Rick Simpson Oil: What You Need To Know

 

Medical marijuana has grown by leaps and bounds, and one of the most intriguing things being produced is Rick Simpson Oil. RSO is a highly concentrated form of the cannabis plant. What makes this extract special is the way it is produced allows it to keep the bulk of its cannabinoids and terpenes. Studies have shown the more parts of the plant being used; the better medicinal relief is experienced by patients. The Entourage Effect says the cannabis plant works at its best in a symbiotic fashion.

Where Did RSO Come From?

Rick Simpson is a former engineer from Nova Scotia, Canada who suffered a work related injury. Simpson was working in a poorly ventilated asbestos filled hospital boiler room where he collapsed and was rendered unconscious. He received immediate care, however his long term symptoms from his injury were not dissipating. After years of dizziness, tinnitus and uncontrolled pain, Simpson began researching alternative treatment, and that is how he found cannabis. He had such stunning results he eventually began growing his own cannabis; and was able to successfully manage his symptoms with a plant he was able to grow in his own backyard.

In 2003, Simpson was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, a form of skin cancer. He began researching and ran across a study from The Journal of the National Cancer Institute in which Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC (the main psychoactive cannabinoid in marijuana) was found to kill cancer cells in mice.

This motivated Simpson to formulate a method to extract his plants, leaving him with what we all know now as RSO. His efforts proved successful. The skin cancer growing on his arm was gone in less than a week. His victory inspired him to share his findings. Simpson chose not to patent his methods so everyone is easily able to access the benefits of this incredible plant.

Oral Use Of RSO + Dosing

The most common way to consume RSO is orally. Please note, RSO is a highly concentrated form of cannabis, therefore, a little bit goes a long way. There are however various ways to consume RSO orally.

RSO will generally come in a one gram syringe. The suggested dose to begin with is the size of single grain of rice. This will look miniscule, but again, this little bit will pack quite the punch. If the effects of RSO are too strong, it can be offset with a heavy dose of CBD. We suggest a 1000mg tincture, a full dropper is a good place to start.

The grain of rice can be put directly under the tongue, allowing for absorption through the sublingual varices. It can also be applied to the tip of a toothpick which you can put under your tongue or allow to slowly dissolve in your mouth.

RSO has a somewhat undesirable taste. There are various ways to mask the taste. THC is fat soluble, therefore, adding your RSO to a fat will lend to better bioavailability. Spreading peanut butter on a cracker and squeezing the RSO onto the peanut butter makes for a quick and tasty approach to taking your RSO. Not a peanut butter fan? RSO can be put on any food and consumed.

Make Your RSO Into A Tincture

RSO in tincture form is often easier to dose and consume. The process of making the tincture is quite simple. Besides a gram of RSO, you will need just a few more items.

• A glass measuring cup with a beveled mouth
• MCT or olive oil
• A one ounce amber colored bottle with a dripper (ask your budtender! We try to keep bottles on hand for our patients)

Once you have all your items, pour your chosen carrier oil in your measuring cup. Warm in the microwave for 30-60 seconds. While your oil is warming, place your RSO syringe in a cup of hot water (this will make it easier to dispense). Once your oil is viscous, pour it into your amber colored bottle, filling halfway. Squeeze the entirety of the RSO syringe into the amber bottle and allow to sit without the top for one minute. Fill the rest of your bottle with oil, leaving enough room for the dripper. Allow to sit for 15-30 seconds. Finally, cap with the dripper and shake vigorously for 45 seconds. Hold it up to a light to ensure the RSO is completely diluted.

Dosing And Your RSO Tincture

Once your tincture is made, you will have a 1000mg RSO tincture. Each dropper full will amount to 20-25mg. This is a heavy dose, especially for those who are new to cannabis. For comparison, the grain of rice will average 10-15mg. The suggested dose for new cannabis patients is one half of a dropper.

There is also an option to add CBD to your RSO tincture, creating a 1:1 tincture. Since we know CBD offsets the psychoactive effects of THC, adding the CBD is helpful for those who are trying to lessen the “head” high from the RSO. The process does not change, you will just include one extra step, which would be adding the CBD tincture to your warmed MCT oil when you add your RSO.

Topical Uses For RSO

RSO used topically has astonishing benefits. Simpson used RSO topically to successfully treat his skin cancer. RSO can also be used on a litany of other skin issues. Applying it to wounds and abscesses lends to their healing as RSO is rich in antibacterial, antimicrobial and antifungal properties.

Simpson applied it and covered it with a band aid, which is an ideal way to use RSO on the skin. There will be no psychoactive effects with the topical use of RSO.

Suppositories Infused With RSO

A less popular, but very effective method of using RSO is through a suppository. These are made when a simple glycerin suppository is infused with RSO. This approach to RSO consumption has been effective in treating prostate cancer.

“The rationale behind using RSO suppositories for prostate cancer is based on the idea of providing localized administration of the active compounds. The close proximity of the rectum to the prostate allows for more direct contact and absorption. However, it is important to note that this does not necessarily mean that this is the only method of treating cancer with RSO,” said Margaret Singer, M.D., in an article published on Simpson’s website.

Psychoactive effects will be felt with RSO suppository use.

RSO Made At ANC By Achieve Concentrates

We are home to Achieve Concentrates, a company dedicated to producing clean medicinal grade concentrates, including RSO. Unlike other RSO on the market, Achieve produces a product without fats and lipids. Fats and lipids tend to upset the GI tract.

When you come into the shop be sure to ask for Achieve’s RSO tri fold. It details how to make the tincture in varying doses as well as dosing guidelines for the 60 grams in 90 days regiment; a regiment used to treat symptoms due to severe medical diagnoses.

ANC runs a special on Achieve RSO every Tuesday and Saturday.

What Else You Need To Know

It is advised to take RSO with food to avoid upsetting your stomach. An empty stomach will not only cause nausea, but it will make the RSO hit hard and fast, which can be uncomfortable.

Be sure to stay hydrated before and after taking RSO. Dehydration can cause headaches and dry mouth on any usual day but becomes more of a concern while taking RSO.

Do not operate heavy machinery while figuring out your dosing and the effects of RSO on your unique system. It will differ from person to person.

Due the heavy psychoactive effects of RSO, taking it at night so you can “sleep it off” is ideal, especially if you are new to cannabis.

It is advised not to combust RSO. Smoking RSO greatly diminishes its medicinal value.

Any claim on this page has not been reviewed by the FDA. Product is not intended to diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease or illness.