Which RSO is Right for Me?
By Brianna Newton-Jackson, outreach lead at Hashtag Cannabis
By now you have most likely heard about Rick Simpson Oil, or what is commonly known as RSO. It is a highly potent whole plant cannabis extract packed with phytocannabinoids that pair perfectly with our endocannabinoid system. This beloved thick, dark oil is well known as a partner in healing for many within the medical cannabis community since 2003 as well as a great alternative to inhalation for those who just need a good, lasting effect out of their cannabis. The standard RSO options are usually extremely potent and saturated in THC content. However, a lot of growers these days produce RSO in a variety of THC and CBD ratios to better fit each of our individual needs.
That’s neat but how exactly is RSO Made?
Rick Simpson Oil is traditionally made by taking dried flower and concentrating its cannabinoids, predominantly THC and CBD, with a solvent such as ethanol or CO2. With tons of plant material packed in and no carrier oils or additives blended in, the resulting oil comes out dark brown and thick in texture.
This thick oil is placed into a syringe, making it much easier to dispense, dose and consume. The color of this cannabis oil and its high potency is very unique among the products offered on the i502 cannabis market these days. In fact, compared to other forms of cannabis, RSO is exceptional because it’s discreet and odorless, plus it can be taken orally on its own, or mixed with any favorite food.
Directions: Start low and go slow. Begin with a 1/8th inch sized portion (half a grain of rice). Wait 90 minutes before increasing. If oil is too thick, warm the syringe with body heat or run it under warm tap water to decrease viscosity. Unscrew bottom half of plastic cap and dispense directly.
So How do Growers in Washington State prefer to make RSO?
Hashtag Cannabis is proud to carry only the best RSO producers and products from: Lazy Bee Gardens, Green Revolution, and Hitz Cannabis.
Let’s start with one of our Hashtag favorites, The Lazy bee Gardens...
“At Lazy Bee Gardens, the Rick Simpson story is personal. Founder Matthew Frigone’s own cannabis story began when his father was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Determined to fight back, he began to grow his own cannabis and make RSO for his dad. The result? Success. Without chemotherapy or pills, his dad became cancer-free”. (Find out more about their journey with RSO here).
At Lazy Bee Gardens, master grower and founder Matthew prefers to use the traditional method of extraction for their RSO using sun-grown, pesticide free flower.
“The oil is made by taking dried indica flower and concentrating its THC with a solvent. Indica is preferred over other strains because of its sedative effects.”
Lazy Bee Gardens makes two types of potent RSO blends from their outdoor flower grow, high CBD and a high THC option. You can always find both of these fabulous blends at Hashtag!
“Green Revolution’s Serum is created using Full-Flower, Pesticide-Free, Standardized Full-Spectrum Oil extracted with CO2 and Organic Cane Alcohol Extraction Methods. Our serum is triple filtered and redundantly tested to ensure the highest quality clean cannabis oil free of all mycotoxins, microbial, and residual solvents.”
Up next, Green Revolution’s Activated Serum, a twist on the classic Rick Simpson Oil with a variety of THC to CBD ratios..
Green Revolution’s Full Synergy Serum captures the full spectrum of the cannabis plant: cannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenes, and other adaptogenic compounds to give you the “whole plant advantage with complete purity”. What also makes Green Revolution’s RSO stand apart, the triple filtered process leaves the oil light in color and a consistency more like serum.
Last but certainly not least, Hitz Cannabis offers strain-specific RSO so that you can dial in the terpene and cannabinoid experience you seek by choosing the strain used to make the RSO itself.
Hitz uses sustainable growing practices, with no pesticides or synthetic nutrients used. Their worm castings are sourced from a local worm farm, and their nutrients and compost are made on site. Their ethanol-extracted oil comes in a graduated plastic syringe for easy dosing.
So whether you are turning to Rick Simpson Oil for it’s numerous medicinal benefits or are looking to simply diversify your cannabis experience, stop by Hashtag to learn more from your favorite budtenders. We absolutely adore RSO and would love to share more about the brands we carry, our experiences with RSO and preferred methods of use with you!