What is Rick Simpson Oil?
Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) is a very strong, viscous dark brown/black oil. RSO is the result of removing the trichomes of the cannabis plant, which is rich in therapeutic cannabinoids and terpenes. The final product is a powerhouse of healing compounds, including the potent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Created by a scientist named Rick Simpson, RSO originally helped treat the aggressive form of skin cancer that bears its name. After being diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, Simpson became immersed in research on the effects of THC on cancer cells. From there, he created cannabis oil to apply to the skin. It was reported that his cancer cells had disappeared in just four days.
Sold on the healing properties of medical marijuana, Simpson grew his own cannabis, harvested his own plants, and created more cannabis-infused oils known today as RSO. Learn how RSO works and how to use RSO as a natural health supplement.
Rick Simpson Oil and Cannabis Oil Similarities
Cannabis oil usually refers to the infusion of cannabis into an oil, usually olive, coconut or MCT oil. Conversely, RSO is an oily concentrate that separates plant cannabinoids from plant material. RSO is therefore more like hashish or other cannabis concentrates.
One similarity between RSO and cannabis oil is that both products are full-spectrum, containing a variety of compounds, including the psychoactive THC. RSO generally has a higher THC level than regular cannabis oil, and the dense concentration of THC in RSO makes the product more potent than most cannabis oils.
How to Make Rick Simpson Oil
The process of creating an RSO includes:
A solvent is created by mixing high-purity alcohol with cannabis.
Filter the solvent to remove excess plant material.
Heat the solvent (avoid naked flame) to remove any alcohol and other contaminants present in the solvent.
The result is a thick, sticky, brown-black oil that can be used at will, including in edible form.
Making an RSO at home can be potentially dangerous (illegal in many places), so we do not recommend attempting the process.
Benefits and Uses
Modern research suggests that RSO, along with other treatments, is effective in fighting cancer, but RSO can also treat a laundry list of other conditions. Some disease RSOs have also been shown to be effective when:
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
arthritis
asthma
Some types of infection, such as MRSA
Inflammation
High blood pressure
depression
obscurity
In general, a rule of thumb regarding RSO is 60 grams for 90 days, although dosages can vary from person to person depending on age and other physical health factors. Patients should start with a small amount (equivalent to a grain of rice) applied topically every 8 hours or taken in any way three times a day.
From there, the patient must double the dose every 4 days. Then, after about 5 weeks, the patient should increase the dose to 1 gram of oil per day until all 60 grams have been used. This is a commonly recommended treatment for cancer patients. Some anecdotal evidence has shown this dosing regimen to work, but others may benefit from different dosages and intake methods.