This post was updated on 03/05/2021.
What is RSO?
Rick Simpson Oil, or RSO, is a concentrated form of full extract cannabis oil prized for it’s medical benefits, especially for cancer patients. It is meant for oral consumption ONLY, and not to be inhaled or used for dabbing like other concentrated oils. Unlike distillate and isolate oils used for vaping, RSO/FECO retains more of the phytochemicals present in the cannabis plant which adds to the therapeutic value.
After reading an article from the Journal of the National Cancer Institute about THC killing cancer cells in mice, Rick Simpson made the decision to attempt to treat his own Basal Cell Carcinoma topically with cannabis oil. After four days of bandaging his cancerous spots with cannabis oil, he removed the bandage to find the spots had disappeared. Unable to keep his success a secret, and despite legal risks, Rick has personally helped treat over 5000 patients with RSO and shared his knowledge with countless others. There are numerous anecdotal reports of successful outcomes utilizing his methods.
RSO Suggested Cancer Protocol
The goal of a RSO protocol is to consume 60 grams of Rick Simpson Oil in 90 days. This is a very large amount of cannabis oil and should be taken with caution, increasing the dose gradually to avoid adverse effects. Below is a suggested outline for increasing the dose until the recommended 1 gram per day dose is achieved.
WEEK 1:
Start with 3 doses per day (morning, midday, before bed) every 8 hours
A drop of oil about the size of half of a grain of rice = one dose
WEEKS 2-5:
Double your dose every 4 days, maintaining the 3x per day schedule
WEEKS 5-12:
1 gram per day (split across 3 doses) until the entire 60 grams of oil is consumed
WEEKS 12+:
Reduce to a maintenance dose (1-2 grams total per month)
Side Effects
Patients starting a RSO protocol should plan appropriately as the potential for side effects is greater during the first three to four weeks of the protocol. Once a tolerance is built most patients report few to no negative side effects. The most common side effect is sleepiness and sedation, with quality sleep being an important aspect of the healing process. High doses of THC can also cause increased heart rate, anxiety, dizziness, nausea, and difficulty with concentration.
CBD can be used to counteract the psychoactivity or negative side effects of THC. Patients new to cannabis or concerned about psychoactivity may want to pair their RSO protocol with equal or greater doses of CBD oil to reduce the potential for negative side effects.
RSO for topical use
Like Rick’s original success, many patients use RSO topically for skin cancers. To do this, place a small amount of RSO on the affected area and cover with a bandage, changing the bandage and applying more oil every 1-3 days. Many patients report that over time the cancerous spots will dry, crack, and diminish. After the area has healed, it’s recommended to continue applying RSO for at least 2 weeks.
Where to Purchase RSO in Florida
RSO is currently available at Muv, Trulieve, Surterra, Vidacann, GrowHealthy, and Columbia Care dispensaries. Most companies offer it in strain specific varieties.
Some companies offer bulk pricing when purchasing in sets of 10 grams.
Further Reading
Rick Simpson’s Official Website
https://phoenixtears.ca/
How to Use Medical Marijuana for Cancer
https://www.leafly.com/news/health/how-to-use-medical-marijuana-for-cancer
CBD, THC, and Cancer
https://www.projectcbd.org/medicine/cbd-thc-and-cancer
The Current State of Research
Animal and lab studies have demonstrated THC and other cannabinoids such as CBD slow growth, reduce spread, and/or cause death to certain type of cancer cells.
Published in 2006 in the British Journal Of Pharmacology, a team of Spanish researchers administered pure THC into the tumors of 9 patients with glioblastoma who had failed to respond to traditional therapies. This first of its kind clinical trial, found that THC treatment was associated with significantly reduced tumor cell proliferation in every test subject.
Mounting evidence demonstrates the impact cannabis has on helping to manage cancer related pain, fatigue, nausea, appetite loss, and other side effects.
Some research suggests that cannabinoids are most effective when paired with traditional cancer therapies.
The above information is for educational purposes only and NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS MEDICAL ADVICE.
Post Written By: Kristina Risola, MA, CRC, NBC-HWC
