RSO, an acronym for Rick Simpson Oil, is a concentrated cannabis oil extract created by, and named for, Canadian medical marijuana activist Rick Simpson himself. RSO contains high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive cannabinoid in marijuana that gets you “high.” As a result, RSO is quite potent with THC levels anywhere between 60 and 90 percent! Therefore, it is highly recommended that you begin with a small dose, especially beginners. The recommended dosage size for RSO is that of a grain of rice; maybe even half that size. I advise trying small doses to start.
In 2003, Simpson was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, a form of skin cancer. He endured traditional treatment and underwent surgery with no benefit. So, he decided to try treating his cancer with full extract cannabis oil. He recalled reading a 1975 study which ultimately revealed that two cannabinoids, THC and cannabinol (CBN), actually slowed tumor growth in mice with lung cancer.
RSO can be applied topically on the skin or ingested orally. Simpson used RSO topically, applying it to the cancerous spots on his face and neck. Then, he covered the treated areas with bandages. According to Simpson, the spots were healed when he removed the bandages just days after applying the RSO; his cancer was cured!
Simpson has successfully treated over 5,000 patients at no cost. “Despite encountering opposition from his own doctor, local authorities, pharmaceutical companies, government health agencies, and the United Nations,” he continued making RSO and helping patients with numerous conditions including:
- asthma
- cancer
- depression
- diabetes
- HIV/AIDS
- insomnia
- osteoporosis
- psoriasis
In addition to cancer, RSO is also believed to be beneficial for treating other medical conditions, including, but not limited to:
- arthritis
- high blood pressure
- inflammation
- infections
- multiple sclerosis
Because THC is a psychoactive substance, RSO may cause you to experience some undesirable side effects as a result of its powerful sedative capabilities.
Some of the physical side effects include:
- blood shot eyes
- dizziness
- low blood pressure
- sleeping problems (insomnia or excessive sleepiness)
- slowed digestion
Some potential psychological symptoms are:
- anxiety
- depression
- disorientation (impaired motor control and reaction time)
- impaired memory/trouble remembering and forming memories
- irritability
- paranoia
These side effects are typically short-lived without any permanent impairment to your health and well-being.
Some more serious side effects include increased heart rate (tachycardia) and temporary psychosis or hallucinations. These side effects are typical of ingesting extremely high levels of THC beyond one’s tolerance. Ingesting too much will certainly induce extreme sedation. As I said earlier, try small doses to start.
Aside from the possible negative side effects, no evidence exists to suggest that RSO could cause overdose or death. Most likely because marijuana does not cause respiratory distress, as is common with dangerous drugs and other harmful substances. The few marijuana-related deaths recorded pertain to fatal auto-accidents occurring as a result of driving under the influence.
Most research on how cannabinoids affect cancer cell growth have focused on cancer cell growth in mice. Additional research needs to be conducted, particularly with human subjects. Recent studies using human participants with cancer have been conducted, however, such studies have produced mixed results indicating that TCH may actually increase cancer cell growth (at least in humans). Although no conclusive evidence exists fully proving whether or not RSO can actually help treat, cure, or control cancer (or any other ailment), RSO (and cannabinoids alike) are deemed safe for use by cancer patients.
Simpson does not sell his RSO. Instead, he encourages individuals to make their own. He strongly suggests making your RSO with Cannabis indica, which he believes “produces a sedative effect that helps the body heal.”
But making RSO has risks. First of all, you need a sizable quantity of marijuana. I personally recommend an ounce at the very least. Laws vary and each state has its own marijuana use laws regulating how much you can purchase within a given amount of time as well as how much you can possess all at once.
Secondly, this process can be dangerous because you are using heat with highly flammable solvents that can also leave behind harmful residue that must be handled carefully and cleaned properly. Furthermore, some of these solvents can be harmful themselves.
If you are interested, you can try making RSO. Rick Simpson provides his personal recipe at no cost to promote health and well-being for everyone. He doesn’t want you relying on conventional medicine that may or may not work; instead, he wants you to “become your own doctor.”