What Is RSO Made Of?
By Jeff Eckenrode
Sticky, powerful and efficient.
Rick Simpson’s namesake oil is the key character in countless stories featuring the relieving experiences and unique benefits of medical cannabis therapies.
For over 20 years, RSO has been an important tool in many medical cannabis users toolbox to alleviate chronic pain and improve mental health.
But what is RSO? How is it made? And what types of RSO exist today?
What is RSO?
RSO, short for “Rick Simpson Oil”, is a popular kind of whole plant extract that is produced using ethanol.
In 2003, Rick Simpson developed a very straightforward and simple extraction process to create an ultra-potent, full-spectrum cannabis concentrate.
In his method, alcohol-based solvents were used to extract the full spectrum of cannabinoid and terpenoid compounds from cannabis.
The result? A thick, almost syrupy, highly concentrated cannabis oil rich in THC and CBD.
What does Full Spectrum mean?
A “full spectrum” extract preserves the same cannabinoid and terpene profile as the raw plant it was extracted from.
The reason RSO is so synonymous with full-bodied therapeutic relief is because full spectrum extracts engage with your endocannabinoid system (ECS) very differently than isolated THC or CBD.
How is RSO made?
Traditionally, RSO is made by taking dried flower and concentrating its cannabinoids, predominantly THC and CBD, with a solvent like ethanol. Today, RSO is also made using very, very cold (also called “supercritical”) CO2.
During this process, the waxy lipids and fats found in cannabis are stripped away. The resulting oil, which is often dark brown and thick in texture, is rich with THC, CBD and flavor molecules (commonly called “terpenes”).
Because RSO is so potent it is often placed into a syringe in order to make it easier to dispense, dose and consume. RSO is most commonly consumed orally. And due to its discreet and nearly odorless nature, RSO can easily be mixed with any of your favorite foods.
How do you use RSO?
Like all edibles, it’s best to begin with a low dose. Begin with a 1/8th inch sized portion (about half a grain of rice in size) and wait 90 minutes before taking another dose.
It’s important to note that RSO is very thick. To make dosing easier, you should warm the syringe by placing it in a glass of warm water for 10-15 minutes. Doing so allows the RSO to flow more evenly and easily from the syringe, making dosing much easier and predictable.
Why is some RSO clear?
Based on Rick Simpson’s original method, advances in filtering technologies and practices have allowed cannabis extractors to create RSO of different consistencies.
RSO that goes through additional filtering processes after extraction produces a lighter-colored and less-viscous form of RSO.
These forms of RSO are easier to mix into beverages, sauces or dips like guacamole! Click here for Hashtag’s recipe for CBD-infused Guacamole.
Want to learn more about THC & CBD?
Then you’re in luck! Check out some of our related posts on THC as well as other cannabinoids!
And if you need help selecting a product from our huge inventory then ask one of our friendly budtenders for guidance.
Whether you’re shopping in Seattle, Redmond Everett or online, we’re here to help and get you the information you want, when you need it.