Rick Simpson oil (RSO) is taken by mouth, either swallowed in a capsule or on food, or held under the tongue, starting with a dose about the size of a half grain of dry rice and increased slowly over several weeks. Because RSO is a full-extract cannabis oil with very high THC, the standard advice is to start low, go slow, and confirm the plan with a physician before the first dose. Most people feel effects within 30 to 90 minutes when swallowed, or sooner when held under the tongue.
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What is Rick Simpson oil?
RSO is a thick, dark cannabis extract named after the Canadian man who popularized it in the mid-2000s. It is produced by soaking cannabis flower in a solvent such as ethanol, then evaporating the solvent to leave a concentrated oil. THC content is usually very high, so an effective dose is measured in fractions of a gram.
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How do you take Rick Simpson oil step by step?
- Read the product label and note the THC and CBD content per milliliter or per gram.
- Squeeze a portion about the size of a half grain of dry rice onto a dosing tool, a piece of parchment, or a small bite of food.
- Place it under your tongue for a minute, or swallow it with food if the taste is unpleasant.
- Wait at least two hours before judging the effect.
- Repeat at the same low amount for several days before increasing.
- Increase in small steps, and stop increasing as soon as side effects appear.
What is a typical RSO dosing schedule?
There is no single approved schedule. Published protocols vary widely, and some describe climbing toward 1 gram per day over many weeks, a dose far beyond what most people tolerate comfortably. A clinician can help match a dose to your tolerance, your other medications, and the reason you are using it.
rso oil dosage chart
A common slow-titration pattern
- Days 1 to 3: half a grain of rice once daily, in the evening.
- Days 4 to 7: half a grain of rice twice daily if the first dose was tolerable.
- Week 2 onward: add a small amount every few days, keeping each increase under 25 percent.
- Any time: hold at the current amount if drowsiness or anxiety appears.
Sublingual or swallowed: which works better?
Holding RSO under the tongue allows some cannabinoids to absorb through the mouth lining, so effects can begin in 15 to 45 minutes. Swallowing sends the oil through the digestive system, which delays onset but tends to produce a longer, steadier effect. Beginners often do better with the swallowed route because the slower onset makes an accidental overdose less likely.
Can you vape or smoke RSO?
No. RSO is made for ingestion, and it may contain residual solvent and plant waxes that should not be inhaled. Vaping or dabbing it can irritate the lungs and delivers an unpredictable, very large THC dose. Use a vaporizer cartridge or concentrate that is formulated and tested for inhalation instead.
Can RSO be used on the skin?
Yes, some people apply a thin layer to a specific area and cover it with a bandage. Topical use generally does not produce a psychoactive effect because THC absorbs poorly through intact skin. It can still stain fabric and may irritate sensitive skin, so test a small patch first.
How long do the effects last?
Swallowed RSO typically peaks around two to four hours and fades over six to eight hours. Sublingual doses peak sooner and usually wear off faster. Effects from a large dose can linger into the next day, especially for people who are new to cannabis.
What are the side effects?
Common effects include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, red eyes, slowed coordination, and short-term memory changes. High doses can trigger anxiety, a racing heart, nausea, or paranoia. Adding CBD may soften some of these effects, but it does not remove the risk of impairment.
Who should avoid RSO?
RSO is not appropriate during pregnancy or breastfeeding, for anyone under 21 in most legal markets, or for people with a personal or family history of psychosis. It can interact with blood thinners, sedatives, and some seizure medications. Anyone taking prescription drugs should clear RSO with a pharmacist or physician first.
How should you store RSO?
Keep the syringe or jar sealed, upright, and cool, ideally between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit and away from direct light. RSO is thick and sticky, so warming it briefly in your hands makes dosing easier. Store it locked away from children and pets.
Is RSO legal in the US?
Cannabis remains illegal under federal law, though many states allow medical or adult-use sales. Rules on possession limits, potency, and home production differ sharply by state. Check your state's program before buying or traveling with RSO.
Key takeaways
- Take RSO by mouth, starting with a half grain of rice.
- Increase slowly and only after several days at the same dose.
- Do not vape or smoke it.
- Expect a long duration and plan for impairment.
- Speak with a clinician before starting, especially if you take other medications.