THCA vs THC: How Are They Different?

Rick Simpson Oil, commonly known as RSO, is a marijuana concentrate known in the cannabis community for its high potency and potential therapeutic benefits. But what is Rick Simpson Oil, what is RSO used for, how is it made, and how do you use it? In this guide, we’ll dive into the history, intriguing story of its namesake, production, and more. 

What is RSO?

Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) is a potent cannabis extract known for its high THC content. Unlike other cannabis concentrates, RSO, which looks like oily tar, is specifically formulated to contain a full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes found in the cannabis plant. The oil is often used for its potential therapeutic properties, such as pain relief and other medicinal benefits.¹ 

The Story of Rick Simpson

It’s all in a name, right? Rick Simpson is the creator of RSO. He is a Canadian medical marijuana activist and engineer who gained fame by creating cannabis oil with a goal to treat his own health issues. Simpson’s journey with cannabis started in 1997 when he suffered a severe head injury, leading him to explore the medicinal properties of cannabis after traditional treatments failed. 

In 2003, he was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. Again, he turned to cannabis oil after reading a 1975 study that suggested cannabis oil may have slowed cancer growth in mice. Once in remission, Simpson believed the cannabis oil treatment cured his cancer. He has since become an advocate for the use of RSO for cancer patients, as well as for pain relief.²

Does RSO Work?

The effectiveness of RSO is a topic of much debate and ongoing research. While anecdotal evidence and some preliminary studies suggest that RSO may have the potential to treat specific medical conditions, there is no conclusive scientific evidence to fully support these claims.³ 

So, in short, “Does RSO work?” The answer is maybe. The THC-rich Rick Simpson Oil may improve appetite, relieve pain, and reduce nausea and vomiting in cancer patients,⁴ while THC and CBD, produced by the plant’s trichomes, may make cancer cells respond better to radiation.⁵ It may also help reduce or control epileptic seizures.⁶ However, more research is needed to fully understand the medical applications of cannabis.

How is Rick Simpson Oil Made?

Rick Simpson Oil is made through a highly concentrated extraction process in which high concentrations of cannabinoids–primarily THC–and terpenes are extracted from cannabis flower through the use of a solvent. The extract is refined and solvent is removed, leaving behind a thick, tar-like substance that is typically sold in a syringe. 

Please note that this process should not be attempted at home as it is extremely dangerous and requires a professional-grade lab and materials. 

RSO Oil vs Cannabis Oil

RSO and cannabis oil are derived from the cannabis plant, but they differ in their contents and intended use. RSO is known for its high THC content and full-spectrum cannabinoid profile, which activates the entourage effect because of how these cannabinoids and terpenes interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. In contrast, cannabis oils are formulated to highlight specific cannabinoids, like CBD, and may not contain the full range of plant compounds found in RSO. 

How Do You Use Rick Simpson Oil?

RSO, like other cannabis concentrates, can be consumed in a variety of ways.

RSO Syringe

Because RSO is so potent, accurate dosing is crucial. One of the most popular ways to purchase RSO is in a syringe, which allows the consumer to monitor even the smallest amount of the product. May patients choose RSO syringes for sublingual (under the tongue) consumption or topical applications.

RSO Edibles

RSO edibles can be purchased at a dispensary as its own product, or consumers can use an RSO syringe to add the concentrate to any food or beverage. Remember that since RSO has already been decarboxylated, it should only be added to food or drink that is ready to be consumed.

RSO Capsules

Encapsulating RSO is another convenient option, allowing you to ingest the oil in a controlled, discrete, and tasteless dose.

Vaporizing or Smoking

While not as common, RSO can be added to cannabis flower to vaporize or smoke. Remember to account for the sticky consistency when deciding how you want to consume your infused flower. We recommend a glass pipe that is easy to clean rather than attempting to make RSO-infused joints or blunts.

How Do You Dose RSO?

Dosing RSO can be challenging because of its potency. It’s recommended to start with a small amount, roughly the size of half a grain of rice, and then gradually increase the dose once you know how Rick Simpson Oil affects you. Consult with your favorite budtender or a licensed medical marijuana professional if you need dosage and other RSO advice.

Answering FAQs About Rick Simpson Oil

There is a ton of mystery around this unique concentrate, so we’ve compiled a list of the most popular questions we hear at our dispensaries.

How do you use an RSO syringe?
An RSO syringe can be used to dispense the oil sublingually or topically. It can also be added to food and drinks or put in a capsule for easy ingestion.

Can I make RSO?
No, you should not attempt to make RSO at home. The extraction process can be extremely dangerous due to the use of highly explosive solvents. Cannabis cultivators have professional equipment operated by extraction experts to ensure a safe process. 

Can you smoke RSO?
Because RSO is a sticky liquid, you won’t be able to smoke it by itself. However, you can use it to infuse your cannabis flower for a more potent experience.

Can you dab RSO? 
You can dab with RSO, but it’s not a common method because of its sticky consistency.

Can you cook with RSO?
Rick Simpson Oil can be added to various sweet or savory recipes to make edibles, but you should not add it until the food is completely cooked. This is because RSO has already been decarboxylated, so further exposure to heat will cause the THC to degrade.

Purchasing RSO

Rick Simpson oil has a fascinating history, and it makes sense that cannabis enthusiasts want to try RSO for recreational use. Remember that the concentrate is highly potent, so follow the newbie cannabis user’s advice of starting low and slow. Talk with your budtender if you want to know more about RSO.

Find a Dispensary

Sources

1. “What Is Rick Simpson Oil?” Leafwell, https://leafwell.com/blog/what-is-rick-simpson-oil-rso/

2. “The Ultimate Guide to Rick Simpson Oil (RSO),” CannaMD, https://www.cannamd.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-rick-simpson-oil-rso/

3. “Preclinical and Clinical Assessment of Cannabinoids as Anti-Cancer Agents,” Frontiers, October 7, 2016, https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2016.00361/full

4. “What is Rick Simpson Oil? Your Complete guide to RSO,” Leafly, September 30, 2022, https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/what-is-rick-simpson-oil

5. “Can Rick Simpson Oil Treat Cancer?” Healthline, June 20, 2023, https://www.healthline.com/health/rick-simpson-oil-cancer

6. “Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) for Cancer: Does It Work?” WebMD, June 22, 2024, https://www.webmd.com/cancer/rick-simpson-oil-for-cancer-overview

Please consume responsibly. This product may cause impairment and may be habit forming. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and medical marijuana patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.

Butane hash oil, also called BHO, is a type of cannabis concentrate that is extracted through a closed loop system that requires BHO. In fact, some of your favorite concentrates are likely created using BHO. In this article, we’ll explain how these concentrates are made, and what makes them different from other products.

What is BHO?

BHO goes by a variety of names–honey oil, butane honey oil, hash oil–but it’s a misconception that the finished product is in fact BHO. Concentrates that are extracted through the use of this solvent come in a variety of forms, including badder, wax, crumble, and shatter.

How is BHO Made?

BHO is a powerful chemical that is both highly flammable and toxic, and should only be used by trained professionals.¹ Cannabis cultivators pack the cannabis plant material into a closed loop system, then they introduce chilled butane to separate the THC-containing trichomes. After a series of steps that include heating, freezing, pressure, and agitation, any residual butane or other undesirable byproducts are removed. The finished product is the desired marijuana concentrate.¹

What Are the Different Types of BHO Extracts?

Cannabis is an endlessly versatile plant, and the same can be said for the extracted concentrates. When using any BHO concentrate, be prepared for an extremely high level of THC–as high as 90%!² 

Shatter - Shatter is a translucent and brittle form of BHO. It gets its name from its glass-like appearance and texture. Shatter is known for its high potency and is enjoyed by many cannabis enthusiasts while dabbing, a method of vaporizing and inhaling concentrates using a dab rig or pen. 

Wax - BHO wax has a silky smooth texture, like warm, pliable candle wax. Wax tends to be easier to handle and is popular among users who enjoy an easy-to-handle concentrate for their dabbing or want something to dip the end of their joint in. 

Crumble - As the name suggests, crumble is a dry and crumbly version of BHO. It is easy to break apart and is commonly used for dabbing or adding to vaporizer pens.

How Do I Consume Butane Hash Oil Concentrates?

BHO can be consumed in various ways, but the most common is dabbing. This process requires a dab rig or dab pen and a quartz, titanium, or ceramic nail. If your dab rig isn’t electric, you would use a butane torch to heat the nail.  Once the nail is hot, a small amount of BHO is placed on it, and the vapor is inhaled through a mouthpiece.

Some cannabis enthusiasts also enjoy twaxing,³ which is the term for when a consumer adds wax to a joint or bowl. This is typically done to increase both the flavor and potency of flower.

FAQs About BHO

If you've got more questions about BHO, we've got you covered.

Can I make BHO at home? 
No, attempting to make BHO at home is extremely dangerous. There have been instances in which amateur BHO-makers have been severely injured by this process. 

Is BHO the same as wax?
Wax is one of the popular consistencies of BHO extracts, but not all BHO products are wax.

Can I eat BHO? 
Technically, yes, but it’s not recommended. Cannabis concentrates must be decarboxylated to produce any effects.

Purchasing BHO Concentrates

BHO products come in many forms, and new ones are frequently introduced to the market. Check out the BHO products available at your dispensary, and talk to your budtender to learn more or to find the BHO product that’s right for you.

Find a Dispensary

Sources:

1. "Butane Hash Oil (BHO)," Weedmaps, June 25, 2021, https://weedmaps.com/learn/dictionary/butane-hash-oil-bho

2. "What is BHO? All About Butane Hash Oil," Marijuana Packaging.com, August 14, 2023, https://marijuanapackaging.com/blogs/resources/what-is-bho-all-about-butane-hash-oil

3. "What is Twaxing," Cannaconnection.com, August 13, 2020, https://www.cannaconnection.com/blog/18515-what-is-twaxing

---

Use of Marijuana Concentrate may lead to: Psychotic symptoms and/or Psychotic disorder (delusions, hallucinations, or difficulty distinguishing reality); Mental Health Symptoms/Problems; Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) (uncontrolled and repetitive vomiting); Cannabis use disorder/dependence, including physical and psychological dependence. Please consume responsibly. This product may cause impairment and may be habit forming. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product.  State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and medical marijuana patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.

You walk up to the counter at your dispensary, with your choice of marijuana strain in mind, and the inevitable “How much would you like?” question comes from your budtender. If you don’t understand marijuana measurements, this could send you into a tailspin. That’s why we’re here to help. One term you'll inevitably encounter when buying cannabis flower is an "eighth." In this guide, we'll demystify what exactly constitutes an eighth of cannabis, explore what it looks like, discuss its cost, and delve into the various ways you can make the most of this quantity.

What is an Eighth?

Cannabis measurement involves a blend of ounces and grams, adding an extra layer of complexity. To simplify, an ounce equates to 28 grams. An eighth, often referred to as a "slice," is one-eighth of an ounce, amounting to 3.5 grams of marijuana.¹ For many cannabis enthusiasts, this measurement strikes a balance—offering enough for multiple sessions without overwhelming quantity. This is especially helpful when trying new strains.

What Does an Eighth of Cannabis Look Like?

The appearance of an eighth can vary significantly.¹ Let’s say you’re a fan of big, fat marijuana buds straight from the top shelf of your dispensary. If that’s the case, a couple of those buds could add up to an eighth quickly. Strains with smaller, compact buds could require a larger collection of those petite buds to hit 3.5 grams. For visual reference, if you’re a fan of blueberries, two normal-sized blueberries add up to three grams.²

How Much Does an Eighth of Flower Cost?

An eighth’s cost fluctuates based on a few things, including the strain and your state’s tax requirements. If you’re looking to purchase an eighth, you could spend anywhere from $25 to $50, in general, though depending on your market, it could be more.³

What Can You Do With an Eighth of Flower?

You might think 3.5 grams worth of flower just isn’t enough, but if you’re not a heavy consumer, or you want to try new beginner strains, an eighth can be the perfect amount. Here’s what you can do with an eighth of flower:

Roll 3 - 5 Joints

An eighth of cannabis provides enough plant material to roll approximately three-to-five standard-sized joints. That’s enough to get some cannabis enthusiasts through an average workweek. Just remember to store flower properly to ensure you don’t waste your freshly-rolled bud.

Pack 6 Bowls

Depending on how big your bowl is and how often you smoke, you could pack enough bowls for a week, or you could polish off your eighth in a couple of days. In general, you’re probably going to get about six bowls out of a slice.

Roll 2 - 3 Blunts

Most blunts are rolled with a gram of marijuana flower, so you’re only getting three, decent-sized blunts with an eighth. If you prefer skinnier blunts, you could get more.

How Long Will an Eighth Last?

Think of an eighth as the perfect amount to buy to try a strain for the first time. It could give you enough sessions to make it through the weekend, or it could last you through the whole week. In general, how long an eighth lasts is going to be entirely dependent on you as a consumer.⁴ Heavy smokers are going to get a couple of days while light smokers could get more than a week. 

How Does an Eighth Compare to Other Marijuana Measurements?

An eighth isn’t the only marijuana measurement worth knowing. It’s also good to know what a quarter and ounce are. Here’s how an eighth measures up with other common quantities:

How Many Grams Are in an Eighth?

An eighth of marijuana equals approximately 3.5 grams, roughly the weight of a quarter of a teaspoon of sugar. 

How Many Ounces Are in an Eighth?

An eighth is one-eighth of an ounce, and there are eight eighths in an ounce. An ounce is equivalent to 28 grams.⁵

How Many Eighths Are in a Quarter?

A quarter of marijuana comprises two eighths with each eighth weighing around 3.5 grams.⁵

Answering FAQs About an Eighth of Cannabis

Navigating through cannabis measurements can be confusing, but asking questions is a great way to become more knowledgeable. Here are answers to a few common questions:

Is an eighth the same as 3.5 grams?
Yes, an eighth is precisely 3.5 grams.

What is a five-gram eighth?
If you see a five-gram eighth sale at your local dispensary, head on over. A five-gram is a sale where you get 1.5 additional grams of marijuana for free with your eighth.

Is an eighth the same as a slice?
Yes, an eighth is colloquially referred to as a "slice," emphasizing its one-eighth portion of an ounce. 

Buying an Eighth of Flower

Whether you're exploring beginner strains or more potent options, purchasing an eighth of flower provides a decent amount of flower to try for the first time or enjoy over a weekend. With an eighth, you can roll joints and blunts, and pack bowls, ensuring you can indulge the way you prefer. Of course, if you’re a smart dispensary shopper, keep your eye out for any five-gram deals to get a little extra for your dollar.

Find a Dispensary

Use of Marijuana Concentrate may lead to: Psychotic symptoms and/or Psychotic disorder (delusions, hallucinations, or difficulty distinguishing reality); Mental Health Symptoms/Problems; Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) (uncontrolled and repetitive vomiting); Cannabis use disorder/dependence, including physical and psychological dependence.   Please consume responsibly. This product may cause impairment and may be habit forming. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product.  State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and medical marijuana patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.