What Is RSO (Rick Simpson Oil)? A Guide for Florida Patients

If you've spent time researching medical cannabis, you've likely encountered Rick Simpson Oil — commonly known as RSO. Named after the Canadian medical marijuana activist who popularized its use, RSO is a potent, full-spectrum cannabis extract that has gained a dedicated following among medical marijuana patients, particularly those with cancer, chronic pain, and severe insomnia. Florida dispensaries carry RSO products, and understanding what makes this extract different from other cannabis products helps patients make informed purchasing decisions.

What Is RSO?

Rick Simpson Oil is a thick, dark cannabis extract made by stripping cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plant using a solvent (traditionally ethanol or isopropyl alcohol), then evaporating the solvent to leave a concentrated, tar-like oil. What distinguishes RSO from other cannabis concentrates is that it preserves the full spectrum of the plant's chemical profile — all cannabinoids (THC, CBD, CBN, CBG, THCA, and dozens of others), terpenes, and flavonoids. This full-spectrum composition maximizes the entourage effect, where all compounds work synergistically to enhance therapeutic benefits. RSO typically has very high THC content — often 60–90% — making it one of the most potent cannabis products available at Florida dispensaries.

How RSO Is Used

RSO is most commonly taken orally — either swallowed directly, placed under the tongue (sublingual), or mixed into food. It's typically dispensed in a syringe for precise dosing. A common starting protocol is a dose roughly the size of a grain of rice (approximately 10–25mg of THC), taken 1–3 times daily. Because RSO is consumed orally, its onset is similar to edibles — 30–90 minutes — with effects lasting 4–8 hours. RSO can also be applied topically to skin conditions, though this is a less common use. It is not intended for vaporizing or smoking due to the extraction process.

RSO Dosing: Start Extremely Low

Because of its high potency, RSO demands careful, conservative dosing — especially for new patients. A common approach is the 'start low, go slow' protocol, beginning with a rice-grain-sized dose (roughly 10–25mg THC) once daily, ideally before bed to manage any psychoactive effects during sleep. Over 2–4 weeks, patients gradually increase both the dose size and frequency as tolerance develops. Some cancer patients following the traditional Rick Simpson protocol work up to 1 gram per day over several weeks, but this level is not necessary or appropriate for every patient. Dr. Stratt can recommend an RSO dosing schedule tailored to your specific condition and tolerance level.

RSO vs. Other Cannabis Products

How does RSO compare to other products you'll find at a Florida dispensary? Versus tinctures: RSO is typically much higher in THC and contains a broader range of minor cannabinoids. Tinctures offer easier dose precision for lower-dose patients. Versus distillate: distillate is highly refined and often loses terpenes during processing, while RSO retains the full terpene profile for a stronger entourage effect. Versus flower/vape: RSO provides longer-lasting effects (4–8 hours vs. 1–3 hours for inhalation) but with slower onset. Versus edibles: similar onset and duration, but RSO allows more precise dose titration than pre-dosed edibles.

Who Benefits Most from RSO?

RSO is particularly popular among cancer patients seeking high-dose cannabinoid therapy, chronic pain patients who need long-lasting relief, insomnia patients who need extended overnight effects, patients with high tolerance who need concentrated products, and patients interested in the maximum entourage effect from full-spectrum extraction. If you're interested in trying RSO, discuss it with Dr. Stratt during your evaluation or follow-up appointment. He can advise whether RSO is appropriate for your condition and help you develop a safe dosing plan.