Rick Simpson Oil (RSO)

In 1997 Canadian engineer Rick Simpson suffered a serious head injury that resulted in unbearable tinnitus. Vaguely familiar with the concept of medical cannabis, and unable to control his symptoms with medications prescribed by his doctor, Rick decided (against his doctor’s advice) to check it out and see if it was really the ‘miracle drug’ that many contemporary researchers now proclaim it to be. He found that using cannabis greatly reduced his symptoms without any notable side effects. Then, in 2003, Rick was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, a form of skin cancer. He had come across a study done in the ‘70s that seemed to show THC actually killed cancer cells in mice. Having personally experienced significant relief himself when using cannabis to treat other maladies, Rick decided to see if cannabis could really work to treat his cancer. He made a concentrated oil and applied that topically to the cancerous spots on his arm and bandaged them. Within a week the spots were gone and Rick was convinced that cannabis didn’t just treat, but could actually cure cancer. So he started spreading the word of his success and sharing his cannabis concoction with over 5,000 others suffering from debilitating diseases free of charge. He was met with resistance by the Canadian authorities and has had 2,600 plants confiscated and been convicted on criminal charges.

In addition to the dozens of anecdotal success stories, recent research shows great promise in using cannabinoids to treat cancer patients. Not only has there been strong correlation between RSO use and reduced tumor size and remission rates, it appears that THC and CBD also increase the effectiveness of radiation treatment. And cancer isn’t the only illness Rick recommends RSO to treat. It has also helped individuals suffering from chronic pain, anxiety and depression, infections, asthma, and insomnia—just to name a few. RSO also treats any condition involving mutated cells by attacking the abnormal cells while also rejuvenating healthy cells. It seems that this super concentrated form of cannabinoids has unlimited potential. RSO is a very potent form of medicine, so a little goes a long way—and don’t forget, because it has such a high potency, it also comes with more side effects than some other forms of cannabis. The most common is sleepiness, but the chance of side effects like increased anxiety/paranoia and impaired motor control is also increased because of its extremely high THC levels. Most recommend a starting dose of the equivalent of about half a grain of rice. For the first 5 or so weeks most recommend doubling the dose every four days or so until at 1g/day. After the initial treatment—generally lasting about 12 weeks—only 1-2 g/mo is considered a good maintenance dose.

Rick has been giving away medicine since 2005 and has declared he ‘want[s] people to know how to heal themselves’. He shares this information at no cost, but with a couple of caveats: While on the one hand making your own can ensure the product quality and production methods, the solvents used (usually 99% isopropyl alcohol, but ethanol and some other solvents also work) are very volatile and production is therefore quite dangerous—especially if you have no experience. If you do decide to make your own, most of the equipment you need can be found right at home—a 5 gallon bucket, a deep bowl, cheese cloth or a coffee filter, something to stir the mixture with, and a rice cooker (the rice cooker is recommended to help control heat, if the mixture reaches 300 degrees it no longer has the same medical benefits). You can find instructions on how to make your own on the Phoenix Tears website, as well as in the YouTube documentary Run From the Cure, where Rick shares not only the recipe for his special cannabis concentrate, but also his story and that of many of the patients he has helped. Just don’t forget MAKING YOUR OWN CONCENTRATES IS DANGEROUS AND IT IS ALWAYS BEST TO GET THEM FROM A LICENSED DISTRIBUTOR YOU KNOW AND TRUST!

Rick now lives in Europe and continues to speak out against the harmful effects of not allowing patients access to such an organic curative. His company, Phoenix Tears, provides patient education and testimonials for those looking to use RSO. He is no longer allowed in this US because of his criminal record.