What Is RSO (Rick Simpson Oil)?

What Is RSO (Rick Simpson Oil)?

Rick Simpson Oil, commonly known as RSO, is a potent cannabis extract named after Rick Simpson, a Canadian engineer who became a well-known cannabis advocate. Rick Simpson developed this oil after suffering from a bad fall.
He was working at a hospital in Canada when he fell off a ladder and suffered a head injury. This head injury left him with tinnitus and dizziness. The prescription medication he was offered by his GP didn't work and if anything the symptoms only seemed to be getting worse. Rick asked his doctor about medical marijuana but his GP refused to consider it. After years of suffering he eventually acquire cannabis by himself and used it to sucessfully treat his symptoms. Later, when he developed basal cell skin cancers on his arm, Simpson used cannabis oil as a treatment.

He believed in the healing potential of cannabis and created RSO to harness the plant's full-spectrum benefits, which include all the cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other compounds found in the cannabis plant.

How Is RSO Made?

RSO is made by washing cannabis buds with a solvent, such as ethanol. The process involves soaking the plant material in the solvent, which extracts the cannabinoids and other beneficial compounds. After this, the solvent is boiled off, leaving behind a thick, sticky oil that is rich in THC and other cannabinoids. Because RSO is a full-spectrum oil, it retains all the compounds from the plant, unlike more refined products like distillates that isolate specific cannabinoids.

It's important to note that RSO is not a branded product. Rick Simpson himself has shared the method for making RSO but does not sell the oil. In places where cannabis is legal, you can find versions of RSO at dispensaries, but different manufacturers make these products, which may vary in quality and potency.

How to Make Rick Simpson Oil

RSO is easy to make, but you need to be very careful as you are dealing with highly flammable solvents, so great care must be taken, and you should work in a well-ventilated area. 

To make 60 grams of oil, you will need 500 grams of weed and 6 liters of solvent. 98% ethenol alcohol. You will also need a large bucket, a rice cooker or slow cooker, a pan and some coffee filters or cheese cloth, a large stirring spoon and 60ml catheter tip syringe. 

1. Chrush or grind up the cannabis and place it in the bucket. Pour the ethanol over the plant material until it is completely immersed. 
2. Stir and crush the mixture for around 5 minutes until the cannabis and solvent dissolve into a mixture. 
3. Pour the plant and alcohol mixture through the chees cloth or coffee filter into a large container. 
4. Empty the cannabis material back into the bucket and repeat steps 3 and 4 until there is no more ethanol remaining. 
5. Set up your rice cooker or slow cooker on the lower setting between 210 and 230 degrees Fahrenheit. Pour in the filtered liquid. the heat from the cooker will slowly boil off the solvent and decarboxylate the THC. 
6. As the liquid evaporates pour in more of the concentrated mixture. You need to make sure you have a well-ventilated area away from any open flames.
7. When all the solvent has evaporated use the syringe to collect the oil that remains.

This process can be dangerous as even if a single spark reaches the alcohol during the evaporation process, it can cause an explosion. You need to take extreme care and ensure you are operating in a well-ventilated area with fans and open windows.  

What Makes RSO Different?

The key feature that sets RSO apart from other cannabis products is its full-spectrum nature. This means that RSO includes not just THC or CBD but a wide range of other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. This combination of all the plant compounds creates what's known as the "Entourage Effect," where all these compounds work together to amplify each other's therapeutic benefits.

The Entourage Effect

The Entourage Effect is a concept that suggests the combined action of various compounds in cannabis, such as cannabinoids and terpenes, is greater than the sum of its parts. Therefore, you get a more significant therapeutic effect than any single compound could achieve by itself. This effect is a major reason why some patients prefer full-spectrum products like RSO over more refined cannabis extracts such as distillates or isolates.

What Can RSO Be Used For?

RSO is often used for its therapeutic benefits. Some of the conditions that RSO may help manage include:

• Chronic Pain: Many patients use RSO to alleviate ongoing pain, especially when other treatments haven't been effective.
• Nausea and Appetite Loss: RSO is sometimes used to help stimulate appetite and reduce nausea, particularly in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
• Insomnia: The sedative effects of THC in RSO can help those struggling with sleep disorders.
• Multiple Sclerosis and Epilepsy: Some patients with neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis and epilepsy have reported relief from symptoms with RSO.

In 2016, a group of scientists from the United States and Egypt reviewed existing research on cannabinoids and cancer. They concluded that cannabinoids, like those found in RSO, might offer significant relief to many patients, particularly in managing symptoms and side effects related to cancer treatments.

Is RSO Legal?

Because RSO contains high levels of THC, it is illegal in many places where cannabis is still prohibited. However, in states or countries where cannabis is legal for medical or recreational use, RSO can often be found in dispensaries. It's essential to check local laws and regulations before attempting to obtain or use RSO.

Conclusion

RSO is a unique and potent cannabis extract that offers the full spectrum of benefits from the cannabis plant. Named after its creator, Rick Simpson, this oil has become popular among those seeking natural alternatives for managing various health conditions. While it's not a cure-all, the full-spectrum nature of RSO and the potential for the Entourage Effect make it a valuable option for many patients. Whether you're looking to manage chronic pain, improve your sleep, or find relief from the side effects of cancer treatment, RSO might be worth considering—just make sure it's legal where you live!