What is RSO? A Simple History and Use Guide

Feb 10, 2026

Jaelin Henderson

A dropper of RSO oil and bottle sitting on a wooden table with cannabis plants behind it with the title "What is RSO".

If you’ve spent any time around cannabis products, you’ve probably heard the name "Rick Simpson Oil," or "RSO." If not, you’re likely wondering, "What is RSO, and why is it getting so much attention?"

RSO is a thick, highly concentrated cannabis extract that emerged in the early 2000s. Many folks confuse it with other cannabis concentrates, especially cannabidiol (CBD) oil, but these products serve very different purposes.

In this guide, we’ll break down who Rick Simpson is and how RSO became popular. We’ll also cover safety considerations and legal questions to make sure you stay on the compliant side.

What is RSO or Rick Simpson Oil?

Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) is a thick, concentrated cannabis oil made from the whole plant. Producers use a solvent to pull cannabinoids and other plant compounds from cannabis flower. This process creates a dark, sticky oil with a strong aroma.

RSO is high in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which causes intoxicating effects. People take RSO by mouth, mix it into food, or apply it to the skin.

How is RSO different from CBD Oil?

RSO and CBD oil both come from cannabis, but they work very differently. RSO contains high levels of THC, which causes intoxicating effects. CBD oil does not create that kind of experience. Most CBD oil comes from hemp and contains no more than 0.3% THC. Because of this, CBD products do not produce a “high.”

The two products also differ in concentration. A typical CBD oil contains a few hundred milligrams of CBD per bottle. RSO packs a much higher cannabinoid load into a very small amount of oil. In short, RSO prioritizes strength and THC content. CBD oil prioritizes balance without intoxication.

Who is Rick Simpson?

Rick Simpson is a Canadian medical marijuana activist and the creator of Rick Simpson Oil. In 2003, doctors diagnosed him with basal cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. After reading a study from the National Cancer Institute, he found that THC may kill cancer cells in mice.

Then, Simpson created a full-spectrum cannabis oil and applied it to his skin. After several days, the affected area cleared up. With his eventual recovery, the cannabis activist began sharing the oil with others. His story spread quickly online, and over time, people began calling his cannabis oil the Rick Simpson Oil, or RSO.

What Are the Potential Benefits of RSO?

People often talk about RSO for its strong, full-plant effects. Commonly mentioned benefits include:

Calms a Racing Mind
Enhances Mood
Eases Joint Swelling
Promotes Appetite
May Fight Abnormal Cell Growth
Alleviates Physical Discomfort and Soreness
Promotes Natural and Deeper Sleep
Aids With Skin Irritation

Some people claim that RSO can treat cancer, but right now, there's no solid evidence for that in human patients. Some early studies on animals suggest that certain cannabis compounds may have potential in cancer treatments. But experts need more research on people before drawing any definitive conclusions.

That said, RSO is not yet a proven alternative to traditional treatments. If you have any serious conditions or health issues, it's best to consult a medical professional.

Can You Smoke RSO?

Since it's an oil, some people try to smoke or dab RSO, but this method comes with real risks. RSO makers use solvents during the extraction process. If the oil still contains leftover solvent, smoking it can expose you to harmful fumes. If you buy RSO from a dispensary, ask how the producer made it and whether it is safe to smoke. Licensed products usually include lab testing that helps answer those questions.

People who make RSO at home face even more uncertainty. The process requires fully removing all solvent, which takes skill and precision. Mistakes can lead to unsafe oil or serious accidents. For that reason, many people avoid smoking RSO altogether and choose other forms or methods instead.

Can You Cook with RSO?

Just as you can cook CBD oil or CBD butter, you can cook with RSO as well. RSO works best in recipes with moisture or fat. Baked goods like brownies or cakes tend to mix more evenly than dry recipes like cookies. The oil blends more easily when you add it to batters, sauces, or spreads.

Some people also drizzle RSO over finished food, though the flavor can taste strong or earthy. Mixing RSO into a sauce, frosting, or dressing can help soften the taste.

Because RSO is very concentrated and highly potent, small amounts go a long way. Careful measuring helps avoid using more than necessary.

How to Make RSO

So you want to venture on the brave journey and stir up your own RSO? Here's how you get started:

Place dried cannabis flower and plant material into a large container.
Pour alcohol over the cannabis plant until it fully covers everything.
Stir and gently crush the plant material to release cannabinoids into the liquid.
Strain the liquid to remove the leftover plant matter.
Heat the liquid in a well-ventilated area to evaporate the alcohol.
Stop heating once the liquid thickens into a dark, sticky oil.
Transfer the finished oil into a syringe or similar container for storage and dosing.

This process involves flammable and potentially dangerous substances. Many people choose not to make RSO at home because mistakes can cause injury or unsafe results. Always go for the safer option.

Risks of Home Preparation

To make their own RSO, some people use substances like naphtha, isopropyl alcohol, or petroleum ether. These chemicals can cause harm if someone does not remove them fully. They can also ignite or explode if handled incorrectly.

Poor ventilation increases the danger. So does heating the mixture indoors or near open flames. Even small mistakes can lead to burns, fires, or long-term exposure to harmful fumes.

Containers matter too. Other solvents can break down plastic over time, introducing unwanted materials into the oil. Because of these potential issues, many people avoid home preparation altogether and choose professionally made products for their RSO regimen instead.

A bunch of people having fun making food together.

Is RSO Legal?

RSO is not legal at the federal level in the United States. Federal law allows hemp-derived products with no more than 0.3% THC (Farm Bill of 2018). RSO contains much higher THC content, which places it outside those rules.

But state laws vary. In states that allow medical or recreational marijuana, cannabis dispensaries often sell RSO legally. In states where marijuana remains illegal, buying or making RSO can break the law.

Even home preparation can cause legal issues. The amount of cannabis needed to make RSO may exceed legal possession limits in some states. Before buying or making RSO, check your local and state laws first.

How Much THC Is In RSO?

A single syringe of RSO often holds around 600 milligrams of THC. The exact amount can vary based on the cannabis strain and the plant material used during extraction. Producers can make RSO from many different strains. Potency depends on factors like THC content, plant quality, and moisture levels.

Because of its strength, even small amounts of RSO can produce strong effects. People usually approach it with caution and start with very small portions.

Are There Any Risks When Taking RSO?

Unlike the milder CBD oil, RSO delivers a very strong experience because it contains high levels of THC. Some people report unwanted effects when they use too much or feel sensitive to the compound. Commonly reported issues include:

Drowsiness
Confusion
Dry Mouth
Red Eyes
Nausea
Lowered Blood Pressure
Impaired Focus or Coordination
Skin Irritation (when applied topically)

These effects usually increase with higher amounts. People new to RSO often start very small to see how their body reacts. Anyone managing a health condition or taking medications should talk with a qualified medical professional before trying products with high THC levels.

RSO Alternatives

RSO is not the right fit for everyone because of its high THC content. Some people look for alternatives that offer a more balanced experience, like hemp-derived products with much lower levels of THC. CBD oils, tinctures, and vape products remain popular alternatives. They allow more flexibility with daily routines and typically feel easier to manage.

Good news: At Cheef Botanicals, we offer a wide range of hemp-derived CBD products made with carefully sourced ingredients. Our products come from organic, USA-grown hemp and contain no more than 0.3% THC.

All Cheef Botanicals products are 100% organic, vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free. You can find Certificates of Analysis (COAs) and third-party lab testing results located on each of our products. We do this to guarantee maximum transparency.

Final Thoughts: What is Rick Simpson Oil (RSO)?

RSO stands out as a powerful, high-THC cannabis extract with a unique backstory. Its strength, texture, and effects set it apart from many other cannabis products. While curiosity around RSO continues to grow, it also comes with legal limits and safety concerns.

For those who like the idea of plant-based wellness without intense psychoactive effects, hemp-derived options offer a more approachable path. At Cheef Botanicals, we offer high-quality CBD products made to fit real life, not disrupt it. When it comes to cannabis products, knowledge matters, quality matters, and choosing what works for you always wins.