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How to Make RSO: A Complete Guide to Rick Simpson Oil

Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) is a potent, full-spectrum cannabis extract defined by its 'crude' profile. Unlike distillates, which strip the plant down to isolated cannabinoids, RSO retains waxes, terpenes, and cannabinoids to preserve the 'entourage effect.' This makes it a common choice for those seeking therapeutic applications. A finished batch typically tests between 50% and 80% THC.

Matchleaf Editorial4 min read
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THCMyrceneLinaloolLimoneneCBN
Contents · 11 sections▾

Solvent Selection and Safety

The extraction process uses high-polarity solvents to strip trichomes from the plant material. Use either 99% Isopropyl Alcohol or 190-proof food-grade Ethanol.

Critical Safety Protocols:

  • Vapor Management: Alcohol vapors are heavy and settle in low spots. Work in a space with powerful ventilation or an explosion-proof vent hood.
  • Fire Hazard: Never use open flames, pilot lights, or allow smoking near the extraction site. Use only electric heating elements.
  • Purity: Isopropyl alcohol is toxic to consume. You must achieve a complete purge; no alcohol scent should remain in the final oil.

Equipment List

  • 28g (1 oz) Decarboxylated Cannabis: Use high-THC flower for maximum yield.
  • 2 Liters Solvent: 99% ISO or 190-proof Ethanol.
  • Stainless Steel Rice Cooker: Models with both "Warm" and "Cook" settings allow for heat control.
  • Filtration Setup: Mason jars and unbleached coffee filters or 25-micron mesh screens.
  • Digital Thermometer: Essential for tracking solvent recovery temperatures.
  • Storage: Amber glass syringes for UV protection and grain-of-rice dosing.

Step 1: Decarboxylation

Raw cannabis contains THCA, which is not psychoactive until heated.

  1. Break down your flower and spread it on a baking sheet.
  2. Bake at 240°F (115°C) for 30–45 minutes.
  3. The flower is ready when it turns from bright green to a toasted, medium brown.

Step 2: The Cold-Wash Extraction

Keeping materials cold limits the amount of chlorophyll and lipids, which can lead to a cleaner oil.

  1. Freeze both your decarbed flower and solvent for at least 24 hours.
  2. Combine them in a glass jar, ensuring the plant matter is fully submerged.
  3. Agitate for 3 to 5 minutes. Avoid over-soaking; exceeding 5 minutes pulls out excess chlorophyll, which darkens the oil and adds a bitter flavor.

Step 3: Filtration

Separate the cannabinoid-rich liquid from the plant material.

  1. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to catch the bulk matter.
  2. Pass the liquid through a coffee filter or a 25-micron screen.
  3. The resulting tincture should be a dark gold or deep green translucent liquid.

Step 4: Solvent Evaporation

This is the most dangerous stage. Move your rice cooker to a well-ventilated area.

  1. Pour the tincture into the rice cooker and set to "Cook."
  2. Monitor the temperature closely. Ethanol boils at 173.1°F (78.37°C); keep your heat between 180°F and 210°F.
  3. Do not exceed 220°F, as this may degrade the THC and evaporate beneficial terpenes.
  4. As the volume drops, you will see bubbling—this is the solvent turning into gas. When the bubbling tapers off and the liquid shifts into a thick, syrupy consistency, the bulk of the solvent has evaporated.

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Step 5: Final Purge

Residual solvent is a common risk.

  1. Remove the inner pot from the heat while the oil is still warm.
  2. For a cleaner finish, add 2–3 drops of water to the oil during the final evaporation stage; the water may help pull off the last of the alcohol vapors.
  3. Transfer the oil to a Pyrex dish and place it on a mug warmer (roughly 120°F) for 24 hours to ensure all residual solvent is purged.

Yields and Potency

In a standard home setup, expect a 70–80% extraction efficiency. If you start with 28g of 20% THC flower (5,600mg total THC), you should yield roughly 3g to 5g of finished RSO.

Administration and Storage

RSO is viscous, so use a syringe for dosing.

  • Standard Dose: Start with a "grain of rice" (approx. 25mg–50mg of THC).
  • Bioavailability: Take it with a fat source, such as peanut butter or MCT oil, which may support cannabinoid absorption.
  • Storage: Keep in a cool, dark place. Light and oxygen convert THC into CBN, which may alter the effects over time.

A Note on Strains

The profile depends on your starting material. Strains containing Myrcene and Linalool may support sedation, while Limonene is often associated with alertness. Use research tools to identify high-THC cultivars with terpene profiles that align with your wellness goals.

Legal Disclaimer: This content is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always seek the advice of a physician regarding a medical condition. Efficacy has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. Check your local laws regarding cannabis and terpene use.

Sources

  1. Ligresti A, De Petrocellis L, Di Marzo V. (2016). From Phytocannabinoids to Cannabinoid Receptors and Endocannabinoids: Pleiotropic Physiological and Pathological Roles Through Complex Pharmacology. Physiol Rev. 96(4):1593-659. PubMed

  2. Russo EB. (2011). Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. Br J Pharmacol. 163(7):1344-64. PubMed

  3. Booth JK, Bohlmann J. (2019). Terpenes in Cannabis sativa — From plant genome to humans. Plant Sci. 284:67-72. PubMed

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