What Is RSO? Complete Guide to Rick Simpson Oil and How It’s Used

If you’ve heard the term RSO at a dispensary and weren’t sure what it meant, you’re not alone — it’s one of the most asked-about products in the concentrates section. What is RSO? RSO stands for Rick Simpson Oil, a thick, dark, highly concentrated full-spectrum cannabis extract that contains a high density of cannabinoids and plant compounds. It was named after Rick Simpson, a Canadian cannabis advocate who popularized this type of extract in the early 2000s. RSO is distinct from other concentrates in its production method, consistency, and the way it’s typically consumed — and it has developed a dedicated following among cannabis consumers who specifically want a full-spectrum, whole-plant extract. This guide covers exactly what RSO is, how it’s made, how it differs from other concentrates, and how to find and use it responsibly.

What Is RSO? The Definition

RSO is a full-spectrum cannabis oil — meaning it contains THC, CBD, other cannabinoids, terpenes, chlorophyll, waxes, and other plant compounds in a concentrated form. Unlike refined extracts such as distillate (which isolates specific cannabinoids) or live resin (which focuses on terpene preservation), RSO is intentionally unrefined. The goal is to retain as much of the whole-plant profile as possible.

The result is a very thick, dark, tar-like oil — typically dark green to black in color, with a strong cannabis flavor and aroma. RSO is usually sold in oral syringes at dispensaries, which allow for precise dosing of this viscous product. It typically tests at 60–90% total cannabinoids, making it one of the most potent products available at a licensed dispensary.

RSO is classified as a concentrate, so you’ll find it in the concentrates section at Social Dispensary locations. It’s one of the few concentrate types that’s designed specifically for oral or sublingual consumption rather than dabbing or vaping.

How RSO Is Made

RSO is produced through a solvent-based extraction process that differs from standard BHO (butane hash oil) concentrates in one key way: it uses high-proof alcohol (typically grain alcohol or ethanol) rather than hydrocarbons, and the extraction is intentionally less refined. Here’s the basic process used at a licensed extraction facility:

• Soaking: Dried, cured cannabis flower is submerged in high-proof alcohol, which dissolves the cannabinoids, terpenes, chlorophyll, and other plant compounds into the solvent.
• Straining: The plant material is filtered out, leaving a dark green alcohol-cannabis solution.
• Evaporation: The alcohol is carefully evaporated — either through low heat or vacuum purging — until only the thick, dark oil remains. Unlike highly refined extracts, RSO producers don’t filter out the chlorophyll and plant waxes that give RSO its characteristic dark color.
• Filling: The finished oil is drawn into oral syringes for packaging and sale. Each syringe is labeled with the exact cannabinoid content per the required lab testing.

At licensed Colorado dispensaries, all RSO products must pass third-party lab testing for potency and residual solvents before being sold.

RSO vs Other Concentrates: 4 Key Differences

Understanding what is RSO becomes easier when you compare it to the other concentrates in the category:

RSO vs Distillate

Distillate is a highly purified extract that isolates specific cannabinoids (usually THC or CBD) and removes most terpenes and other plant compounds. The result is a clear, odorless oil used in most vape cartridges and many edibles. RSO is the near-opposite: unrefined, full-spectrum, and strongly flavored. Distillate offers predictability and consistency; RSO offers the full plant profile.

RSO vs Live Resin

Live resin focuses on preserving terpenes from fresh-frozen plants and is made for dabbing or vaping. RSO starts with dried, cured flower and is made for oral consumption. Both are full-spectrum in different ways — live resin emphasizes terpene complexity; RSO emphasizes whole-plant cannabinoid completeness.

RSO vs CO2 Oil

CO2 extraction uses supercritical carbon dioxide as a solvent rather than alcohol, producing a cleaner, more refined oil that’s commonly used in vape cartridges. CO2 oil is typically lighter in color and more refined than RSO, with less of the plant wax and chlorophyll content.

RSO vs Tinctures

Cannabis tinctures are also alcohol-based, but they’re much more diluted — designed for sublingual dosing in dropper bottles. RSO is much more concentrated and thick. You use far smaller amounts of RSO than tincture to achieve the same cannabinoid dose.

How to Use RSO: 4 Methods

RSO is versatile in how it can be consumed. Here are the four most common methods:

• Orally (swallowed): Dispense a small amount from the syringe onto food — a cracker, piece of bread, or into a capsule. Swallowing RSO produces effects similar to edibles: slower onset (45–90 minutes), longer duration (4–8 hours), stronger effects per milligram than inhaled cannabis.
• Sublingually (under the tongue): Place a small dose under the tongue and hold for 60–90 seconds before swallowing. This method produces faster onset than swallowing alone because some absorption occurs through the mouth’s mucous membranes.
• Topically: RSO can be applied directly to the skin. Topical application does not produce intoxicating effects because cannabinoids absorbed through the skin don’t reach the bloodstream in meaningful amounts.
• Added to food or beverages: Stir RSO into warm food or drink. The oil disperses into fats more easily than water. Treat it exactly like any other edible once consumed — wait at least 90 minutes before assessing effects and considering additional dosing.

RSO is not typically recommended for dabbing — the dark color, plant wax content, and alcohol residues make it a poor choice for a dab rig compared to purpose-made dab concentrates. Browse the full concentrates selection at Social Dispensary to see current RSO and dab options side by side.

Dosing RSO: What to Expect

RSO is a high-potency product. A standard oral syringe contains 600mg–1,000mg of total cannabinoids — far more than most other single cannabis products. Proper dosing is critical, especially for newer consumers.

A common starting point cited in dispensary guidance is a “rice grain” sized dose — approximately 0.05ml or 5–10mg of total cannabinoids for a first oral dose. Because RSO is consumed orally, onset is slower but effects are stronger and longer-lasting than inhaled concentrates. Start with a very small amount, especially if you’re new to concentrates or edibles. Wait at least 2 hours before considering additional dosing.

Your budtenders at any Social Dispensary — Federal Blvd, Chambers, or E Mississippi Ave location can walk you through what’s currently in stock and how to dose responsibly. For general cannabis guidelines in Colorado, visit colorado.gov/cannabis.

Frequently Asked Questions About RSO

What does RSO stand for?

RSO stands for Rick Simpson Oil, named after Canadian cannabis advocate Rick Simpson, who popularized this type of full-spectrum cannabis extract in the early 2000s and made the production method widely known.

Is RSO the same as hash oil?

The terms overlap but aren’t identical. “Hash oil” is a broad term that can describe many cannabis extracts made using a solvent. RSO is a specific type of hash oil made with high-proof alcohol and intentionally left unrefined to preserve the full plant spectrum. Not all hash oil is RSO.

How potent is RSO?

RSO typically tests at 60–90% total cannabinoids. A 1g syringe may contain 600–900mg of cannabinoids. This makes it one of the most concentrated cannabis products available at a licensed dispensary. Dose accordingly — start with a small amount and wait to assess effects before taking more.

Where can I find RSO in Colorado?

RSO is available at licensed Colorado dispensaries in the concentrates section. Visit any Social Dispensary location and ask a budtender to show you current RSO options. Availability varies by store and week based on inventory.

Explore concentrates including RSO at Social Dispensary — Colorado’s first licensed social equity dispensary. Expect More.