidence from people claims that it has helped them.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Like with any medication or supplement, taking RSO has potential side effects. The most common side effect is dizziness, which the high THC content in RSO can cause. Other possible side effects include dry mouth, red eyes, and impaired motor function. These side effects are usually temporary and subside once your body has metabolized the oil. It’s essential to start with a low dose and increase gradually to avoid any unwanted side effects.
How to Use Rick Simpson Oil
There are many different ways to consume RSO. The most popular method is to apply it under the tongue using a dropper, allowing the oil to be absorbed into the bloodstream quickly and efficiently. Other methods include adding it to food or drink or smoking it using a pipe or joint.
It’s essential to start with a low dose when you first try RSO, regardless of how you consume it. The effects of RSO can be powerful, especially if you’re not used to consuming high doses of THC.
When starting, take approximately half a rice grain-sized glob, and increase your dosage slowly until you find a dose that works for you. Most people find they need to take more RSO per day to experience relief from their symptoms over time.

An example of a rice grain sized glob of RSO from Cannavine
https://trycannavine.com/blog/what-is-rso/
Conclusion:
Rick Simpson Oil has recently gained popularity as a treatment for various medical conditions. If you’re considering trying RSO, talk to your healthcare provider first to see if it’s right. And remember, start low and slow to avoid unwanted side effects!
If you would like to learn more about Cannabis and how it effects your body, we recommend these articles:
Cannabinoids: The What and Why of Cannabis Compounds