Rick Simpson Oil—RSO—has been around for decades. But lately, it's making a quiet comeback, especially among those tired of overpriced edibles, inconsistent gummies, and cannabis products loaded with sugar and marketing fluff.
In this week’s episode of Senior Savvy Cannabis, I sat down with Kyle McFarlane of Emerald Bay Extracts—a California brand that's bringing medical precision back to full-spectrum cannabis. We're talking clean, potent RSO, CBD, and CBG products that actually work—and are easy to dose, even if you're new to cannabis or managing chronic conditions.
We covered everything from what RSO actually is, to how to avoid “doing too much,” and why lesser-known cannabinoids like CBG could be the future of plant-based wellness.
Let’s break it down.
What Is RSO—and Why Are People Using It Again?
RSO (Rick Simpson Oil) is a thick, sticky, full-spectrum cannabis extract. It was first popularized in the early 2000s by Canadian activist Rick Simpson, who used it topically to treat skin cancer—and began sharing it with others seeking relief from serious medical conditions.
Unlike THC or CBD-only products, RSO is made using the entire cannabis plant through cold ethanol extraction. That means it retains a wide range of cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other plant compounds.
In other words, it’s the whole plant—working together.
But that also means it’s strong. Which brings us to dosing.
Why People Overdo It—And How to Dose RSO the Right Way
Most people hear about RSO through a late-night search—or a story about someone’s uncle who used it during cancer treatment. So they skip the gummies and go straight for the oil.
And then they learn the hard way: RSO is extremely potent.
Kyle McFarlane from Emerald Bay Extracts hears it all the time. “Start with less than half a grain of rice,” he says. “You can always add more—but you can’t go backward.”
To make that easier, Emerald Bay offers RSO in scored tablet form—25mg, 50mg, and 100mg doses. You can split them cleanly for precise microdosing. They also make tinctures that are easy to measure drop by drop.
These formats are ideal for seniors, first-time users, or anyone looking for a gentle, controlled experience.
Beyond THC: Why CBD RSO and CBG Deserve Your Attention
Emerald Bay isn’t just about THC. They’ve expanded their line to include CBD RSO and CBG formulations, offering full-spectrum relief with no added sugar, dyes, or unnecessary ingredients.
Here’s what they’re best known for:
CBD RSO (non-intoxicating):
Eases anxiety and stress
Reduces inflammation and joint pain
Improves mental clarity without the high
CBG (Cannabigerol):
Often called the “mother cannabinoid,” CBG shows promise for:
Supporting gut health (Crohn’s, IBS, inflammation)
Relieving pain and promoting recovery
Potential anti-cancer properties (early-stage research)
Kyle describes CBG as “CBD’s cooler cousin” because it works on both CB1 and CB2 receptors and often delivers deeper anti-inflammatory results.
Why Consistency Beats Gimmicks Every Time
We’ve all had it happen: you find a product that works, return to the dispensary—and it’s gone. Replaced with something new, flavored, or gimmicky.
Emerald Bay Extracts prioritizes consistency. They:
Partner with small-batch, California craft farms
Maintain staple strains like Blue Dream and Ice Cream Cake
Keep their formulas clean—no flavors, no sweeteners, no fillers
Post detailed batch information, including strain and potency
As Kyle puts it, “Patients don’t want surprise pineapple. They want results they can count on.”
How RSO Fits Into a Real Wellness Routine
RSO isn’t just for cancer patients. With the right formulation and dose, it can support:
Restful sleep (especially with indica-based strains)
Chronic or acute pain management
Reduced inflammation after injury or overuse
Nervous system regulation for stress, trauma, or PTSD
And it’s smoke-free. No combustion. No mystery ingredients. Just whole-plant medicine, delivered in a format that fits your life.
Where to Find Emerald Bay Extracts
Emerald Bay is currently available only in California, but you’ll find their products in over 100 dispensaries, from Humboldt to San Diego.
You can explore availability on:
EmeraldBayExtracts.com – their store locator is regularly updated
Final Thoughts
RSO is powerful. But when it’s made with integrity, tested for safety, and delivered in formats that make sense for real people, it can be one of the most reliable, effective cannabis tools out there.
If you’ve been frustrated by gimmicky products—or you’re ready for something that actually works—this might be your next step.
Want more trusted cannabis guidance?
Subscribe to Senior Savvy Cannabis and get our free strain tracker, plus daily tips on sleep, pain, and feeling like yourself again.
If my work’s helped you, consider supporting it here—no pressure, just gratitude.
If you're unsure where to begin, I offer personalized cannabis coaching to help you choose products and strategies that fit you.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or changing any treatments, including cannabis use.
Share this post