What is Rick Simpson Oil?
Is there a real cure hiding in plain sight? Some say they've found just that in an exotic cannabis extract known as Rick Simpson Oil (RSO). Canadian cult hero Rick Simpson developed the oil in the 1990s and used it to treat his cancer.
RSO is an intense cannabis extract that contains high levels of THC and other cannabinoids. The results people report are nothing short of miraculous - alleviating cancer, epilepsy, chronic pain, and more. In this revealing exposé, we separate RSO facts from fiction.
Rick Simpson’s Inspiring Story
In 1997, Simpson suffered a head injury that caused tinnitus and dizziness. After hearing about the potential medical benefits of cannabis, he began experimenting with cannabis to alleviate his symptoms.
Then, in 2003, he was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, a form of skin cancer. Simpson applied his homemade cannabis oil topically to his skin cancer lesions. He reported that the cancerous growths disappeared within days. Convinced of its power, he gave oil freely to others and told his story in documentaries to spread awareness.
DOES RSO WORK?
There's no proof yet that RSO directly cures cancer, but some people swear it helped them. Research on cannabis and cancer largely originates from animal studies and laboratory experiments, thus its effectiveness in human application remains uncertain. However, it could possibly assist with pain relief, controlling chemo-induced nausea, improving appetite, and sleep disturbances.
Some research shows it could boost radiation and might be good for pancreatic cancer when added to regular treatments. More study is still needed, yet it shows promise as a natural wellness option.
What are the Benefits of RSO?
When it comes to RSO, the potential benefits take your breath away. Sure, Rick Simpson swears by it for curing his own cancer back in the day. But could one oil really knock out so many illnesses?
Early research hints RSO may directly help serious issues like cancer, arthritis, infections, and MS. Some say it controls untamable symptoms like seizures, chronic pain, and mental health struggles too. As more people try it, many patients report that RSO helps with cancer and chemo side effects without nasty toxins.
Skeptics want proof, but for now, it shows promise against health obstacles where few options exist. Only time will reveal its full potential for so-called "incurable" diseases.
How to Make RSO Oil?
- Carefully select cannabis plants in good condition.
- Steep chopped cannabis in alcohol or another pure solvent to draw out active ingredients over time.
- Pour the solvent mixture through a filter to remove leftover plant from the liquid.
- Gently heat the filtered liquid to vaporize and remove the solvent safely. Only the extract remains.
- Collect the oil Concentrate - the result is a thick, dark oil containing high levels of useful cannabinoids.
Creating homemade RSO needs to be done carefully, with skill, and by understanding the laws in your area. Make sure to study proven techniques before trying to make it yourself.
How to Use RSO?
There are several common methods to take RSO:
- Sublingual Application
RSO is placed beneath the tongue for fast absorption into your blood via the mucous membranes. This approach typically results in immediate results, often noticed between 15 to 45 minutes.
- Topical Application
You can apply RSO directly to the skin. It interacts with cannabinoid receptors there, without entering the bloodstream. This method is often used for skin conditions and localized pain.
- Ingestion
RSO can be ingested directly or added to food and beverages. When ingested, the effects take longer to set in but can last for several hours.
- Smoking or Vaping
A few users prefer to smoke or vaporize RSO. Even though only a minimal amount is required because of its high concentration, there still be associated risks. These are related to breathing it in and the extreme heat may degrade some beneficial compounds.
- Modern Formats
RSO is also in user-friendly formats. These include tinctures and gummies. They offer more precise dosing and are easier to consume.
- Dosing RSO
Given its high potency, dosing RSO requires caution. Beginners should start with a tiny amount, usually the size of half a grain of rice. They should then raise the dose slowly while watching their reactions. RSO's effects can last 3 to 7 hours. This depends on a person's metabolism and other factors.
Side Effects and Risks
Anytime you're thinking about adding a new supplement like RSO, it's smart to learn about possible side effects upfront. From what research shows, here are some of the psychological and physical symptoms THC in RSO may cause:
Psychological:
- Paranoia
- Anxiety
- Hallucinations
- Disorientation
- Depression
- Irritability
Physical:
- Low blood pressure
- Bloodshot eyes
- Dizziness
- Slow digestion
- Sleeping issues
- Issues with coordination and reaction time
- Memory problems
The good news is that for most people, these side effects tend to only last a few hours and usually aren't too risky. However, everyone reacts differently. Knowledge and moderation are key when exploring new remedies.
Dosing with RSO
When starting out with RSO, it's important to go slow with the dosing. These oils are seriously potent since they're pure cannabis extract. Remember, a little RSO goes a long way.
Using syringes for dosing makes it easier to slowly inch up your serving size in a controlled manner. This helps pinpoint your sweet spot.
There's different strains of RSO too, with varying ratios of CBD to THC. A “1 to 1” ratio is often recommended to start as it balances the effects. However, heavier THC or CBD concentrations will impact how it makes you feel.
Here's a sample dosage schedule someone following the “1 to 1” ratio might try:
- Week 1: 1/2 grain morning and night
- Week 2: 1-grain morning and night
- Week 3: 1 1/2 grains morning and night
- Week 4: 2 grains morning and night
As always, listen to your body and pay attention to how RSO affects you. Some may find that higher doses don't work as well or cause side effects. Go slow and steady with dosing RSO.