Guide to RSO and Dosage
Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) is a mainstay in the world of medical cannabis but so far has been less recognized in the recreational community. Part of this may be due to confusion over dosage; so how much RSO should I take recreationally?
RSO is a potent cannabis extract with a high THC content. For that reason, start low and go slow with RSO, especially if you're a relatively new cannabis user.
What Is Rick Simpson Oil?
RSO, named after cannabis activist Rick Simpson, is a highly concentrated cannabis oil that contains up to 75% THC. Like other cannabis extracts, it's often ingested orally or as part of a cannabis edible.
As a highly potent, full-spectrum product that's easy to consume, RSO's popularity is bound to grow as consumers become more familiar with the product, how to use it, and its advantages. You can ask staff members in our Seattle dispensaries how they recommend using RSO for the best possible experience.
Dosing RSO Recreationally
RSO oil is a potent product that should be treated differently from many other cannabis products due to its strength. When judging RSO dosage, keep the following points in mind:
Pay attention to the differences between tinctures and edibles when consuming RSO. The effects of consuming edibles take longer to feel than many other consumption methods. Follow dosage advice even if it takes a while to notice the effects to avoid overconsumption.
Vaping an extremely potent product like RSO will give you an immediate, strong hit. Proceed with caution, especially if you haven’t built up a strong tolerance to THC.
THC content in RSO can range from 50 to 75%. You will likely be able to handle more oil if you choose a product with lower THC levels.
Dosing RSO for Consumption with a Syringe: Sublingual or Ingested
RSO is often administered sublingually or orally via a syringe. RSO syringes offer an effective way to dose your oil as it's easy to regulate how much you ingest.
RSO tincture dosing often follows a multi-week plan to build up your tolerance gradually. For example, take around a ½ grain of rice-size amount per day in the first week and a full grain of rice-size amount from the second week onward.
Tip: Bear in mind that these doses are only a rule of thumb. Adjust them according to your tolerance and experience with cannabis.
Dosing RSO for Edibles
Cannabis edibles are perfect for individuals looking for more prolonged effects. Cannabis consumed as part of an edible takes longer to kick in but hits harder after being digested and metabolized by the liver. The combination of a slow onset and strong effects can lead to overconsumption, so go easy when consuming RSO in edibles.
Start with around 5 milligrams or less. If your edible doesn't hit the spot after around an hour, try adding slightly more. Remember that recreational experiences should be fun; don't risk an unpleasant experience with overzealous dosing.
Dosing RSO for Topical Application
Anecdotal evidence suggests that RSO topicals can be effective in treating different skin conditions from melanoma to sensitive skin. So far, there isn't enough scientific evidence to back this up, but it may be worth experimenting with how your skin reacts to RSO (and always seek medical advice right away if you see any strange spots or growths on your skin).
Start with a low dosage of RSO. Apply a coin-sized amount to the affected area and cover it with a bandage. Change the bandage every few hours and reapply the RSO oil as needed.
Dosing RSO for Vapes
Some consumers are unsure about whether they can vape RSO. Though some individuals like to vaporize RSO, it has some drawbacks which may make it unappealing for many recreational users:
Vaping RSO may be too much for some people with a lower THC tolerance level.
Vaping may take away some of the best effects RSO offers. When used as a vape, RSO oil is heated and decarboxylated. This process alters the extract’s chemical profile, thereby altering its effects.
On the other hand, vaping RSO offers almost immediate effects. Just one or two pulls lasting one second or less may be enough to give you the experience you're seeking.
How Long It Takes to Feel the Effects of RSO
How long it takes to feel the effects of RSO cannabis oil will largely depend on how you consume it. Vaping or smoking RSO will give you almost immediate effects. However, the onset time will be longer when consuming it sublingually or as an edible:
Sublingual: When consumed sublingually, RSO may take between 15 minutes and an hour to take full effect. This is because the cannabinoids are absorbed through the mucous membranes in the mouth.
Edibles: It can take between one and two hours to feel the effects of RSO consumed as part of an edible. This is because cannabinoids in edibles must pass through the digestive system and are then metabolized by the liver.
How Often to Take RSO for Recreational Purposes
Use this RSO dosage chart as a rough guideline for starting your RSO journey:
Week One: Three doses per day, eight hours apart. Your total dose for the day should be the equivalent of around half a grain of rice.
Weeks Two – Five: Continue consuming three times per day. You may be able to double your dosage at this point. However, don’t go above the size of one grain of rice per day.
Weeks Six – Twelve: You may feel comfortable with two full grains of rice per day of RSO at this point. Split this up into even doses, for example, ⅔ the size of a grain of rice every eight hours.
After Week Twelve: Up to one gram of RSO per day.
FAQs
The following are some frequently asked questions about RSO.
Is RSO Suitable for Smoking or Dabbing?
It’s possible to smoke or dab RSO, but exercise caution when inhaling this product. Bear the following points in mind when smoking or dabbing RSO:
RSO made with an alcohol solvent isn't recommended for inhaling as it may be flammable.
Remember that RSO is a highly potent product and smoking or inhaling too much oil could be overwhelming for many consumers.
Does RSO Offer Any Therapeutic Benefits?
Many patients use RSO as part of their medical treatment. Part of RSO's possible efficacy in treating different ailments comes down to its high THC content. For example, studies have found THC to be effective in inhibiting the growth of tumors. Other studies have shown that THC and other cannabis compounds can kill off cancer cells.
Always follow professional medical advice and ask your doctor how cannabis products could be used to complement conventional treatments.
Start Low, Go Slow for the Best Experience
Finding new ways to enjoy weed is a joy as the cannabis world constantly evolves and innovates. Experimenting with products like RSO can be an exciting way to enjoy different experiences with cannabis.
When trying new products—especially ones as potent as RSO—take care not to go overboard. Start low and go slow as you build up your tolerance to this awesome product.