Rick Simpson Oil: History, Science & The Power of a Hemp-Based RSO
Rick Simpson Oil: History, Science & The Power of Hemp-Based RSO
"Nature itself is the best physician." — Hippocrates
Part 1: The Man, The Mission, The Oil
A Head Injury That Changed Everything
The story of Rick Simpson Oil begins not in a laboratory, but on a hospital rooftop in Nova Scotia, Canada, in 1997.
Rick Simpson was working as an engineer at a hospital when he was tasked with insulating asbestos-covered pipes in a poorly ventilated boiler room. The powerful fumes from industrial adhesives overcame him. He fell, struck his head, and lost consciousness. When he came to, he was taken to the emergency room — ironically, inside the very hospital he worked at.
What followed was years of suffering. The head injury left Rick with persistent dizziness, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and cognitive fog. His doctors prescribed conventional medications, but rather than offering relief, the drugs left him feeling detached, medicated into numbness. He described feeling more like a zombie than a person.
Then, one evening, he watched a documentary on medical cannabis. Though intrigued, his physician flatly dismissed the idea. Rick decided to do his own research. Drawing from academic studies and his own meticulous experimentation, he began making a simple cannabis extract — and found it worked better than anything he had been prescribed.
The Skin Cancer That Sparked a Revolution
In 2003, Rick Simpson's life changed again. He was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma — a form of skin cancer — presenting as three spots on his face and neck.
While researching, Rick came across a 1975 study published by the National Cancer Institute (Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Munson et al.) showing that cannabinoids — specifically THC and CBN — slowed tumor growth in mice. Holding this study in mind, he made a decision that would change cannabis history.
He applied his homemade cannabis oil directly to the cancerous lesions, covered them with bandages, and waited.
Within four days, he reported the lesions had disappeared entirely.
His physician refused to attribute the result to the oil. But Rick Simpson was convinced. And rather than filing a patent, launching a company, or seeking profit, he did something extraordinary: he started giving the oil away for free.
A Grassroots Movement (And the Price Rick Paid)
Between 2004 and 2009, Rick Simpson produced and distributed his oil to hundreds of people in his community — cancer patients, people with chronic pain, multiple sclerosis sufferers, and those with conditions mainstream medicine had failed to adequately treat. He asked for nothing in return.
Canadian law enforcement raided his home multiple times. His plants were seized. He was brought to court repeatedly. Yet he was never convicted — in part because the people he had helped came forward, testifying that they had received the oil at no cost and that it had meaningfully improved their lives.
In 2008, Rick released a self-produced documentary, Run from the Cure, detailing his story and teaching others how to make the oil. The film spread virally. His instructions were eventually translated into more than 70 languages.
Eventually, facing relentless legal pressure in Canada, Rick relocated to Europe to continue his work. Even after suffering a stroke in 2018, his mission and his legacy have never stopped growing.
Today, Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) is a recognized product in licensed cannabis dispensaries across the United States, Canada, and Europe — a rare case where a grassroots folk remedy became a legitimate pillar of modern cannabis medicine.
Part 2: What RSO Actually Is
Full-Spectrum, Whole-Plant Medicine
RSO is not a refined or isolated extract. It is a full-spectrum, whole-plant cannabis oil — meaning it captures and preserves the complete array of the plant's bioactive compounds: cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other phytochemicals. This is the opposite of an isolate (which contains only one compound) or a distillate (which strips away everything except one or two target molecules).
Traditional RSO is made using a solvent — typically ethanol — to pull all of these compounds out of cannabis flower. The solvent is then evaporated, leaving behind a thick, dark, highly concentrated oil. The result is decarboxylated (heat-activated), meaning the cannabinoids are in their bioactive form and can be used orally, sublingually, or topically without further processing.
Authentic RSO is typically:
- Very dark in color (near black or dark green) due to chlorophyll and a rich compound profile
- Thick and viscous — usually dispensed in a syringe
- Extremely potent — traditional THC-based RSO can contain 60–90% THC
- Orally bioavailable — typically taken in rice grain-sized doses (approximately 0.1–0.25ml)
The Entourage Effect: Why Full-Spectrum Matters
RSO's power is inseparable from its full-spectrum nature. This comes down to what Dr. Raphael Mechoulam called the Entourage Effect — the principle that cannabinoids, terpenes, and plant compounds work together in ways that produce effects far greater than any single compound alone.
For example:
- CBD softens and regulates the intensity of THC
- CBN deepens sedative and analgesic effects
- CBG adds antibacterial and anti-inflammatory layering
- Terpenes like myrcene enhance absorption, while beta-caryophyllene directly activates CB2 receptors for additional anti-inflammatory action
This synergy is why patients who have tried isolated CBD or isolated THC and found them insufficient often report significantly better results with a full-spectrum oil like RSO (Russo, 2011, British Journal of Pharmacology).
Part 3: What Research Says About RSO and Cannabinoids
Cancer Research
The cancer-related research on cannabinoids is among the most exciting — and most frequently misunderstood — areas in medical science. Here's what the evidence actually shows.
Preclinical research (cell and animal studies):
- A landmark 1975 NCI study (Munson et al.) found THC and CBN inhibited tumor growth in mice with lung cancer
- A 2000 study in Nature Medicine by Guzman et al. showed THC caused apoptosis (programmed cell death) in aggressive brain tumor cells
- Research from the Complutense University of Madrid has consistently shown cannabinoids induce apoptosis and inhibit angiogenesis (tumor blood vessel growth) in multiple cancer types
- A 2006 pilot clinical study (Guzman et al., British Journal of Cancer) found intratumoral THC administration decreased tumor cell proliferation in recurrent glioblastoma patients — one of the most aggressive brain cancers known
- CBD has shown anti-proliferative effects in breast, colon, lung, and prostate cancer cell models by antagonizing GPR55 receptors and disrupting cancer cell migration (McAllister et al., 2007, Molecular Cancer Therapeutics)
Important caveat: The scientific community is clear that RSO is not a proven cure for cancer in humans. Most evidence is preclinical. However, the volume and consistency of preclinical results has made cannabinoid-oncology research one of the fastest-growing fields in medicine.
Where RSO shines most clearly in cancer care is in symptom management and quality of life:
- Reduction of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
- Appetite stimulation in patients with cancer-related wasting
- Pain management for bone, neuropathic, and inflammatory cancer pain
- Sleep improvement and anxiety reduction during treatment
- Reduction of cancer treatment side effects
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is the most well-documented application of RSO and cannabis medicine broadly.
- CB1 and CB2 receptors throughout the pain signaling pathway are directly modulated by cannabinoids, reducing central sensitization and peripheral pain signals
- A 2015 systematic review in The Journal of Pain (Whiting et al.) found moderate evidence supporting cannabinoids for chronic neuropathic pain
- A 2018 review in Frontiers in Pharmacology concluded that cannabis-based medicines outperformed placebo for chronic non-cancer pain
- Full-spectrum extracts like RSO consistently outperform isolates in pain studies, supporting the entourage effect hypothesis (Pamplona et al., 2018)
Neurological Conditions
- Seizures and epilepsy: CBD's FDA approval as Epidiolex confirmed cannabis-derived medicine as an anticonvulsant. RSO, with its broad cannabinoid profile, has been reported by patients to reduce seizure frequency
- Multiple sclerosis: Both CB1 and CB2 agonism reduce spasticity and neuropathic pain. Sativex (a CBD:THC spray) is approved in multiple countries for MS-related spasticity
- PTSD: CB1 receptors play a critical role in fear memory extinction. RSO's full-spectrum profile may support emotional processing and nightmare reduction
- Parkinson's and neuroprotection: CBG and THCV have shown protective effects in Parkinson's disease models (Garcia et al., 2011)
Sleep, Anxiety, and Inflammation
- CBN is the most sedating cannabinoid known; its presence in RSO makes it a valuable sleep aid
- CBD's 5-HT1A serotonin receptor activity provides anxiolytic and antidepressant effects
- The combined anti-inflammatory properties of CBD, CBG, and CBC via CB2 and TRPV1 pathways make RSO a powerful systemic anti-inflammatory
- Patients with fibromyalgia, arthritis, Crohn's disease, and autoimmune conditions commonly report meaningful symptom relief
Part 4: Hemp-Based RSO — CBD, CBG, CBN, and More
Here is where the story gets even more relevant for today's wellness market.
Traditional RSO is high in THC and therefore federally controlled. But with the emergence of hemp-derived cannabinoids and advances in full-spectrum extraction, it is now entirely possible to create RSO-style full-spectrum oils using hemp-derived CBD, CBG, CBN, CBC, and THCV — delivering the same whole-plant philosophy with a non-intoxicating or mildly intoxicating profile.
Who Is a Hemp-Based RSO Best For?
Sleep Disorders and Insomnia
Key cannabinoids: CBN + CBD + Myrcene terpene
CBN is often called the "sleep cannabinoid" — even at modest doses it exerts significant sedative effects via CB1 partial agonism. Combined with CBD's anxiolytic properties (reducing the racing thoughts that keep people awake), a CBN + CBD-dominant RSO is one of the most powerful natural sleep formulas available. Myrcene, a sedating terpene naturally present in full-spectrum hemp oil, further amplifies this effect.
Best for: insomnia, sleep onset difficulty, night wakings, stress-related poor sleep, PTSD nightmares
Chronic Inflammation and Autoimmune Conditions
Key cannabinoids: CBD + CBG + CBC
All three of these cannabinoids target inflammation through distinct but complementary pathways. CBD reduces cytokine production via CB2 and TRPV1 desensitization. CBG inhibits nitric oxide synthesis and suppresses inflammatory signals in the gut. CBC prevents anandamide reuptake, keeping the body's own anti-inflammatory endocannabinoid active longer. Together, they form a triple-action anti-inflammatory system unlike any single pharmaceutical.
Best for: rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, IBD, lupus, psoriasis, systemic inflammation, recovery from injury
Anxiety, Depression, and Mental Wellness
Key cannabinoids: CBD + CBG + CBC
CBD activates 5-HT1A serotonin receptors — the same pathway targeted by SSRIs — while elevating anandamide (the bliss molecule) by inhibiting FAAH. CBC has shown antidepressant effects in animal models that exceeded even CBD. CBG's interaction with alpha-2 adrenergic receptors supports a calming of the stress response. Together, these create a multi-pathway approach to mood regulation.
Best for: generalized anxiety, social anxiety, depression, mood dysregulation, burnout, grief
Bone Health and Metabolic Support
Key cannabinoids: CBG + THCV + CBD
CBG and CBD interact with CB2 receptors in bone marrow, supporting healthy bone density and repair. THCV — a metabolic cannabinoid — improves insulin sensitivity and supports healthy blood sugar levels in diabetic models (Wargent et al., 2013). For patients managing osteoporosis risk, metabolic syndrome, or post-injury bone recovery, a hemp RSO featuring these cannabinoids represents a fascinating emerging area of research.
Best for: bone density concerns, type 2 diabetes support, metabolic syndrome, post-fracture recovery
Immune System Regulation
Key cannabinoids: CBD + CBG + CBC
CB2 receptors are most dense in immune tissues — spleen, thymus, tonsils, bone marrow. A hemp RSO rich in CBD and CBG provides sustained CB2 stimulation that modulates overactive immune responses (autoimmune) while supporting immune surveillance. CBG has also demonstrated antimicrobial activity against resistant bacterial strains including MRSA (Appendino et al., 2008).
Best for: autoimmune disease, post-viral syndrome, Long COVID recovery, general immune support
Neuroprotection and Brain Health
Key cannabinoids: CBD + CBG + CBC
CBC is unique in that it promotes the viability of neural stem progenitor cells — the brain's own regenerative cells (Shinjyo and Di Marzo, 2013). CBD provides broad neuroprotective activity through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. CBG has shown neuronal protection in models of Huntington's disease. For anyone concerned about cognitive aging, neurodegeneration, or post-traumatic brain health, a hemp RSO provides a multi-cannabinoid neuroprotective regimen.
Best for: neurodegenerative disease prevention, post-concussion recovery, brain fog, age-related cognitive decline
Pain and Nerve Sensitivity
Key cannabinoids: CBD + CBN + CBC
CBC directly activates TRPA1 and TRPV1 pain receptors — channels that govern sensitivity to pain, cold, and inflammation — while also keeping anandamide active longer. CBN activates TRPV2, providing pain relief through a separate channel. CBD modulates both the central and peripheral pain pathways via CB1/CB2 and TRPV1. This three-pronged attack on pain makes a CBC + CBD + CBN hemp RSO one of the most comprehensive non-opioid pain options available.
Best for: neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, post-surgical pain, migraines, arthritis, nerve damage
Part 5: Hemp RSO vs. Traditional THC-Based RSO
| Feature | Traditional RSO (THC-based) | Hemp-Based RSO | |---|---|---| | Primary cannabinoid | THC (60-90%) | CBD, CBG, CBN, CBC | | Psychoactivity | High — intoxicating | Minimal to none | | Federal legal status | Controlled Substance | Legal under 2018 Farm Bill | | Best for | Severe cancer symptoms, intractable pain | Sleep, anxiety, inflammation, neuroprotection, immunity | | Availability | Medical/recreational dispensaries | Widely available online and in stores | | Entourage effect | Full | Full | | Suitable for daily use | High doses require adjustment period | Yes — very well tolerated |
Conclusion: One Man's Oil, A Plant's Full Potential
Rick Simpson didn't set out to change medicine. He set out to heal himself — and then, generously, to help others do the same. What he created became a symbol: proof that whole-plant, full-spectrum cannabis medicine is fundamentally different from isolated compounds, and that the body has an entire system built to receive and respond to these molecules.
His oil is controversial, anecdotal, and not FDA-approved for any specific condition. But the science behind the cannabinoids it contains is anything but fringe. From the 1975 NCI tumor study that inspired Rick to the modern peer-reviewed research on CBD, CBG, CBN, and CBC — the evidence base for full-spectrum cannabinoid medicine grows stronger every year.
A hemp-based RSO brings this same whole-plant philosophy into the modern wellness space: federally compliant, non-intoxicating, and stacked with cannabinoids that address pain, inflammation, anxiety, sleep, immunity, and neuroprotection through the body's own endocannabinoid system.
Rick Simpson gave away his oil so that everyone could benefit from it. The least we can do is understand it.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. RSO is not FDA-approved to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider before beginning any cannabinoid regimen.
Key References: Munson et al. (1975) | Guzman et al. (2000, 2006) | Russo EB. (2011) | Whiting PF et al. (2015) | Pamplona FA et al. (2018) | Appendino G et al. (2008) | Shinjyo N and Di Marzo V. (2013) | Wargent ET et al. (2013)