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What is RSO?
RSO, short for Rick Simpson Oil, is a thick, dark, full-spectrum cannabis extract, also called full-extract cannabis oil, that keeps a broad range of the plant's compounds together rather than isolating one. It is decarboxylated, usually very high in THC and sold in a syringe, so it is taken in very small, measured amounts.
A whole-plant extract
Rather than refining toward one compound, RSO keeps much of the plant's chemical range in one concentrated oil, which is why it is dark and strongly flavored. A regulated RSO is lab-tested by batch, and its certificate of analysis lists what it contains.
How it is made
Production generally runs in three stages: a solvent extraction that pulls a wide range of compounds from the whole plant; reduction, which evaporates the solvent and concentrates the extract into the thick oil RSO is known for; and decarboxylation, gentle heat during or after reduction that turns acid forms such as THCA into active forms such as THC, so the oil is active as taken. It is far less refined than distillate.
Potency, and starting small
RSO is usually very high in THC, but not always: some carry mostly CBD, and a 1:1 RSO carries the two in equal parts, so read the label rather than assume. Because it is so concentrated, it is measured in very small amounts from the syringe, starting with the smallest and adjusting slowly.
How it is used
RSO is most often taken by mouth, measured out from its applicator. It is also the base of other products, such as some tinctures (see tinctures, explained), whose labels carry the milligrams in each serving.
RSO and distillate
RSO and distillate sit at opposite ends of refinement. Distillate is refined toward one cannabinoid into a clear, nearly flavorless oil (see distillate); RSO is minimally refined and keeps the plant's range. Neither is better in general; they are built for different things. Whichever you hold, its certificate of analysis says what is in it.
Educational content, not medical advice. Effects vary by person, product, and dose. For use only by qualified patients. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery after use. Keep out of reach of children and pets.