Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) is among the most potent cannabis extracts, and is also the product of a particularly compelling patient-led development history. At present, RSO remains a preferred option for many people who seek to obtain alternative relief through cannabis, even while the science is developing.
From a Personal Remedy to a Global Sensation
Rick Simpson is the individual whose story is at the center of the development of RSO. In 2003, Simpson was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, a form of skin cancer. Based on information from a 1975 animal study which suggested that cannabinoids could potentially slow down the growth of tumors, Simpson applied his own homemade cannabis oil directly to the skin lesions, and reported that the skin cancer went into remission. Simpson credits the oil with changing his life and making him a passionate advocate for its medicinal properties.
It is important to note that Simpson did not patent or commercially sell the oil, and instead made the methods for producing it available to anyone via a free manual and a documentary called Run From the Cure. By taking such a patient-first, non-commercial approach, Simpson fostered a community of people who trusted him and the oil he produced. He became so closely associated with the production of RSO that his name and that of the oil have become nearly synonymous.
What Exactly Is RSO? The Uncompromising Extract
Technically speaking, RSO is not a branded product, but rather a type of cannabis extract. The oil is produced when a solvent, typically food grade ethanol, is used to wash cannabis plant material (usually flower) and remove the plant's chemical compounds. Once the solvent has been slowly evaporated, what is left is a viscous, dark-colored, and extremely concentrated oil.
Some of the key features of RSO include:
- High Potency: Typically contains over 60% THC.
- Full Spectrum Composition: Includes all of the compounds contained within the cannabis plant, including cannabinoids (such as CBD, CBN, CBG), terpenes and flavonoids.
- Entourage Effect: The concept of using full spectrum extracts, such as RSO, is based on the idea that these different plant compounds will work better together than they do individually, resulting in a synergistic effect which can increase the medicinal benefit of the extract.
Potential Benefits and the Critical Need for Caution
There is anecdotal evidence, as well as a limited number of pre-clinical studies, which indicate that RSO may be useful in helping alleviate symptoms of a variety of medical conditions. Some possible uses for RSO include:
- Symptoms of Cancer Treatment: May help reduce nausea, vomiting, pain and loss of appetite in patients undergoing chemotherapy.
- Pain Management: Individuals seeking to manage chronic pain (including nerve damage and/or pain caused by arthritis and back problems) commonly choose RSO due to its high THC content.
- Sleep and Relaxation: Some formulations of RSO, particularly those formulated with additional cannabinoids, such as CBN, are chosen by patients to treat severe insomnia, and promote deep relaxation.
However, there is an absolute necessity to recognize the difference between managing symptoms of a condition, and treating a disease. To date, there is no clinical trial data that supports the claim that RSO is effective in curing cancer. A 2022 review of clinical data related to cannabis concluded that the vast majority of the case reports that were published claiming that cannabis had anticancer effects were both methodologically flawed and lacked sufficient evidence to support their claims. Neither the FDA nor any other leading health authority has approved RSO for the treatment of cancer or any other medical condition.
Product Types: Navigating the Modern RSO Marketplace
In today's regulated cannabis market place, RSO is widely available, however, the quality and consistency of the RSO products can vary greatly. The traditional format of RSO is a syringe filled with pure oil, and allows users to precisely measure their dosage. Over time, the cannabis market place has evolved to produce RSO products that are more user friendly and accessible to consumers, such as:
If you are looking to try RSO, here is some necessary guidance:
- Talk to a Medical Provider: Consult with a medical provider who is knowledgeable regarding the medicinal applications of cannabis.
- Start Small: Because of its potency, the recommended starting point is a dose equal to 1/2 grain of rice.
- Check the Source: Only buy RSO products from reputable dispensaries that conduct third party testing to verify the purity and concentration of the oil.
Conclusion
Rick Simpson Oil is more than a product—it is a symbol of the transformative potential of a single idea: that a plant, properly processed, can stimulate profound healing. RSO is not a cure-all, rather it is a complex and powerful tool that requires education, respect, and caution. In my experience, RSO has provided comfort and solace to individuals who have experienced failure with other treatment options, making it one of the most impactful and complicated additions to the modern cannabis pharmacy.