Rick Simpson Oil (RSO): A Comprehensive Review of Its Medicinal Benefits and Potential Risks

Introduction: Alternative forms of medicine, including cannabis, have been gaining attention in recent years for their potential therapeutic properties. Rick Simpson Oil (RSO), a type of cannabis oil, has gained popularity due to its purported medicinal benefits in the treatment of various conditions. In this blog post, we will provide a comprehensive review of RSO, including its history, extraction process, medicinal benefits, and potential risks.

History of Rick Simpson Oil: RSO is named after its creator, Rick Simpson, a Canadian engineer who discovered the oil’s healing properties while treating his own skin cancer. In 2003, Simpson was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma and began researching alternative treatments. He came across a study that showed THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, could kill cancer cells in mice. Simpson decided to make his own cannabis oil and applied it to the cancerous spots on his skin. After a few weeks, the cancerous spots disappeared, and he was convinced of the oil’s medicinal benefits. He began sharing his story and his method of making the oil with others, and thus the term “Rick Simpson Oil” was born (Simpson).

Extraction Process: RSO is made using a specific extraction method that involves using a solvent, such as ethanol or isopropyl alcohol, to extract the beneficial compounds from the cannabis plant. The plant material is soaked in the solvent, which dissolves the cannabinoids and terpenes, creating a potent cannabis concentrate. The mixture is then heated to remove the solvent, leaving behind a thick, dark oil that is high in THC and other cannabinoids (Shrivastava et al.).

Medicinal Benefits of RSO: RSO is believed to have a wide range of medicinal benefits due to its high levels of THC and other cannabinoids, including CBD, CBG, and CBN. Some of the potential benefits of RSO include pain relief, anti-inflammatory effects, anti-anxiety effects, and anti-tumor properties (Shrivastava et al.).

Potential Risks: While RSO has many potential benefits, it is important to note that there are also potential risks associated with its use. The high levels of THC in RSO can cause psychoactive effects, such as euphoria and impaired coordination, making it important to use the oil under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Additionally, the extraction process can be dangerous if not done properly, as the solvents used are flammable and can cause explosions if not handled correctly (Loflin and Earleywine).

Conclusion: RSO has gained popularity for its potential medicinal benefits in the treatment of various conditions. However, more research is needed to fully understand its effects, and it is important to use RSO under the guidance of a healthcare professional and to be aware of the potential risks associated with its use.

Works Cited: Loflin, Mallory J., and Mitchell Earleywine. “A New Look at the Harms and Benefits of Cannabis.” Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research, vol. 42, no. 1, 2015, pp. 10-22. doi: 10.1007/s11414-014-9469-9.

Shrivastava, Anil, et al. “Cannabis Constituents and Their Role in Neurological Disorders: A Molecular Basis for Understanding the Therapeutic Effects of Cannabis.” Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol. 1162, 2019, pp. 151-165. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-21737-2_10.

Simpson, Rick. “Phoenix Tears: The Rick Simpson Story.” Healing Cancer with Cannabis, Phoenix