A common issue around the public reception of RSO is anecdotal reports of it producing negligible to imperceptible effects. If you’re sick, convalescing, or simply looking to use RSO recreationally but are feeling underwhelmed by your selected product, there are a few possible reasons your RSO might not be working.
If you’ve taken RSO and it’s not working, it’s most likely you bought a poor-quality product or that you’ve not consumed it in the right way. If you trust your supplier, you could be using the incorrect dosage or consuming it with foods that negate the effect. Finally, you may have a high tolerance or be one of the unlucky few unable to metabolize THC!
What is RSO?
Rick Simpson oil (RSO) is a cannabis extract that can be used for a variety of medicinal and therapeutic purposes. It’s thought to play a beneficial role in reducing symptoms of many medical conditions ranging from chronic pain to common forms of cancer like basal cell carcinoma. Studies have shown that RSO has anti-inflammatory, antitumoral and antiseptic properties.
RSO vs. Cannabidiol (CBD)
It’s worth noting that although they’ve both become household names in recent years, RSO is quite different from a garden-variety CBD tincture. The former contains high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and is much better suited to pain relief and regulating sleep patterns. It also contains significantly more cannabinoids and can produce potent analgesic effects even in a small dose, particularly when compared to full-spectrum CBD, edibles and other mainstream cannabis products.
Five Reasons Your RSO Isn’t Working
Now that we know what RSO is let’s take an in-depth look at why it might not have the desired effect.
1. You’re Using an Inadequate Dosage
Similarly to when you eat edibles, net consumption of active cannabis compounds (in total milligrams) is the key factor in the effectiveness of Rick Simpson oil. Inadequate doses may not provide the therapeutic benefits users seek due to the scarcity of otherwise beneficial compounds, such as cannabinoids and terpenes.
Following the recommended dose guidelines on your RSO syringe is crucial, starting in the low ranges and slowly increasing over time. People may require different amounts of RSO depending on individual factors (e.g., height, weight) and intended use case.
By taking the correct dosage of RSO, individuals can maximize its therapeutic potential and receive the full benefits of its combined components.
2. You Bought Low-Quality RSO
Using low-quality RSO can have serious health risks, as it’s often produced with unregulated ingredients and processes, leading to varying potency levels, contamination, and impurities. These can be toxic or even carcinogenic in some cases.
Low-grade RSO may not contain the same therapeutic benefits as higher-quality products, making it an ineffective supplemental treatment for diseases and ailments. Some users have reported experiencing adverse side effects from low-quality RSO, such as dizziness, headaches, irritation of the digestive tract, and fatigue. For these reasons, it is always best to purchase high-quality RSO from a reputable source.
3. You’re Consuming It With The Wrong Types of Food
Eating weed-infused food has become a popular trend in recent years, so it can be tempting to get creative with the way you consume RSO and other cannabis products. However, it’s worth noting that while there are ingredients and cooking temperatures that safely complement Rick Simpson oil (e.g., olive oil, warm water), there are others that can cause the active compounds in RSO to break down or degrade rapidly.
That aside, consumers intent on eating RSO with food should also bear in mind that certain cooking methodologies could compromise its potency, such as direct contact with an open flame and long periods in a crock pot or rice cooker.
While you can safely smoke RSO, its terpene and cannabinoid content are quite sensitive and can be stripped away when subjected to prolonged application of heat – we don’t recommend that you vape RSO although it may be safe in some circumstances. These beneficial compounds can also degrade in the stomach when consumed with the wrong types of food, such as dishes with high acidity.
4. You Have a Really High Tolerance
High THC tolerance can play a role in determining how one reacts to Rick Simpson oil. Individuals with a high tolerance may find that they don’t experience the same effects from RSO as those with normal or lower levels of tolerance. This is because their bodies have built up a resistance to the psychoactive compound, causing them to require larger and more frequent doses of RSO to experience their desired effects.
Those with high THC tolerance may find that they need to adjust their dosing regimen when using RSO in order to maximize its effects. While smaller doses may not be enough to offer any relief or benefit, too large a dose can often result in uncomfortable side effects and an overall unpleasant experience.
It’s important for anyone using RSO to factor in their history with cannabis use and THC consumption before experimenting accordingly, in order to find the best dosage and frequency for their personal use case.
5. You Metabolize THC Too Quickly
A person with slower-than-average metabolism of THC will likely experience more intense and significantly prolonged effects from using Rick Simpson oil. This is because their bodies take longer to process the cannabinoid, resulting in its sustained release from the liver to the nervous system for up to several hours after the fact. Some, can’t metabolize it at all and will never get high from eating THC.
On the other hand, those with faster-than-average THC metabolism may find the effects of RSO to be underwhelming, imperceptible or too short-lived. To get a read on how well your body processes THC, consider conducting a benchmark test using an edible, or a small piece of concentrate. This can be done quite easily by browsing the samplers at your local marijuana dispensary.
Is RSO Really Worth The Trouble?
Ultimately, it’s essential to exercise caution when using Rick Simpson oil regardless of how it’s metabolized or tolerated between individuals, given it contains significantly more THC (up to 90 percent in some cases) than the average full-spectrum cannabis oil. Users should not only take care to purchase quality RSO; it must also be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
On the whole, RSO can be a beneficial add-on or supplement to conventional therapies and medication for a range of common health conditions — particularly when selected, stored and taken correctly.
