Rick Simpson Oil: Effective Cancer Treatment or Medical Quackery?

Rick Simpson Oil: Effective Cancer Treatment or Medical Quackery?
Chris Radzikowski/Shutterstock

The THC weed oil that Rick Simpson made to treat his skin cancer has gotten a lot of attention from people interested in alternative treatments for cancer and other medical conditions. But is it an effective medication?

Table of Contents

  1. What Makes This Oil So Special?
  2. Who Is Rick Simpson?
  3. The Benefits of Rick Simpson’s Oil
  4. How to Use This Product
  5. Side Effects
  6. Making This Oil At Home
  7. Is RSO Oil Different Than CBD Oil?
  8. Frequently Asked Questions
  9. Final Thoughts

Table of Contents

  1. What Makes This Oil So Special?
  2. Who Is Rick Simpson?
  3. The Benefits of Rick Simpson’s Oil
  4. How to Use This Product
  5. Side Effects
  6. Making This Oil At Home
  7. Is RSO Oil Different Than CBD Oil?
  8. Frequently Asked Questions
  9. Final Thoughts

What Is Rick Simpson Oil?

RSO oil is made from cannabis that was developed by a Canadian medical marijuana activist named Rick Simpson. This product’s main selling point is that it contains higher than average levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) instead of cannabidiol (CBD).

As many readers know, most CBD oils contain little or no THC. Another thing that makes these products stand out is that Mr. Rick Simpson does not make or sell these oils; instead, he makes recipes available that all people can use to make marijuana oils at home.

RSO oil is made from cannabis that was developed by a Canadian medical marijuana activist named Rick Simpson. This product’s main selling point is that it contains higher than average levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) instead of cannabidiol (CBD).

As many readers know, most CBD oils contain little or no THC. Another thing that makes these products stand out is that Mr. Rick Simpson does not make or sell these oils; instead, he makes recipes available that all people can use to make marijuana oils at home.

Who Is Rick Simpson?

In 2003, Mr. Rick Simpson was diagnosed with a skin cancer called basal cell carcinoma. He had used cannabis to treat other conditions, and he decided to treat his skin cancer with cannabis using oils highly concentrated with THC.

His home remedies were successful, and now he spends his time teaching other people how to make these oils to treat their illnesses. Besides cancer, RSO oil is useful in treating arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and other disorders and illnesses.

In 2003, Mr. Rick Simpson was diagnosed with a skin cancer called basal cell carcinoma. He had used cannabis to treat other conditions, and he decided to treat his skin cancer with cannabis using oils highly concentrated with THC.

His home remedies were successful, and now he spends his time teaching other people how to make these oils to treat their illnesses. Besides cancer, RSO oil is useful in treating arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and other disorders and illnesses.

Rick Simpson Oil Effects

Mr. Simpson’s decision to use cannabis to treat his skin cancer is based on his reading of a decades-old study that found THC and CBN (cannabiniol) slowed the growth of lung cancer in mice.

Several studies that have been undertaken since then and anecdotes like Mr. Simpson’s show that THC has potential as a treatment for cancer.

A 2014 mouse model study showed that THC and CBD extract increased the effectiveness of radiation used to combat cancer. Studies like these have led to clinical trials for measuring the effectiveness of cannabis, but they do not clearly indicate whether THC or CBD is an effective alternative treatment.

Proponents of RSO point to the case of a teenage girl diagnosed with leukemia. Her parents used RSO to treat their daughter’s cancer, and she made progress combating the disease. But, unfortunately, and sadly, she died soon after starting treatment from a gastrointestinal problem, making it impossible to come to any sound conclusions.

Mr. Simpson’s decision to use cannabis to treat his skin cancer is based on his reading of a decades-old study that found THC and CBN (cannabiniol) slowed the growth of lung cancer in mice.

Several studies that have been undertaken since then and anecdotes like Mr. Simpson’s show that THC has potential as a treatment for cancer.

A 2014 mouse model study showed that THC and CBD extract increased the effectiveness of radiation used to combat cancer. Studies like these have led to clinical trials for measuring the effectiveness of cannabis, but they do not clearly indicate whether THC or CBD is an effective alternative treatment.

Proponents of RSO point to the case of a teenage girl diagnosed with leukemia. Her parents used RSO to treat their daughter’s cancer, and she made progress combating the disease. But, unfortunately, and sadly, she died soon after starting treatment from a gastrointestinal problem, making it impossible to come to any sound conclusions.

How to Use Rick Simpson Oil

One of the most important things to remember when using any oil, whether CBD or THC, is to start with small doses. Starting with a large dose could cause unpleasant side effects because the body may not be used to the compound.

One of the most important things to remember when using any oil, whether CBD or THC, is to start with small doses. Starting with a large dose could cause unpleasant side effects because the body may not be used to the compound.

The treatment should last 12 weeks. During the first week, take three drops a day that are no larger than a grain of oatmeal or rice three times a day every eight hours. After the first week, double the dose every four days. Starting in the fifth week, take one gram of the product every day.

Users should monitor their bodies and how they react to the treatment with the aid of a physician. They should also follow any advice the doctor gives and continue or discontinue using the concentrated cannabis oil if the doctor says so.

The treatment should last 12 weeks. During the first week, take three drops a day that are no larger than a grain of oatmeal or rice three times a day every eight hours. After the first week, double the dose every four days. Starting in the fifth week, take one gram of the product every day.

Users should monitor their bodies and how they react to the treatment with the aid of a physician. They should also follow any advice the doctor gives and continue or discontinue using the concentrated cannabis oil if the doctor says so.

RSO Oil Side Effects

THC can cause several negative physical and psychological side effects. These side effects include:

  • Anxiety
  • Paranoia
  • Depression and Irritability
  • Dizziness and Disorientation
  • Low Blood Pressure
  • Indigestion
  • Insomnia
  • Eye Irritation
  • Impaired Memory and Motor Skills

These symptoms may not be serious in a healthy person, but they could be for someone undergoing cancer treatment, which is why RSO oil users should not use this product without a doctor’s supervision.

THC can cause several negative physical and psychological side effects. These side effects include:

  • Anxiety
  • Paranoia
  • Depression and Irritability
  • Dizziness and Disorientation
  • Low Blood Pressure
  • Indigestion
  • Insomnia
  • Eye Irritation
  • Impaired Memory and Motor Skills

These symptoms may not be serious in a healthy person, but they could be for someone undergoing cancer treatment, which is why RSO oil users should not use this product without a doctor’s supervision.

How to Make Rick Simpson Oil

Making RSO oil is not challenging if the proper steps are followed. The following materials are needed to make it:

  • One Pound of Indica Cannabis
  • Two Gallons of 90 Percent Isopropyl Alcohol
  • 60 ml Plastic Catheter Tip Syringe
  • Five Gallon Bucket
  • Large Bowl
  • Wooden or Plastic Spoon
  • Cheesecloth
  • Rice Cooker, crockpot, or slow cooker

Follow these steps to make concentrated cannabis oil:

  1. Put the cannabis into the bucket and add the alcohol while carefully stirring for three to five minutes. Doing this dissolves the THC into the alcohol.
  2. Filter the alcohol from the cannabis by placing a cheesecloth over a bucket and then pouring the mixture onto the cloth and letting it drain. Put the cannabis back into the bowl and continue stirring, repeating the process two or three times. The remaining marijuana can be thrown into the rubbish bin.
  3. Put the liquid into a rice cooker, crockpot, or slow cooker, maintaining a temperature of 210 to 230 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not allow the temperature to go above 230 because the cannabinoids will be destroyed. Check the temperature every 10 minutes to ensure the temperature is not too high.
  4. Heat the solvent until it is evaporated and use the catheter to remove the oil and put it into bottles or syringes.
  5. Wash the syringe with hot water and dishwashing soap before putting oils inside. If using a bottle, wash it with soap and water and sterilize it in a hot water bath. The bottle can also be washed and then filled a quarter of the way with water and microwaved for five minutes. Boil the lid in a separate pot. When the bottle is sterilized, put the oil inside and close the lid until there is a tight seal.

Making RSO oil is not challenging if the proper steps are followed. The following materials are needed to make it:

  • One Pound of Indica Cannabis
  • Two Gallons of 90 Percent Isopropyl Alcohol
  • 60 ml Plastic Catheter Tip Syringe
  • Five Gallon Bucket
  • Large Bowl
  • Wooden or Plastic Spoon
  • Cheesecloth
  • Rice Cooker, crockpot, or slow cooker

Follow these steps to make concentrated cannabis oil:

  1. Put the cannabis into the bucket and add the alcohol while carefully stirring for three to five minutes. Doing this dissolves the THC into the alcohol.
  2. Filter the alcohol from the cannabis by placing a cheesecloth over a bucket and then pouring the mixture onto the cloth and letting it drain. Put the cannabis back into the bowl and continue stirring, repeating the process two or three times. The remaining marijuana can be thrown into the rubbish bin.
  3. Put the liquid into a rice cooker, crockpot, or slow cooker, maintaining a temperature of 210 to 230 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not allow the temperature to go above 230 because the cannabinoids will be destroyed. Check the temperature every 10 minutes to ensure the temperature is not too high.
  4. Heat the solvent until it is evaporated and use the catheter to remove the oil and put it into bottles or syringes.
  5. Wash the syringe with hot water and dishwashing soap before putting oils inside. If using a bottle, wash it with soap and water and sterilize it in a hot water bath. The bottle can also be washed and then filled a quarter of the way with water and microwaved for five minutes. Boil the lid in a separate pot. When the bottle is sterilized, put the oil inside and close the lid until there is a tight seal.

The Difference Between RSO and CBD Oil

cbd oils
IRA_EVVA/Shutterstock

The main difference between RSO and CBD is that RSO contains very high levels of THC, and CBD oils contain less than 0.3 percent THC or none at all. Unlike THC, CBD does not have any psychoactive effects and will not get the person who uses it high.

Another difference between CBD and THC is that CBD is less likely to appear on a drug test. Employees in various industries and those on probation or parole are regularly screened for drugs, and THC will appear on these tests. CBD most likely will not.

cbd oils
IRA_EVVA/Shutterstock

The main difference between RSO and CBD is that RSO contains very high levels of THC, and CBD oils contain less than 0.3 percent THC or none at all. Unlike THC, CBD does not have any psychoactive effects and will not get the person who uses it high.

Another difference between CBD and THC is that CBD is less likely to appear on a drug test. Employees in various industries and those on probation or parole are regularly screened for drugs, and THC will appear on these tests. CBD most likely will not.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rick Simpson Oil Good for Pain?

There is evidence that THC can relieve pain. For example, a study undertaken in 2018 on THC’s effectiveness in treating neuropathic pain showed that low doses of THC effectively reduced neuropathic pain.

However, this study only gauged the short-term effects, and the researchers clearly stated in their paper that long-term studies need to be undertaken to determine cannabis’s full potential.

Can RSO Oil Treat Cancer?

There is a lot of promising research that shows cannabis may be effective in treating several types of disorders, and there are even some medications that use CBD as an ingredient.

However, aside from some evidence, there is little information available to determine whether this product is useful for cancer treatment. People undergoing cancer treatment should follow their doctor’s advice and not resort to alternative treatments without first consulting a doctor.

What Is So Special About Rick Simpson Oil?

This concentrated cannabis oil is unique because of the publicity surrounding Mr. Simpson’s recovery. However, publicity is no substitute for actual research and the advice of a doctor.

More research should be done to gauge this oil’s effectiveness, and potential users should always consult with a doctor when considering alternative treatments for any disease or chronic condition.

Is RSO Oil Considered a Full Spectrum Cannabis Oil?

RSO oil is not a full-spectrum oil because heating the solvent/cannabis mixture destroys many of the cannabinoids and terpenes. People who want full-spectrum oils should buy these from a marijuana dispensary.

Does Rick Simpson Oil Get You High?

This oil contains THC, the compound that causes the psychoactive effects associated with marijuana use. Therefore, it may cause a person to feel these effects if there is enough THC in the oils.

Is Rick Simpson Oil Good for Pain?

There is evidence that THC can relieve pain. For example, a study undertaken in 2018 on THC’s effectiveness in treating neuropathic pain showed that low doses of THC effectively reduced neuropathic pain.

However, this study only gauged the short-term effects, and the researchers clearly stated in their paper that long-term studies need to be undertaken to determine cannabis’s full potential.

Can RSO Oil Treat Cancer?

There is a lot of promising research that shows cannabis may be effective in treating several types of disorders, and there are even some medications that use CBD as an ingredient.

However, aside from some evidence, there is little information available to determine whether this product is useful for cancer treatment. People undergoing cancer treatment should follow their doctor’s advice and not resort to alternative treatments without first consulting a doctor.

What Is So Special About Rick Simpson Oil?

This concentrated cannabis oil is unique because of the publicity surrounding Mr. Simpson’s recovery. However, publicity is no substitute for actual research and the advice of a doctor.

More research should be done to gauge this oil’s effectiveness, and potential users should always consult with a doctor when considering alternative treatments for any disease or chronic condition.

Is RSO Oil Considered a Full Spectrum Cannabis Oil?

RSO oil is not a full-spectrum oil because heating the solvent/cannabis mixture destroys many of the cannabinoids and terpenes. People who want full-spectrum oils should buy these from a marijuana dispensary.

Does Rick Simpson Oil Get You High?

This oil contains THC, the compound that causes the psychoactive effects associated with marijuana use. Therefore, it may cause a person to feel these effects if there is enough THC in the oils.

Closing Thoughts About Rick Simpson Oil

RSO has its loyal supporters, and anyone who thinks it will help them relieve their symptoms should feel free to try it. Everyone should be able to choose his or her own treatments without arbitrary interference.

However, alternative therapies are not always proven to be effective, and those who go down this road should realize that there is not yet a significant amount of data available to come to conclusions about RSO’s effectiveness.

But cannabis users should also know that the research on THC currently available is quite promising. A growing body of evidence shows it can be an effective option for treating the symptoms of various medical conditions, including cancer.

If you have any knowledge about Rick Simpson Oil that you want to share, please do so. Reader feedback is always appreciated.

RSO has its loyal supporters, and anyone who thinks it will help them relieve their symptoms should feel free to try it. Everyone should be able to choose his or her own treatments without arbitrary interference.

However, alternative therapies are not always proven to be effective, and those who go down this road should realize that there is not yet a significant amount of data available to come to conclusions about RSO’s effectiveness.

But cannabis users should also know that the research on THC currently available is quite promising. A growing body of evidence shows it can be an effective option for treating the symptoms of various medical conditions, including cancer.

If you have any knowledge about Rick Simpson Oil that you want to share, please do so. Reader feedback is always appreciated.

Published: June 3, 2022 Updated: June 2, 2022


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