Rick Simpson Oil: The Phenomenon

syringe with oil next to cannabis flower on concrete floor

Rick Simpson Oil or RSO (also known Phoenix Tears) is a cannabis extract that derives its name from Rick Simpson, the medical cannabis activist who discovered and created it. The oil is a high cannabis extract with a high concentration of THC or tetrahydrocannabinol. THC is the main psychoactive compound found in cannabinoids and has been found to offer different health benefits.

The Positive Health Benefits of Rick Simpson Oil

One of the major uses of RSO is that it has wide usage across different parts of the globe as an alternative cancer treatment. Rick Simpson, the expert behind the oil, was in 2003 diagnosed with skin cancer. He used RSO on the cancerous spot including neck and face. The spots were reportedly healing and gone within a few days.

Today, RSO oil is still has its usage as a cancer treatment in different parts of the globe. RSO has usage in different cancer therapies including molecular cancer therapies. Its effectiveness in reducing or shrinking cancer tumors can be attribute to high levels of THC concentration and a CBD combination. The oil also enhances the effects of radiotherapy treatments therefore, making cancer treatments better.

Some of the types of cancers that have been under treatment with RSO include fibromyalgia, terminal acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, and pancreatic cancer. Besides enhancing cancer treatments, Rick Simpson Cannabis oil has usage in treating:

  • Chronic pain
  • Asthma
  • Arthritis
  • Inflammation
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • High blood pressure
  • Insomnia
  • Depression
  • Drug addiction
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Diabetes
  • Alzheimer’s Parkinson’s disease

Research studies also show that THC in RSO treats eating disorders, improves appetite-related issues, nausea and symptoms associated with different cancer treatments. Since the oil high concentration of THC, it has the same medicinal values as the THC compound itself. This is why it has been common usage for treating the above ailments.

Different Ways RSO is Infused into Cannabinoid Products

Technically, RSO is imbue within different cannabinoid products. This includes vaping and topical creams or oils. However, it has been emphasized time and again that to realize the benefits of RSO effectively, it is better taken orally. This is by placing a rice grain-sized RSO portion under your tongue and let it absorb.

  • One can rub a rice grain-sized amount under the lower gum line. It is an excellent way to absorb RSO into the bloodstream.
  • RSO has usage by rubbing a topical cream or oil on the surface of the skin.
  • As a sublingual, RSO drops can also be used under the tongue for a high absorption rate.
  • RSO capsules can also have usage orally. However, it has a slower absorption rate but its effects last longer. Some people also mix RSO capsules in drinks or food.
  • Apart from ingestion, RSO can also undergo dilution and can turn into a lotion or an ointment of choice.

There are also RSO suppositories where the oil gets absorbed into your colon. It allows you to experience the benefits of RSO without any major side effect or disorientation. This has been proven as an ideal way to enhance prostate or bowel cancer treatment.

Rick Simpson Oil and CBD Oil: Understanding the Difference

CBD oil and RSO oil both derive from cannabis. They have usage when treating chronic pain and can provide an array of health benefits. However, there is a major difference between the two products.

CBD oil derives generally from hemp plants and only contains CBD. The hemp plant has smaller flowers and has a lower cannabinoid content, but rich in fibre. This is why CBD oil has been in constant production across different industrial uses due to its low THC levels.

Rick Simpson Oil however is derived from the different strains including cannabis Indica and Sativa with a high concentration of THC. The plant yields big flowers that are used to cultivate cannabis for medical reasons. It is high in cannabinoid content but low in fibre. Often, Rick Simpson oils made from indica strains have been proven to be quite beneficial in treating physical ailments. Sativa strains on the other hand are quite effective in treating different mental problems.

The extraction of CBD oil and RSO is also different. RSO is produced on solvent-based extraction process. CBD oil derives from solvent and CO2 extraction.

Research on Rick Simpson Cannabis Oil

Following a 1975 study on cannabis oil in the treatment of lung cancer in Mice, the results were that THC among other common cannabinoids has a reducing effect on the growth of lung cancer cells in mice. Since then, there have been more studies involving cell samples as well as animal models to determine the effectiveness of RSO in cancer treatment.

A 2014 study on mice seeking to examine the effectiveness of CBD extracts and THC in enhancing radiation therapy was also upon examination. The results suggested that CBD and THC plays a significant role in enhancing effective radiotherapy treatment. High THC concentration in RSO prepares cancer cells to effectively respond to treatment.

Recently, there have been clinical studies that show how RSO and other cannabinoids have safe usage when treating cancer. While the studies are not fully conclusive, a 2013 study on a 14-year-old girl with Leukaemia reveals how RSO helped in the treatment process. Different sources show mixed results because while the oil enhanced recovery from cancer, the girl later died from gastrointestinal conditions.

Research on the joint effects of CBD and THC demonstrates that the two offer immense therapeutic benefits to patients suffering from different conditions. This is because CBD is an antipsychotic agent that reduces the effects of high THC concentration for effective treatment.

With these studies, experts are still focusing on more research to determine the safety and efficacy of Rick Simpson Cannabis Oil in the treatment of different ailments. More clinical trials are yet to involve information relating to human subjects and their usage of it.

Ever-Increasing Appeal and Usage of RSO

Over the years, there has been an increasing appeal and usage of RSO. This is because it is something that you can make at home as advised by Rick Simpson. RSO is also gaining more appeal due to its medicinal benefits. It helps the body to relax, induces pleasure hormones, and relieves pain and its role in enhancing cancer treatment. The THC and CBD content in RSO also prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells.

The oil is in different products, which makes it easy to use. It also has very few side effects making it one of the most preferred cannabinoid medicinal products in the market.


Click here to check out our selection of RSO products and including more information on the Rick Simpson dosage protocol.