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Best Way to Store Weed If you’re exploring cannabis concentrates, you’ve probably heard the term “RSO” whispered around dispensaries like it’s cannabis’s best-kept secret. But what is RSO, exactly, and why do so many people swear by it? Rick Simpson Oil has earned legendary status in the cannabis community for good reason—it’s a potent, full-spectrum extract that represents one of the most concentrated forms of cannabis you can find. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned explorer looking to understand this unique product, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about what is RSO, how it’s made, and how to use it responsibly.
What Is RSO? Understanding Rick Simpson Oil
RSO stands for Rick Simpson Oil, named after the Canadian activist and cannabis extract pioneer who developed the production method in the early 2000s. What is RSO at its core? It’s a full-spectrum cannabis oil extract created through solvent-based extraction that captures virtually all of the plant’s beneficial compounds—cannabinoids, terpenes, and plant material—into a single, intensely concentrated product.
Unlike distillates that isolate specific cannabinoids or broad-spectrum oils that remove certain compounds, RSO is designed to preserve the whole plant profile. This means when you’re using RSO, you’re getting the full orchestra of cannabis chemistry rather than a single instrument. The result is a thick, dark brown to black oil with a consistency ranging from honey-like to taffy-like, depending on the source material and extraction specifics.
The potency of what is RSO is remarkable. While typical flower contains 15-25% THC, RSO regularly tests between 50-90% THC, making it one of the most concentrated cannabis products available. This high concentration is why responsible dosing matters significantly—more on that later.
Social Dispensary carries premium RSO options including Lepow Extracts RSO Pour Up, which has earned recognition across Colorado dispensaries for consistent quality and ease of use. The “pour up” format means the RSO comes in a syringe, making application and dosing more straightforward than traditional RSO containers.
How RSO Is Made: Full-Spectrum Extraction
Understanding how RSO is made clarifies why what is RSO so different from other cannabis oils. The production process is relatively straightforward but requires precision and safety protocols.
The traditional RSO extraction method uses a solvent—typically ethanol or naphtha in home production, though commercial producers often use ethanol or butane—to strip cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis flower and trim. Here’s the basic process:
- Decarboxylation (optional): Some producers heat the cannabis material first to convert THCA into THC, though many RSO products use raw flower to preserve certain compounds.
- Solvent Extraction: The solvent is mixed with cannabis material, pulling out cannabinoids, terpenes, chlorophyll, and plant waxes into a liquid solution.
- Filtering: The mixture is strained to remove plant material, leaving a liquid concentrate.
- Evaporation: Heat and/or a vacuum chamber removes the solvent, leaving behind the concentrated oil. This step is critical—any residual solvent can be dangerous.
- Final Processing: The resulting oil is purged to remove any remaining solvents and sometimes whipped to adjust texture.
What makes RSO extraction “full-spectrum” is that minimal processing occurs after extraction. Unlike distillation—which heats the extract to separate compounds—RSO preserves the plant’s complete chemical profile, including minor cannabinoids like CBC, CBG, and CBDV, plus the full terpene profile that gives each strain its distinctive flavor and effects.
At Social Dispensary locations, our RSO products meet strict Colorado testing requirements, meaning every batch is laboratory tested for cannabinoid content, residual solvents, and contaminants.
RSO vs Other Cannabis Oils: 5 Key Differences
Not all cannabis oils are created equal. If you’re wondering what is RSO compared to other popular extracts, this breakdown clarifies the key distinctions:
The core difference: what is RSO’s strength is its full-spectrum nature and extreme concentration, making it ideal for those seeking maximum potency and complete plant benefits.
How to Use RSO: 3 Proven Methods
Now that you understand what is RSO, let’s explore the practical side—how to actually use it. RSO’s versatility is part of its appeal, with three primary consumption methods:
1. Sublingual (Under the Tongue)
Place a small amount of RSO (starting with a grain of rice-sized portion for beginners) directly under your tongue and hold it there for 30-90 seconds before swallowing. The delicate tissues under your tongue absorb cannabinoids directly into the bloodstream, bypassing digestion.
2. Mixed into Edibles
Mixing RSO into foods or homemade edibles is a classic application. You can stir RSO into peanut butter, coconut oil, or directly into chocolate, then consume it normally.
3. Topical Application
RSO can be applied directly to skin or infused into lotions and salves. While topical application doesn’t produce psychoactive effects, full-spectrum compounds can provide localized benefits.
For most users, sublingual or edible methods deliver the most reliable experience. The syringe format from Social Dispensary’s concentrates collection makes portion control significantly easier.
RSO Dosing for Beginners: Start Low, Go Slow
Understanding appropriate RSO dosing is critical—remember, we’re talking about 50-90% THC concentrations. The cannabis community’s golden rule applies doubly here: start low, go slow.
- First dose: 1/4 grain of rice (roughly 2-3mg THC equivalent in 70% RSO)
- Observe period: Wait 2 hours minimum (sublingual) or 3 hours (edible) to feel full effects
- Progression: After confirming your tolerance, gradually increase by 1mg at a time
- Target range: Most experienced users find 5-15mg THC per dose optimal; beginners should stay under 10mg
Where to Find RSO at Social Dispensary
Ready to explore what is RSO for yourself? Social Dispensary carries quality RSO options across all nine Colorado locations, with Lepow Extracts RSO Pour Up featuring prominently in our concentrates lineup.
Visit our concentrates shop page to browse current RSO inventory, or stop by any of our physical locations:
Our budtenders are extensively trained on RSO products and can answer specific questions about potency, strain characteristics, and dosing recommendations based on your experience level.
Frequently Asked Questions About RSO
Is RSO legal in Colorado?
Yes. RSO is a legal cannabis product in Colorado for adults 21+ and is available at licensed dispensaries like Social Dispensary.
How is RSO different from other cannabis products?
What is RSO’s defining characteristic is its full-spectrum nature combined with extreme concentration. Unlike distillates, RSO retains all plant compounds including minor cannabinoids and the complete terpene profile.
Can I travel with RSO across state lines?
No. RSO remains federally illegal and cannot legally cross state lines, even between states where cannabis is legal.
How long does RSO last once opened?
Properly stored RSO (cool, dark place, airtight container) remains potent for 6-12 months.
Can I use RSO in a vaporizer?
RSO’s viscosity makes it unsuitable for most vaporizers. It’s best consumed via sublingual, edible, or topical methods. For vaporizing, check out our vaporizers section.
