RSO (Rick Simpson Oil) and cannabis edibles might seem similar — both are taken by mouth and deliver long-lasting effects — but they’re not quite the same.
While traditional edibles are infused with THC distillate or butter, RSO is a full-spectrum extract containing all of the plant’s cannabinoids, terpenes, and natural compounds. This makes RSO stronger, richer, and more therapeutic than most gummies or baked goods.
So, which one works better? Let’s break down the differences between RSO vs. edibles in potency, timing, effects, and use.
What Is RSO (Rick Simpson Oil)?
RSO is a thick, dark cannabis extract originally developed by Canadian engineer Rick Simpson. It’s made by soaking cannabis flower in a solvent (like ethanol), filtering it, and evaporating the liquid to create a concentrated oil that can be eaten, applied topically, or used in capsules.
RSO typically contains 60–90% THC along with other cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, and CBC. It’s designed for slow, consistent dosing and longer-lasting effects than smoking or vaping.
What Are Edibles?
Cannabis edibles are food products infused with cannabinoids — most commonly THC or CBD. You’ll find them in gummies, chocolates, brownies, mints, beverages, and more.
Edibles are made using distillate, isolate, or infused oil rather than full-spectrum extracts, which means they often contain fewer minor cannabinoids and terpenes than RSO.
RSO vs. Edibles: Key Differences
|
Feature |
RSO (Rick Simpson Oil) |
Regular Edibles |
|---|---|---|
|
Main Compound |
Full-spectrum THC extract |
THC distillate or isolate |
|
Form |
Thick oil (syringe) |
Gummies, chocolates, etc. |
|
Potency |
60–90% THC |
5–25mg THC per piece |
|
Onset Time |
45–90 minutes |
30–90 minutes |
|
Duration |
6–8 hours |
4–6 hours |
|
Effect Type |
Deep body relaxation, therapeutic |
Recreational, lighter high |
|
Customization |
Precise dosing (drops) |
Fixed dosage per serving |
|
Taste |
Strong, earthy, bitter |
Sweet or flavored |
|
Best For |
Experienced users, wellness routines |
Beginners, casual users |
RSO: The Stronger, Full-Spectrum Option
RSO delivers a full-plant experience — meaning it includes THC, CBD, terpenes, and plant compounds that interact synergistically (the entourage effect).
Because RSO isn’t refined or filtered, its effects are often described as heavier and more grounding than edibles made with distillate. Users often feel a deep body calm and long-lasting relief, making it popular among people using cannabis for medical or educational exploration.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re new to RSO, start with half a grain of rice-sized drop (~10mg THC) to gauge potency before increasing.
Edibles: The Convenient Everyday Choice
Edibles are designed for easy, consistent dosing — great for beginners or casual use. Each gummy or chocolate is measured for THC content (typically 5–10mg), allowing for predictable experiences and easy portion control.
Because they’re made with refined distillate, edibles have a cleaner taste and are less likely to cause strong sedative effects. However, they lack the full spectrum of compounds found in RSO — so their effects may feel milder and more “surface level.”
How They Work in the Body
Both RSO and edibles are metabolized through the digestive system and liver, converting THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, which produces strong, long-lasting effects.
The key difference is in absorption and potency:
-
RSO’s full-spectrum profile delivers a broader range of cannabinoids, which may enhance the duration and depth of effects.
-
Edibles deliver a single-compound effect (THC-only), resulting in a more predictable but narrower experience.
How to Take RSO Like an Edible
If you prefer the simplicity of edibles, you can still enjoy RSO in a similar way:
-
Mix a small drop of RSO into a soft food like peanut butter, yogurt (dairy-free), or applesauce.
-
Place a drop under your tongue for faster absorption.
-
Fill empty capsules with small RSO doses for easy, no-taste use.
Avoid heating RSO directly or baking with it — high heat destroys cannabinoids and reduces potency.
Which Is Better for You?
|
Goal |
Best Choice |
Why |
|---|---|---|
|
Long-lasting full-body effects |
RSO |
Full-spectrum and high potency |
|
Gentle, consistent experience |
Edibles |
Easy dosing and mild strength |
|
Custom dosage control |
RSO |
Measure exact amounts |
|
Taste and convenience |
Edibles |
Pleasant flavor, simple use |
|
Budget-friendly microdosing |
RSO |
One syringe lasts weeks |
Can You Combine RSO and Edibles?
Yes — many users microdose RSO alongside edibles to blend full-spectrum effects with flavor and convenience.
For example, try:
-
Half an edible (5mg THC)
-
A tiny RSO drop (5mg THC)
This approach allows you to enjoy the balanced, long-lasting calm of RSO while keeping the high manageable and pleasant.
Potential Side Effects
Both RSO and edibles can cause:
-
Dry mouth or thirst
-
Drowsiness
-
Increased appetite
-
Delayed onset (leading to overconsumption if you’re impatient)
Start low, wait at least 90 minutes, and avoid taking more until you feel the effects.
Final Thoughts
RSO and edibles each have their place — it depends on what you’re looking for.
If you want deep, full-spectrum relief and precision dosing, RSO wins.
If you prefer taste, consistency, and convenience, go with edibles.
The good news? You can experiment with both — safely and responsibly — to see what works best for your body.
