Though the recreational cannabis market hasn’t quite seen the ever-ascending explosion of Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) products as it has edibles and vape pens, it’s still a huge product in the medical cannabis community. Due to its high-THC content, RSO has long been a staple for patients seeking relief from a variety of ailments, and as the market continues to expand, so too does RSO and its methods of delivery.
If you’ve always been curious about Rick Simpson Oil, or this is the first instance you’ve ever heard of it, then now’s the time to explore your options and see what innovations are going on in the world of cannabis oil extracts.
What is Rick Simpson Oil?
Rick Simpson is a Canadian native who first created Rick Simpson Oil to treat his then newly diagnosed basal cell carcinoma in 2003. After applying the oil to his cancerous moles, Simpson claimed that it had cured him. Thus, RSO was born, though Simpson drew controversy, skepticism, and ire from medical professionals due to a lack of scientific research to back up his claims (see the “Controversy and copycats” in our dictionary entry for RSO).
Today, RSO is more commonly referred to as Full Extract Cannabis Oil (FECO) and is a potent decarboxylated cannabis oil originally extracted with the use of ethanol, though many other methods of extraction — such as the use of food-grade solvents — have come into play as the market grows. Now, you can find many brands touting high terpene and unique cannabinoid percentages, along with the already colossal amounts of THC and CBD, within the oil. It can be baked into brownies, taken sublingually, or used as a topical.
Usually, when you walk into a dispensary, you’ll find RSO packaged up in easy-to-dose syringes. However, the use of syringes has started to fade out, as the imagery evokes negative connotations and may be triggering to some people.
4 RSO brands worth trying
When searching for the right RSO product for you, it’s important to buy from licensed, verified brands and never off the unlicensed market. Since oils can hide a lot of impurities — especially since RSO is sometimes black in color — it’s easy for unregulated brands and companies to fill their oils with unwanted pesticides, fillers, or other materials.
Below, check out some of our recommendations to get you started.
Skagit Organics
I’ve personally tried Skagit Organics’ RSO and they’ve quickly become one of my favorite RSO brands. The brand exclusively uses food-grade alcohol for extraction, and each batch is third-party tested for pesticides through the Tested With Confidence program. Huge advocates in the cannabis space, Skagit Organics partners with an array of organizations geared toward creating a more sustainable, inclusive, and ethical industry.
Available: Washington
Jetty Extracts Dablicator
After listening to the feedback from medical patients Jetty Extracts serve through its Shelter Project nonprofit, the company has developed a whole new applicator for its potent RSO. Called the Dablicator, Jetty Extracts offers consumers exact dosing without having to whip out a syringe. Dab it, mix it into joints, or simply use it sublingually for a little mental or physical ease.
Available: California
Find Jetty Extracts on Weedmaps
Siskiyou Sungrown FECO
Using certified organic cane alcohol to extract its FECO, Siskiyou Sungrown offers extremely potent oils for both medical and recreational consumers alike. Siskiyou also partners with many Oregon brands eager to use its specific oils and cannabis products for edibles, topicals, and more.
Available: Oregon
710 Labs RSO
Like the Jetty Extracts Dablicator above, 710 Labs’ RSO ditches the syringe for a more streamlined applicator. Its RSO is strain-specific from an inventory of unique genetics, so get on The List and keep your eyes peeled for your favorite strain.
Available: California
Hannah Meadows
Hannah is a Seattle-based writer and editor. She’s worked in the cannabis industry for three years and continues to learn and explore.
