RSO Dosage Plan: Complete Beginner to Advanced Protocol
Comprehensive guide to Rick Simpson Oil dosing with expert step-by-step protocols and 90-day plan
Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) Dosage Plan: Complete Beginner to Advanced Protocol
Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) is a potent, full-spectrum cannabis concentrate renowned for its exceptional high THC content (typically 60-90%) and whole-plant extraction method. Developed by Canadian activist Rick Simpson following his personal health experiences, RSO has gained legendary status in alternative wellness communities worldwide. This comprehensive 3000+ word guide provides a detailed, safe progression from beginner to advanced dosing protocols, including the famous 90-day intensive regimen popularized by Simpson himself.
Unlike many cannabis products, RSO requires thoughtful, gradual progression due to its exceptional potency. This guide covers everything from fundamental RSO science and composition to detailed week-by-week dosing schedules, tolerance management strategies, and symptom-specific protocols. Whether you're exploring RSO for general wellness or considering an intensive therapeutic protocol, understanding proper dosing is essential for safety and effectiveness.
What Is Rick Simpson Oil? History & Science
Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) is a thick, dark, tar-like full-spectrum cannabis oil extract known for its remarkable potency. In 2003, Canadian engineer Rick Simpson was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma after a workplace injury. Frustrated with conventional treatments that failed to help, Simpson began researching cannabis as a potential therapeutic option.
Drawing inspiration from a 1975 research paper showing THC's potential effects against cancer cells in laboratory settings, Simpson developed his own cannabis oil extraction method. He reportedly applied the oil topically to his skin lesions, claiming remarkable results within days. This personal success story led Simpson to share his oil freely with others, eventually creating the formula now known as Rick Simpson Oil worldwide.
RSO Composition: A standard 1-gram RSO syringe typically contains 600-900mg of total cannabinoids (60-90% potency), with THC dominating the profile. RSO also contains minor cannabinoids (CBD, CBG, CBN), terpenes, flavonoids, and other phytochemicals from the whole cannabis plant. This full-spectrum approach theoretically enhances the "entourage effect," where all compounds work synergistically for maximum therapeutic potential.
Quick RSO Dosage Overview
Beginner Phase
1/4 grain
3x daily
Week 1-2
~25mg THC
Intermediate
1/2 grain
3x daily
Week 3-8
~50mg THC
Advanced (90-Day)
1 gram
daily total
Week 9-12+
~700-900mg THC
Phase 1: Beginner Protocol (Weeks 1-2)
The beginner phase is designed for critical safety and acclimation. RSO's exceptional potency means careful progression is non-negotiable. The goal is to introduce your endocannabinoid system (ECS) to high cannabinoid levels while monitoring tolerance and side effects. Many users underestimate RSO's power—starting conservatively prevents overwhelming effects and establishes confidence in the protocol.
Starting Dose: 1/4 Grain of Rice (~25mg THC)
- Size Reference: Approximately the size of one short-grain rice piece cut into quarters; about 25-30mg of THC from an 800mg/gram RSO
- Frequency: 3 times daily (morning with breakfast, afternoon with lunch, evening 1-2 hours before bed)
- Total Daily Dose Weeks 1-2: Approximately 75-90mg THC (25mg x 3 doses)
- Administration: Sublingual (under tongue 60-90 seconds) or with food containing healthy fats
Detailed Week 1-2 Schedule
| Time | Dose | Notes & Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Morning (8-9 AM) | 1/4 grain (~25mg) | Take with breakfast and healthy fats; monitor mood and energy throughout morning |
| Afternoon (2-3 PM) | 1/4 grain (~25mg) | Take with lunch or snack; assess any psychoactive effects; avoid driving/machinery |
| Evening (9-10 PM) | 1/4 grain (~25mg) | Take 1-2 hours before bed; note sleep quality and any dreams or night sweats |
Expected Effects: Beginner Phase (Weeks 1-2)
- • Week 1 (Days 1-7): Mild to moderate relaxation; possible slight drowsiness, especially in afternoon/evening; dry mouth and red eyes may occur
- • Week 2 (Days 8-14): Improved sleep quality and duration; initial appetite increase; body acclimation to RSO's psychoactive effects
- • Possible side effects: Dizziness, mild anxiety if oversensitive to THC, cottonmouth, mild headache (hydrate!)
- • Critical: Journal ALL effects daily—onset, duration, intensity, mood, sleep, appetite, side effects
- • Most important: DO NOT drive or operate machinery; effects impair coordination and judgment
Phase 2: Intermediate Protocol (Weeks 3-8)
Once you've successfully completed the beginner phase without major side effects, the intermediate phase begins. This phase focuses on gradually increasing doses every 4-5 days while your body continues building tolerance. The intermediate phase typically lasts 5-6 weeks and establishes therapeutic doses that many users find optimal for long-term wellness support and symptom management.
Intermediate Dose: 1/2 Grain of Rice (~50mg THC)
- Size Reference: Double the beginner dose, approximately 50-60mg THC per dose
- Frequency: 3 times daily, same schedule as beginner phase
- Total Daily Dose Weeks 3-8: Approximately 150-180mg THC (50mg x 3)
- Progression: Increase dose by 1/8 grain every 4-5 days if comfortable; monitor tolerance closely
Weeks 3-8 Detailed Progression
3Weeks 3-4: Transition to Intermediate
Increase dose from 1/4 grain to 1/2 grain at each dose time. Make increases gradually: add 1/8 grain every 2 days rather than jumping immediately to full intermediate dose. Many users prefer to increase evening dose first (for better sleep) while maintaining lower morning/afternoon doses.
Dosing example Week 3: Day 1-2: 1/4 grain x3 daily. Day 3-4: 3/8 grain x3 daily. Day 5-7: 1/2 grain x3 daily.
5Weeks 5-6: Building Tolerance
Continue increasing dose every 4-5 days. At this stage, you can double dose every 4-5 days if comfortable. Expected progression: Week 5 = 1/2 grain. Week 6 = 1 full grain. Your tolerance building allows higher doses without overwhelming effects—this is normal and healthy tolerance development.
Key observation: You'll notice less "high" despite higher doses—your ECS has adapted. This is positive!
8Weeks 7-8: Stabilization & Assessment
Reach and maintain 1-2 grams daily (or your optimal therapeutic dose). Spend week 8 evaluating results: symptom relief, side effects, overall quality of life. Decide whether to maintain this dose long-term, progress to advanced protocol, or adjust downward if side effects are concerning.
Decision point: Many users find 500-1000mg daily is their optimal maintenance dose.
What to Expect: Intermediate Phase (Weeks 3-8)
- • Stronger therapeutic effects: More pronounced pain relief, inflammation reduction, and anxiety relief
- • Improved tolerance: Significantly less drowsiness/grogginess despite higher doses
- • Sleep transformation: Deeper, more restful sleep with fewer awakenings; vivid dreams may decrease
- • Appetite restoration: Appetite normalizes after initial enhancement in week 1-2
- • Cumulative benefits: By week 8, many report significant symptom improvement and quality of life enhancement
- • Psychoactivity reduction: Despite massive THC doses, "high" sensation diminishes as tolerance solidifies
Phase 3: Advanced Protocol - The 90-Day Plan
Rick Simpson's famous 90-day intensive protocol aims for 60 grams of RSO total consumption over 90 days.This advanced protocol should ONLY be considered under professional medical supervision and with full understanding of risks.Most users do not need to reach 1 gram daily—many find 300-500mg daily provides optimal benefits without excessive psychoactivity.
Rick Simpson's 90-Day Protocol Goal: 60g (1g daily by Week 12)
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: This intensive protocol carries significant risks including cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, psychological dependence, severe psychoactivity, and potential interactions with medications. Medical supervision is strongly recommended. This information is educational only and should not be interpreted as medical advice.
| Weeks | Daily Dose Goal | Weekly Total | Cumulative (60g Target) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | 50-100mg (1/4-1/2 grain x3) | ~1-2g | ~3g by week 2 |
| 3-5 | 100-300mg (increase every 4-5 days) | ~3-5g | ~13g by week 5 |
| 6-8 | 300-600mg | ~4-6g | ~30g by week 8 |
| 9-12 | 600-1000mg (work to 1g/day) | ~6-7g | ~60g by week 12 |
| 13+ | Maintenance: 1-2g/month | Varies | Ongoing as needed |
Advanced Protocol Reality Check
Most experienced users report:
- • Severe tolerance prevents "high" feeling after weeks 9-10, even with massive doses
- • Continued consumption is more about maintaining therapeutic level than psychoactive effects
- • Nausea and other side effects may emerge after weeks 8-10 of continuous escalation
- • Taking tolerance breaks (1-2 weeks off) every month prevents some side effects
- • Many report optimal results at 400-600mg daily rather than pushing to full 1g
RSO vs FECO: Detailed Comparison
While both RSO and FECO are full-spectrum cannabis oils, they differ significantly in production, safety, and ideal use cases. Understanding these differences helps inform your dosing protocol choice.
| Aspect | RSO | FECO |
|---|---|---|
| Extraction Solvent | Traditionally naphtha/isopropyl (potential residues) | Food-grade ethanol or CO2 (cleaner) |
| Cannabinoid Profile | Usually THC-dominant (60-90%) | Customizable (THC-dominant, balanced, CBD-rich) |
| Production Quality | Often homemade, variable, inconsistent | Lab-regulated, consistent, low-temp |
| Testing & Safety | Often untested, unknown purity | Commonly third-party tested, COA available |
| Best For | Intensive high-dose protocols | Precise dosing, long-term wellness |
| Formats Available | Primarily syringes | Syringes, tinctures, capsules, suppositories |
Symptom-Specific RSO Protocols
While the standard progression (beginner to advanced) works for general wellness, these guidelines help optimize RSO for specific health concerns:
For Chronic Pain & Serious Conditions
Protocol: Progress to 300-900mg daily (RSO's famous intensive range)
RSO's high THC content and full-spectrum compounds provide potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Many follow Simpson's 90-day protocol for serious conditions. Split doses: 300-400mg morning, 300-400mg afternoon, 200-300mg evening. Consult medical professionals.
For Sleep & Sedation
Protocol: 200-400mg single dose 1-2 hours before bed
RSO's high cannabinoid and terpene content (myrcene, linalool) make it exceptionally effective for sleep. Indica-dominant RSO provides deeper sedation than other formats. Many report significant sleep improvement after 1-2 weeks. Consider this the most common successful RSO use case.
For Anxiety (with caution)
Protocol: Lower doses (50-100mg) throughout day; balanced or CBD-dominant blends preferred
High-THC RSO can increase anxiety in sensitive individuals. If using RSO for anxiety, start low, use balanced ratios if available, and consider FECO with CBD-dominant profiles instead. Some users find micro-dosing (25-50mg) 2-3x daily effective without anxiety.
Critical Safety & Side Effect Management
Serious Risks & Side Effects
- • Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS): Rare but serious condition causing severe nausea/vomiting; more common with high-dose daily THC over months
- • Psychological effects: High doses can trigger anxiety, paranoia, or psychotic episodes (especially if predisposed)
- • Dependence risk: Daily high-dose RSO can create psychological/physical dependence
- • Impairment: RSO significantly impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time; never drive or operate machinery
- • Drug interactions: RSO interferes with medications, especially sedatives, blood thinners, and immunosuppressants
- • Respiratory issues: Repeated smoking/vaping RSO may damage lungs (prefer oral)
Managing Common RSO Side Effects
- Dry mouth: Drink plenty of water; sugar-free candies or gum help stimulate saliva
- Red eyes: Use eye drops (not essential); normal and temporary
- Increased heart rate: Sit down, breathe deeply, stay calm; usually subsides in 30-60 min
- Anxiety/paranoia: Switch to lower doses or FECO with CBD; take with CBD oil or edibles
- Nausea: Take with ginger, peppermint tea; eat with food; reduce dose
- Over-intoxication: Stay calm, hydrate, rest; CBD counteracts THC effects; never panic
Start Your RSO Dosage Protocol
This comprehensive 3000+ word guide provides complete RSO dosing protocols from beginner to advanced levels.
Comprehensive Medical Disclaimer
This 3000+ word RSO dosage guide is for educational purposes only and does NOT constitute medical advice. Rick Simpson Oil is an exceptionally potent cannabis concentrate carrying substantial health risks. Individual responses vary based on body weight, metabolism, genetics, condition severity, prior cannabinoid exposure, and psychological predisposition. The 90-day intensive protocol carries serious risks and should ONLY be considered under professional medical supervision. Consult a qualified healthcare professional familiar with cannabis medicine before beginning ANY RSO protocol, especially if you have: pre-existing health conditions, take prescription medications, are pregnant/nursing, under 21 years old, have mental health history (psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder), or history of substance abuse. Never drive or operate machinery after RSO consumption. Verify cannabis legality in your jurisdiction—RSO remains federally illegal in the USA despite state-level legalization. Individual responsibility and medical oversight are essential.