Are you familiar with Rick Simpson Oil? Commonly referred to as RSO, this potent cannabis extract was created by a Canadian medical marijuana advocate. Hatch Dispensary is here to let you in on the essential facts about this special medical marijuana oil.
Rick Simpson’s Amazing Discovery
Canadian native Rick Simpson was working as an engineer when he suffered a work injury that upended his entire life. For years following his accident, he endured constant dizziness and tinnitus (ringing in the ears) that traditional prescriptions and over-the-counter medications failed to alleviate.
Desperate for relief from his chronic symptoms, Simpson stumbled upon the concept of using marijuana for medicinal purposes while researching alternative options for pain relief. Soon after his discovery, he began to cultivate a large garden of cannabis plants that he used to manage his bothersome symptoms.
In 2003, Simpson dove further into his research on using cannabis as a medicine after he was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. After reading a 1975 study in which THC was found to kill cancer cells in mice, Simpson decided to turn himself into the test subject. Extracting oil from his cannabis plants, he diligently applied it to the cancerous growths on his skin.
Incredibly, Simpson’s cancerous growths vanished from his skin in less than seven days. Now a true proponent of marijuana’s medicinal benefits, he began his journey of sharing RSO with the world.
The Facts on RSO
Considered a “full-spectrum” cannabis extract, marijuana plant compounds like terpenes, cannabinoids, phenols, fatty acids, and flavonoids remain in RSO’s viscous oil even after extraction. Experts believe that these marijuana compounds work better together than on their own, a concept that is known as “The Entourage Effect.”
Proponents of RSO’s benefits claim that it may alleviate symptoms from various conditions, including cancer, due to its high concentration of the cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). While no direct research has been conducted on whether RSO can treat cancer, user testimonies demonstrate that it may be a supportive treatment option.
Although some studies suggest that cannabinoids like THC and CBD have the potential to stop cancer from spreading, RSO’s therapeutic power lies in its ability to inhibit nausea and vomiting, improve appetite, and alleviate pain. For many cancer patients dealing with side effects of chemotherapy, RSO is life-changing.
Using RSO
Because of Rick’s passion for marijuana advocacy, he decided to share his RSO recipe with the world rather than trademark it. Using Indica-dominant strains, RSO is extracted to produce a thick, potent oil containing levels of THC over 60%.
There are a variety of ways to try RSO. Just like Simpson, you can topically apply RSO by rubbing it directly into your skin. Another way is to swallow RSO in its liquid form. Taking RSO sublingually (under the tongue) is the fastest way to feel its effects because it avoids your digestive system by directly entering the bloodstream. If you like taking RSO, but find that it gets your teeth too sticky, you can freeze RSO to create easy-to-swallow pills.
On his website, Simpson details all the information necessary for properly dosing RSO. He recommends beginning with a smaller dose at first, then gradually increasing it over time in order to build up your body’s tolerance.
Before you try RSO, consult with a healthcare practitioner, who can help you create a treatment plan that works for your specific needs.
Hatch Dispensary, located in Addison and Wheeling, Illinois, is committed to providing an unmatched experience for our customers. Patient care is our main focus, which is why our highly-trained staff members are the most knowledgeable in all of Illinois.