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Rick Simpson Oil (RSO): What is It, How is It Made, & More
July 19, 2023
Spend any time in the concentrate world, and you’re going to hear about Rick Simpson Oil (RSO). Its famed reputation spans both the recreational marijuana world and the medical marijuana market. For this addition to the cannabis glossary, we’ll share everything we know both about RSO’s storied past and the ways it’s being consumed today.
What is RSO?
RSO, or Rick Simpson oil, is a cannabis concentrate that looks like oily tar. Its thick consistency mixed with its dark hue—typically a dark brown or even black color—make it look like a potent substance. (Spoiler: it is.)
RSO is created through a unique extraction process that preserves much of the plant material, including the trichomes that contain cannabinoids, in the final product. RSO can be smoked, applied topically, or taken orally, depending on your preference. It’s important to note though that because it is packed with THC and other cannabinoids, it’s best to start with a small dose—no bigger than half a grain of rice.
Who Was Rick Simpson Oil?
Rick Simpson, the man who first created RSO, first got the idea to create his product when he heard members of the media suggesting medical marijuana could help treat conditions that weren’t helped by prescription medication. After a fall that led to post-concussion syndrome and tinnitus, Rick decided he would give cannabis a try.
Thus, Rick Simpson Oil was born. According to Simpson, the ringing in his ears stopped with his cannabis consumption. Years later, he even claimed to have cured three small spots of skin cancer with regular application of his special cannabis oil. Soon after, Simpson started to share his results, which he attributed to cannabis, with others facing medical challenges.
It’s important to note that Simpson only had anecdotal evidence to share with others, so don’t rush out thinking it’s going to solve all your problems There is no definitive, scientific backing to Simpson’s claims, and while research is being done to understand the effects of cannabinoids in the body, there is no evidence that RSO cures any conditions.
Does RSO Work?
If you’re asking if RSO can cure cancer, the answer is no—we have absolutely no evidence to indicate RSO can cure cancer. If you’re wondering if RSO and the THC in it can help with certain conditions associated with cancer treatment, it is possible. Cannabis has been shown to improve appetite, lessening pain, and reducing nausea and vomiting.
That said, the short answer to the question, “Does RSO work?” is we don’t know. While there have been some studies performed that indicate THC and other cannabinoids can help patients with cancer, there are also older studies that seem to indicate THC can accelerate cancer growth. All of this is to say that you should enjoy RSO for its effects on your body and your endocannabinoid system, rather than any purported and unproven medical benefits.
How is Rick Simpson Oil Made?
Rick Simpson Oil is made by submerging marijuana buds in a solvent. The mixture is stirred to help the THC dissolve into the solvent, which is then strained from the plant material. This process is repeated one more time until what’s left is a dark liquid that is then heated up to 230°F to both decarboxylate the concentrate and get rid of the solvent.
As the solvent evaporates, the concentrate will thicken to an oily consistency. Typically, it's then added to a syringe for easy dosing since you only need a tiny bit for it to be effective.
RSO Oil vs Cannabis Oil: What’s the Difference?
The biggest difference between RSO and cannabis oil is that cannabis oil is typically made when cannabinoids (and sometimes terpenes) are added to a carrier oil of some kind, like olive or coconut oil. RSO is an oil created through an extraction process where the cannabinoids are separated from the marijuana plant material. This difference makes RSO much more similar to hash than it is to cannabis oil. Additionally, RSO is typically considered more potent than cannabis oil, but you should start slow and at a low dose with both products.
How Do You Use Rick Simpson Oil?
Rick Simpson Oil can be consumed orally, applied topically, or smoked. The three most common ways you’ll be able to purchase RSO in a dispensary are:
RSO Syringe
RSO syringes are the best way to take your RSO if you’re interested in consuming it orally or topically. The syringes provide clear dosing instructions for you to dispense the RSO.
RSO Edibles
Rick Simpson Oil can be added to your food and drinks (though remember, it has a potent flavor) once they’re cooked to turn them into edibles. If you decide to cook with RSO, don’t let the temperatures exceed 300ºF or you will destroy the cannabinoids.
RSO Capsules
If you want to try RSO but don’t like the idea of the flavor or texture of the product, you can always purchase RSO capsules. Capsules ensure you get all of the things you love about your RSO, like the cannabinoids, in an easy-to-consume form.
How Do You Dose RSO?
For many cannabis enthusiasts, RSO is dosed over time in a specific regimen that spans months. This ensures that the cannabinoids remain in the body where they can benefit the consumer the most. To start, you’ll want to consume no more than a half-grain-of-rice-sized amount of RSO every eight hours. Continue this for the first month.
For the first week of the second month, increase your RSO dose to a grain-sized amount at the same, eight-hour frequency. The second week, go to two grains of rice. The third, increase to four grains of rice. Continue dosing to a full gram of RSO every eight hours through the end of your 90-day period, and then, cut down to just a gram or two a month.
Just remember, RSO is extremely potent. If you’re interested in dosing your RSO, but you want to be able to still be productive, consider lowering the doses even further. In all things cannabis-related, do what feels right for you.
Answering FAQs About Rick Simpson Oil
There’s a lot of information out there about RSO. Here are a few things you should definitely know about this product:
Can I make RSO?
No, you cannot make RSO. The process to make RSO requires professional equipment to prevent a dangerous situation and ensure a chemical-free final product. You should never try to make RSO at home.
Can I smoke RSO?
While most people choose to use RSO as a topical treatment or an oral treatment, it can be smoked. Many cannabis enthusiasts choose to add a tiny bit of RSO to their flower. This will keep the cannabinoids and terpenes safe from being burned out while also enhancing the intoxicating effects of your bud.
Can you dab RSO?
There are probably cannabis enthusiasts who have dabbed RSO, but we don’t recommend it. The consistency of RSO is such that it will create a colossal mess in your dab rig or nectar collector if you try to add it to the nail. RSO is best when it’s not heated to the super-hot temps a dab rig uses.
Can you cook with RSO?
Technically, yes, as long as your recipe doesn’t need to be cooked over 300ºF. Above those temperatures, your cannabinoids and terpenes will be damaged and destroyed, creating an ineffective mess of a product. RSO shines when it’s added to food that’s already prepared and ready to be served, but just remember, you only need a tiny, tiny, tiny amount.
Purchasing RSO
The best way to get your hands on RSO is to find a dispensary near you and pay us a visit. Our RSO has been through rigorous testing, ensuring that it contains all of the cannabinoids and terpenes you want without anything you don’t. Talk to your budtender to find out what we have in stock and feel free to ask any questions you might have about Rick Simpson oil—they’ll be happy to answer.
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.
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Do you dream of rolling the perfect joint? This rolling-rite-of-passage is within your reach in a few easy steps with the aid of a joint roller, which can give you the perfectly rolled joint every time. Find out more about the simple, yet ingenious device and how to use a joint rolling machine.
What is a Joint Roller?
A joint roller is a small device that helps you roll a uniform joint, since it distributes the cannabis evenly in a rolling paper. Joint rollers are made from metal or plastic and have a holding chamber and two rollers in a frame. The device is ideal if you haven’t yet developed the skills or patience for hand-rolling or if you want to quickly crank out a couple of joints.
What are the Different Types of Joint Rollers?
Joint rollers come in various designs and sizes that cater to different needs and preferences. Here are the four most common types of joint roller machines:
- Thumb rollers, or manual rolling machines, are the most common and budget-friendly.
- Injectors, also called rolling machines, load cannabis into empty cigarette tubes.
- Cone fillers are also an injector, which adds ground cannabis to pre-rolled cones.
- Electric rollers automate the rolling process. Press the button, and the automatic joint roller does the rest.
What Materials Do You Need?
Here are the materials you need before you start rolling:
- Cannabis flower
- A grinder
- A filter (optional)
- Rolling paper
How to Use a Joint Roller [6 Steps]
Wondering how to roll a joint with a joint roller? Follow these 6 easy steps to roll the perfect cannabis joint:
Step 1: Grind the Flower
Use a grinder to break down 0.5 to 1.5 grams of cannabis flower into a fine, even consistency.
Step 2: Load the Joint Roller
Open the rolling machine and evenly spread the ground cannabis in the holding chamber. Don’t overfill the chamber if you need to leave space for the filter. Plus, overfilling the joint with cannabis results in an uneven burn.
Step 3: Add the Filter (Optional)
If you want to use a crutch or filter tip, place it at the end of the groove. The filter acts as a mouthpiece, preventing the cannabis from falling out.
Step 4: Close the Rollers
Close the rollers and turn them toward you a few times to pack the cannabis snugly in the joint space.
Step 5: Insert the Paper
Insert a rolling paper with the adhesive strip at the top and facing you between the rollers.
Step 6: Roll the Joint
Roll the closest roller toward you so the paper can wrap around the cannabis. Continue rolling until you can see only the adhesive strip. Lick the glue strip and complete the roll to seal the joint. Open the roller and remove your joint.
Expert Tips for Using a Joint Roller
Want to ensure you get the most out of your rolling machine? Follow these top expert tips:
- Spend the Money - Investing in a quality joint roller ensures durability and a better roll than a cheap machine. A device with vinyl rolling sheaths rolls either too tightly or unevenly, causing the joint to canoe and making it challenging to draw. A high-quality roller will close firmly, preventing your cannabis from flying out with a loose close.
- Don’t Overfill - It’s difficult to close the roller when it’s overfilled with cannabis. Plus, it may tear the paper, meaning you’ll have to start at step 2 again.
- Choose the Right Papers - The machine can only roll joints with a rolling paper that matches its size. Talk to your budtender if you’re unsure about the right paper for your joint roller.
FAQs About Joint Roller Machines
If you have more questions about joint roller devices, check out these frequently asked questions from other canna-connoisseurs:
What size joint will a roller make?
Joint roller machines can make a standard 1¼”, 5” (blunt-sized), or king-sized joint.
Do I need filters or tips for a roller?
You don’t need to use a filter with a joint rolling machine. However, a crutch or filter tip can improve the structure of the joint and prevent the cannabis from falling out of the joint or entering your mouth.
Does the roller compact the joint tight enough?
The roller can compact the joint tight enough, but this depends on the user and how evenly the cannabis is spread in the groove.
Are joint rollers reusable?
Absolutely! You can use your joint roller over and over again.
Are joint rollers easy to use for beginners?
Joint rolling devices streamline the rolling process, making them ideal for beginners.
Using a Joint Roller
Making a joint with a joint roller is quick and easy, whether you are a seasoned cannabis enthusiast or new to the scene. Experiment with different materials and techniques to find what works best for you, or chat with your budtender if you have more questions. Happy rolling!
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.
If you’re a cannabis connoisseur, you know all about how blunts are an OG classic with their own culture. Or, you may be new to the scene and wonder “what is a blunt?”. In this guide, you’ll learn everything there is to know about blunts, blunt wraps, and the differences between blunts, joints, and spliffs.
What is a Blunt?
A blunt is a marijuana roll made with hemp wraps or tobacco wrappers. Consumers may also hollow out little cigars or cigarillos and replace all the tobacco content with crushed cannabis, and this is how blunts used to be smoked in the mid-1800s1.
There are various theories about why blunts became so popular at the time. One theory suggests that people in the Caribbean at that time had to get creative about how they smoked cannabis because the tools cannabis enthusiasts have today - e.g. pipes, bongs, etc. - weren’t available then. Other theories propose that blunts allowed people to smoke more marijuana at once, and the cigar wrappers helped mask the smell of the herb. The use of a cigar wrapper also added to the flavors when smoking a cannabis-filled blunt.
Why is it Called a Blunt?
In the late 19th century, companies started making rolled cigars using one leaf or a continuous wrap, which had a rounded, broad tip. These cigars were called blunt cigars to distinguish them from their cousin cigars with a tapered, pointed tip. Pennsylvania became the blunt-making hub, with brands like Phillies, White Owl, and Dutch Masters producing these machine-made cigars.
In today’s cannabis culture, a blunt refers to marijuana rolled inside tobacco paper, a hollowed-out cigar, or hemp wrap. If you are purchasing a blunt from your local, state-licensed dispensary, these products will be almost exclusively wrapped in hemp paper.
What is a Blunt Wrap?
Blunt aficionados know choosing the right wrap is at the heart of the blunt experience. So, a blunt wrap refers to the wrapping material used to make a marijuana blunt. The wrap can be made from multiple tobacco leaves, a single leaf, herbal blends, flavored paper, or hemp.
A blunt wrap can also be made from glass, and glass blunts (as they’re called) are reusable smoking devices that mimic the traditional blunt-smoking experience. Similarly to self-rolling, glass blunts put you in the power seat as you control how much cannabis goes in the blunt.
Do Blunts Have Nicotine?
The nicotine in “traditional” blunts is present in the wrapping material (the cigar leaves) since the filling is cannabis, not tobacco. For example, if a blunt is made using a cigar wrapper, the total nicotine content2 ranges between 1.2 milligrams to 6 milligrams per cigar. However, if you buy a blunt at a cannabis dispensary, it won’t contain nicotine since these products are rolled in hemp leaves or non-tobacco wraps.
Blunts vs Joints: What’s the Difference?
Blunts and joints require rolling cannabis to smoke it, but different rolling or wrapping materials are used. Blunts are a cannabis flower rolled in tobacco leaf, cigar, cigarillo wraps, or hemp leaves. However, joints require the cannabis to be rolled in a light rolling paper made from hemp, rice, wood pulp, or flax. These flavored or colored rolling papers can be in loose-leaf or cone form. The rolling/wrapping paper affects the overall experience and flavor.
Joints and blunts also look different. Blunts are bigger, burn slower, and hold more cannabis, so they are more potent. Joints may also have a crutch or filter that keeps the cannabis in the joint and not in your mouth.
Blunts vs Spliffs: What’s the Difference?
The main difference between blunts and spliffs is what’s inside. While spliffs are rolled using rolling paper, similar to joints, the contents contain a mix of marijuana and tobacco. Consumers can adjust the ratio of cannabis to tobacco, and spliffs usually have more tobacco than a blunt.
A blunt may contain tobacco and cannabis, but that depends on the wrap. Hemp-wrapped blunts, for example, only contain cannabis, while cigar-wrapped blunts contain small amounts of tobacco.
FAQs About Blunts
Your budtender can answer all your blunt-related questions, but if you can’t wait, here are a few questions consumers frequently ask:
Can I roll my own blunts?
You can totally roll your own blunts, but there’s a bit of a learning curve if you are new to rolling. Follow an easy “how to roll a blunt” guide, ask your buddies for help, and keep practicing until you perfect the blunt-rolling process.
How much marijuana is in a blunt?
A blunt typically contains 1.5 times3 the amount of cannabis as a joint does. So, if a joint contains between 0.5 grams and 1 gram of marijuana, a blunt will have 0.75 grams to 1.5 grams of cannabis, but it can contain more.
Are blunts stronger than pre-rolls?
A blunt can be more potent than a pre-roll because they simply contain more cannabis flower. However, the potency is always going to depend on the type of flower used. That being said, infused pre-rolls can be stronger than blunts as they contain both flower and a concentrate.
Purchasing Blunts
You can buy blunts at most dispensaries in the country. They stock sativa and indica-dominant blunts with a range of flavor profiles so you can find the product you prefer most. Or, chat with your budtender to help you find what’s right for you.
Sources
1. “The Tightly-Rolled History of the Blunt,” thrillist.com, August 21, 2020, https://www.thrillist.com/news/nation/what-is-a-blunt-history-origins-timeline
2. “Does marijuana "blunt" smoking contribute to nicotine exposure?: Preliminary product testing of nicotine content in wrappers of cigars commonly used for blunt smoking,” pubmed.com, September 9, 2016, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27639129/
3. “Blunts versus joints: Cannabis use characteristics and consequences among treatment-seeking adults,” National Library of Medicine, March 14, 2019, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6467739/
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.
It’s fun to admire the big, beautiful buds you purchased at your local dispensary, but cannabis consumption means pulling that precious flower apart. There are plenty of everyday objects that you can use to break up your flower–scissors, nail clippers, your own hands–but we highly recommend purchasing a cannabis grinder.
What is a Cannabis Grinder?
Grinders are small containers made up of various interlocking pieces that contain sharp teeth or points that shred your bud when you turn the mechanism. Grinding your flower is an essential first step when you’re going to smoke or bake with marijuana.
Cannabis grinders are available in your local dispensary, but you can also find them online or in any local head shop. They can be made out of metal, plastic, or wood, and come in just about every color and design imaginable.
What are the Benefits of Using a Grinder?
Have you ever had a bit of unburned bud disappear down the stem of a bong, or had a joint burn fast down one side? Proper grinding can eliminate these problems. This easy-to-use cannabis contraption is ideal in turning your flower into evenly sized, usable nuggets. And it’s a whole lot less messy than trying to do it with your hands!
Another bonus to using a grinder: some collect kief, the sticky crystals that are part of trichomes that contain more THC and other cannabinoids.
What are the Different Types of Grinders?
Grinders can be made of metal, plastic, or wood and they come in different sizes, from mini or small, about two-inches in diameter to medium and large, about six inches in diameter. There are two-piece, three-piece, four-piece, and five-piece grinders, which are also sometimes called tiers.
Two-Piece Grinder: Two-piece grinders are the most basic, made up of just two halves–usually called a lid and a grinding bowl–that grind up your flower. Simply place your bud inside the grinding bowl and twist both sides until you have the result you want.
Three-Piece Grinder: In addition to the two halves of a two-piece grinder, three-piece grinders add a collection chamber. The second, or middle piece, comes with holes that allow the ground marijuana to drop through into the bottom piece or collection chamber. The three-piece design gives you a handy place to collect your ground flower.
Four- and Five-Piece Grinder: Four-and five-piece grinders add another chamber to the three-piece grinder, called the kief chamber. This consists of a screen that separates out the kief, or sticky portion of the flower's trichomes, from the rest of the bud. If you’re going all in on a five-piece grinder, you’ll often have two kief-catching chambers instead of just one.
What is a Kief Catcher?
A kief catcher is the lower chamber in a four-piece grinder that catches the kief, AKA the coveted cannabis trichomes
What is a Grinder Coin?
While a grinder is a common cannabis prep tool, grinder coins aren’t as well known. This handy item is a must-have to get the maximum amount of kief from your flower. You can purchase a grinder coin, but an everyday coin works as well. (Just make sure to sterilize it first!) When choosing a coin for your grinder, remember to choose the right size. A nickel will work well for small grinders, but opt for a quarter or similarly sized coin for larger grinders.
How To Use a Cannabis Grinder [3 Steps]
Cannabis flower is not cheap, and you don’t want to damage your bud with improper grinding. Here are three steps to ensure success.
Step 1: Place Flower in Grinder
Open the grinder's lid and press a few buds onto the teeth inside the grinder.
Step 2: Replace the Lid and Grind
Put the lid back on, making sure it is securely closed. As you begin to twist the chambers, you will feel some resistance–this is completely normal. We recommend ten turns, but you can always start with fewer. Remember, you can always grind more but you cannot ungrind your flower.
Step 3: Open and Use
After you've finished grinding, open the top and remove your flower from the chamber. If you used a kief catcher, scoop out those golden trichomes for future use.
Your flower is not ready for consumption! You likely won’t use all of it in one session, so make sure to store your flower properly so you can enjoy it later.
How Do You Clean a Grinder?
Natural plant material, including resin, can get stuck in the grinder's teeth over time and make it hard to use. If your grinder is not turning smoothly, it’s probably time to give it a wash.
Just like any other tool, selecting the right supplies will help your grinder stay safe and functional. We recommend gathering the following items: a small brush or toothbrush; plate or bowl; isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol; a plastic bag or glass jar; water; and a towel. You may also need to use needles or toothpicks for fine-level cleaning.
Once you’re ready, follow these steps for proper cleaning:
- Step 1: Completely disassemble your grinder
- Step 2: Soak each part in alcohol for half an hour using a plastic bag or glass jar.
- Step 3: Take each piece out of the alcohol and scrub with a toothbrush.
- Step 4: Rinse in clean, hot water, then let it air dry on a clean towel.
Make sure your grinder is completely dry before using it again.
FAQs About Pre-Rolls
There are plenty of questions and misconceptions we hear at our dispensaries. Here are some of the most common.
Can I use a coffee grinder on my flower?
Yes, you can use a coffee grinder to grind your flower. However, always clean it before and after so you don’t end up with a mix of coffee and cannabis flavors.
Do I need a kief coin?
Kief coins are not a requirement, but they are a handy tool for extra kief collection.
How long should I grind the flower for?
Look to grind your flower about 10 rotations. You'll know it's ground properly when you stop feeling resistance.
Purchasing a Marijuana Grinder
You can find the marijuana grinder that's right for your needs at your dispensary. Talk with your budtender about the different options and levels that match your cannabis consumption methods.
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.
