RSO vs Regular Cannabis Oil: What’s the Difference?
When exploring cannabis concentrates for health and wellness, you’ll quickly come across two powerful options: RSO (Rick Simpson Oil) and regular cannabis oil. While they both deliver the benefits of cannabinoids, they are very different in strength, production method, and usage. Understanding the distinction between RSO vs regular cannabis oil can help you make smarter choices based on your personal goals, needs, and lifestyle. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about these two oils, plus when and why you might choose one over the other.
🌱 What Is RSO?
RSO (Rick Simpson Oil) is a full-spectrum, high-potency cannabis extract designed to deliver maximum cannabinoid content, especially THC.
Traditionally, it’s made by washing cannabis flower with high-proof alcohol, evaporating the solvent, and concentrating the entire range of plant compounds into a thick, sticky oil.
✅ Key Features of RSO:
- Extremely high potency (often 60–90% total cannabinoids)
- Full-spectrum: includes THC, CBD, minor cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids
- Dark, tar-like consistency
- Typically used for deep wellness recovery, pain management, or appetite support
👉 In simple terms: RSO is heavy-duty, medicinal-grade cannabis oil designed for powerful effects.
🌿 What Is Regular Cannabis Oil?
Regular cannabis oil usually refers to infused oils (like MCT oil, olive oil, or hempseed oil) that have been soaked or blended with cannabinoids. It may be made from raw flower, distillates, or concentrates and its potency varies based on how it’s prepared.
✅ Key Features of Regular Cannabis Oil:
- Lower to moderate potency (usually 10–30% cannabinoids)
- Often THC, CBD, or CBG focused, not always full-spectrum
- Lighter in texture (easy to dose with droppers)
- Used for daily wellness, relaxation, inflammation, and general mood support
👉 In short: regular cannabis oil is great for steady, manageable support throughout the day.
🌿 When Should You Choose RSO?
Choose RSO if you are:
✅ Seeking serious therapeutic support
✅ Managing chronic conditions, inflammation, or pain
✅ Comfortable with very high THC doses (or microdosing powerful extracts)
✅ Needing a full-spectrum, “entourage effect” concentrate
🌱 When Should You Choose Regular Cannabis Oil?
Choose regular cannabis oil if you are:
✅ Seeking daily wellness, light symptom support, or mood enhancement
✅ Interested in consistent, predictable microdosing
✅ Prefer lower THC (or want THC-free options)
✅ Using cannabis for relaxation, sleep support, or general health
➡️ Prefer a steady, easy-to-dose option? Shop small-batch cannabis oils crafted for daily balance and mild effects.
❌ Important Cautions
- RSO is very strong so start with microdoses, and increase very slowly.
- Know the THC content of any oil you use to avoid overwhelming experiences.
- Full-spectrum oils may show up on drug tests, even if you feel only light psychoactive effects.
👉 Always start low and slow, no matter which oil you choose.
🧾 Quick Comparison Summary:
✅RSO = Serious support, strong recovery focus
✅Regular cannabis oil = Daily balance, flexible dosing
✅RSO is alcohol-extracted; cannabis oil is usually fat-based
✅Choose based on your wellness goals and sensitivity to THC
🌟 Final Thoughts
When comparing RSO vs regular cannabis oil, it’s all about matching the product to your personal goals. RSO delivers intense, full-spectrum support in very small doses, while regular cannabis oil offers easy daily management and wellness enhancement. Both have their place and both can be part of a smart, intentional plant-based wellness plan when used thoughtfully.
✅Want to make your own RSO? Check out our 🔗 instruction guide to making RSO!
*Juana Wellness is an affiliate*