What Is Hash?
If you have spent any time exploring cannabis products, you have probably heard the word hash. It has been around…
At Lucky Lion in Portland, we hear “RSO” come up in a very specific way. Someone is either (1) brand new to it and wants to know why people talk about it like it is in its own category, or (2) they tried it once, felt how strong it is, and now want a safer, more predictable way to use it.
RSO stands for Rick Simpson Oil, a thick, dark, highly concentrated cannabis oil that is typically high in THC and often described as a full-spectrum extract because it contains many compounds from the plant, not just one isolated cannabinoid.
If you have ever seen an RSO syringe, the consistency is usually the first giveaway. It is sticky, tar-like, and meant for very small servings. People often compare it to a potent edible concentrate rather than something you inhale.
This guide explains what RSO is, how it differs from other cannabis oils, how people typically use it, how to read the label, and how to avoid the most common dosing mistakes.
A lot of cannabis products get called “oil,” which is where confusion starts.
Many vape cartridges contain refined cannabis oil like distillate, which can be very high in THC but often has fewer of the plant’s original compounds unless terpenes are reintroduced. RSO, on the other hand, is usually described as a whole-plant or full-spectrum style extract that contains a broader mix of cannabinoids and other compounds.
That difference matters because it changes how the experience can feel. Some people find RSO more “rounded” or more body-forward than a highly refined THC product. That is not a guarantee, but it is a common reason people seek it out.
Another difference is how it is typically used. RSO is most often taken orally (swallowed) or sometimes sublingually (under the tongue). It is not commonly used for vaping. It is also extremely concentrated, so dosing needs to be approached with real caution.
RSO is named after Rick Simpson, who helped popularize this type of cannabis oil and its use in wellness conversations. Many online discussions also connect RSO with serious health claims, including cancer. It is important to separate the popularity of those claims from the quality of evidence behind them.
Major medical and cancer organizations consistently note that there is not solid evidence that RSO “cures” cancer in humans, and many public stories are anecdotal or confounded by other treatments occurring at the same time.
At Lucky Lion dispensaries, we are always happy to talk about what products are, what they contain, and what people commonly use them for. We also want customers to have realistic expectations and to make decisions with their healthcare team when medical conditions are involved.
RSO is made using a solvent-based extraction that pulls cannabinoids and other compounds from cannabis plant material, then the solvent is removed (purged) to leave behind a thick, potent oil.
You will sometimes see discussions online about making RSO at home. We do not recommend that. It can involve highly flammable solvents and serious safety risks. In a licensed market, extracts are made under controlled conditions with testing and safety standards.
If you are shopping for RSO, the best move is buying a lab-tested product from a licensed dispensary where potency and contaminants are verified.
You might also hear FECO, which stands for Full Extract Cannabis Oil. People often use FECO and RSO interchangeably, but many sources describe differences based on the solvent and processing methods used.
In practical terms for shoppers, FECO and RSO are both usually:
The exact naming and production details can vary by brand and region, so rather than getting stuck on the label word, focus on what the product actually is: a concentrated full-extract oil, its cannabinoid content, and how the brand intends it to be used.
RSO experiences vary based on:
Most people experience RSO like a strong, long-lasting edible, especially if swallowed. When THC is processed through digestion, it can produce a longer and sometimes stronger-feeling arc than inhaled THC. That is part of why RSO can feel intense even for people who smoke or vape regularly.
Because it can be long lasting, the most important RSO skill is not finding the strongest syringe. It is choosing the smallest amount that reliably does what you want, without dragging into the next day.
RSO is commonly used in a few ways.
Many people place a tiny amount on food, a cracker, or inside an empty capsule, then swallow. This behaves like an edible, meaning onset can be delayed and effects can last longer.
Some people place a small amount under the tongue and hold it for a short time, then swallow. Many guides describe this as potentially faster than swallowing alone.
RSO can be mixed into something fatty like peanut butter or yogurt, which can help with taste and consistency. From a dosing perspective, you still want to measure carefully.
You will see topical talk online, but in regulated retail, RSO is usually sold and labeled primarily for oral style use. If someone is considering topical use for a skin issue, that is a conversation to have with a clinician.
At Lucky Lion, we will always encourage you to follow the product’s label instructions and start conservatively.
Two reasons.
First, RSO is extremely concentrated, and the difference between “a little” and “a lot” is tiny. A syringe can hold hundreds of milligrams of THC, and a small squeeze can be far more than you intended.
Second, people underestimate the timing. If you swallow RSO, it can take a while to kick in, and impatience leads to stacking doses.
Most first-page dosing guides repeat the same core advice: start with a serving about the size of a grain of rice, or even less, and increase slowly over time.
That “rice-size” phrase is common because it is memorable, not because it is perfect for everyone. For some people, even a rice-size serving is too much, especially if they have low tolerance or are sensitive to THC. If you are cautious by nature, start smaller than the rice reference and work up across multiple nights.
When you pick up RSO, focus on the numbers that actually control your experience.
Many syringes list total THC in milligrams for the entire syringe. For example, a syringe might contain 700 mg to 900 mg THC total.
Some brands list mg per mL. Many syringes are 1 mL total volume, but not always, so confirm.
Some brands suggest a serving size in mL or in mg. If the brand provides that, use it as a starting reference, then adjust based on your real-world response.
One useful trick from dosing charts is learning the conversion. If a 1 mL syringe contains 800 mg THC, then 0.025 mL is about 20 mg.
That is already a strong edible dose for many people, which is why precision matters.
At Lucky Lion, if you bring the package to the counter, we can help you interpret the label in plain English, including what the numbers imply for a conservative start.
People commonly use RSO at night for sleep support, deep relaxation, appetite stimulation, and body comfort. Many guides also describe RSO as popular among medical patients because it is potent and long lasting.
But “popular” is not the same as “proven.” For any serious medical condition, especially cancer, it is critical to keep expectations grounded. Clinical reviews and mainstream medical sources note insufficient evidence for anticancer claims and emphasize the limits of anecdote.
A safer, more realistic framing is:
If you are using cannabis as part of a medical plan, involve your clinician.
RSO is potent. Side effects are usually dose-related and can include:
Because RSO can last a long time, an uncomfortable dose can feel like it takes forever to resolve. That is why starting low is not just a slogan, it is harm reduction.
If you are new to cannabis, sensitive to THC, or have had anxiety on edibles before, we usually recommend starting with either:
Many people forget this part until it matters. RSO is typically high in THC, and THC use can result in positive drug tests depending on frequency, dose, metabolism, and the kind of test. If you are subject to workplace testing, assume RSO is not a safe choice.
Do not drive after using RSO. The effects can be delayed, and impairment can last longer than you expect. Plan your evening like you would plan around a strong edible.
RSO can thicken in cooler conditions and become more fluid when warm. Keep it stored according to the package directions, typically in a cool, dark place.
If you have trouble dispensing because it is too thick, warming it gently in your hands for a minute can help. Avoid overheating, and never heat near an open flame.
Not really. Tinctures are often alcohol or oil-based liquids with measured droppers and lower concentration per serving. RSO is typically much thicker and much more concentrated.
Usually no. RSO is not designed for vaping, and it can contain plant compounds and viscosity that are not appropriate for cartridges. If you want an inhaled concentrate experience, ask us about products intended for that use.
Because it is concentrated and often contains a broader range of plant compounds than a highly refined distillate. Many people disguise the taste by putting a tiny amount into a capsule or onto a small bite of food.
Distillate is typically a refined extract focused on specific cannabinoids, often THC, with much of the original plant chemistry removed, then sometimes terpenes are added back. RSO is generally described as full-spectrum, containing more of the plant’s compounds.
We cannot give personal medical advice, but the pattern that tends to work for most adults who are new to RSO is steady and cautious.
Pick a night when you have no obligations.
Start with a very small amount. Smaller than you think, especially if you are new to edibles.
Wait long enough to feel the full arc before taking more.
Take notes on dose and timing.
Adjust slowly on a different day, not the same night.
Dosing charts often begin with rice-size guidance and gradual increases over days or weeks, not rapid jumps in one session.
If you want help translating the syringe label into a cautious plan, that is exactly what we do at Lucky Lion. Bring the product to the counter, tell us your experience level, and tell us what you want the product to do for you. We will help you pick an RSO option that fits your comfort level, then help you understand how to approach it with the kind of respect a high-potency product deserves.
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