Rick Simpson Oil, or RSO, is one of the most talked-about cannabis products online. It’s often promoted as a natural remedy for serious illnesses, including cancer. But what is it, what does the science actually say, and is it safe?
Quick answer: Rick Simpson Oil is a thick, dark, full-plant cannabis extract that’s very high in THC. It’s named after Rick Simpson, a Canadian who began promoting it in the early 2000s. Some people use it for sleep, pain, or nausea, but there’s no reliable evidence that RSO cures cancer or any other disease, and it isn’t approved by the FDA. Talk to your doctor before using it.
What Is Rick Simpson Oil?
RSO is a concentrated cannabis oil made from the whole flower of the cannabis plant. Unlike many cannabis products, it isn’t heavily refined, so it keeps a wide range of plant compounds.
| Feature | Rick Simpson Oil |
|---|---|
| Main cannabinoid | THC, usually in high amounts |
| Texture | Thick, sticky, dark oil or paste |
| Made from | Whole cannabis flower |
| Typical packaging | Small oral syringes |
| Psychoactive? | Yes, it can cause a strong high |
| Legal status | Treated like other high-THC cannabis products |
RSO has a long history among people looking for natural wellness options. Rick Simpson says he used it on skin cancer spots and later shared his method online, which helped the oil spread widely. His story is personal testimony, not clinical evidence.
RSO vs. CBD Oil
RSO is often confused with CBD oil, but they’re very different.
| RSO | CBD Oil | |
|---|---|---|
| Main compound | THC | CBD |
| Gets you high? | Yes | Generally no |
| Source | Marijuana (high-THC cannabis) | Often hemp |
| Where to buy | Licensed cannabis dispensaries in legal states | Widely sold, though quality varies |
| FDA-approved version | None | Epidiolex, a prescription CBD drug for certain seizure disorders |
What Does the Research Say?
Cancer
Claims that RSO cures cancer are common online, but they aren’t backed by human studies. According to the National Cancer Institute, the FDA hasn’t approved cannabis or cannabinoids as a treatment for cancer. Lab and animal studies have shown some effects on cancer cells, but that doesn’t mean the same results happen in people.
Cancer Research UK says it’s not yet known whether cannabinoids can treat cancer in people, and that in some lab studies cannabinoids have even encouraged cancer cells to grow.
Important: Never delay or replace proven cancer treatment with RSO or any other unproven remedy.
Symptom Relief
Some people with serious illnesses use cannabis to help with symptoms. The evidence is mixed:
| Symptom | What the research shows |
|---|---|
| Nausea from chemotherapy | FDA-approved THC drugs, dronabinol and nabilone, can help when other medicines don’t |
| Pain | Some small studies show benefit, but more research is needed |
| Sleep and anxiety | Some users report better sleep and less anxiety, but studies are small |
| Appetite | Results are mixed |
Many users say RSO helps them relax and sleep, but personal reports aren’t the same as proof.
Possible Side Effects
Because RSO is high in THC, side effects can be strong, especially for new users:
- Drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion
- Fast heartbeat or low blood pressure
- Anxiety, paranoia, or hallucinations at high doses
- Memory and coordination problems
- Interactions with other medicines, including blood thinners and sedatives
- Risk of dependence with long-term use
Don’t drive or operate machinery after using RSO. It isn’t safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Keep it away from children and pets, since accidental swallowing can cause serious symptoms.
How to Use Rick Simpson Oil Safely
If you and your doctor decide RSO is worth trying:
- Buy from a licensed dispensary. Lab-tested products list their THC content and are checked for contaminants.
- Start very low. Begin with a dose about the size of a grain of rice or smaller.
- Go slowly. Wait several hours before taking more, since edible and oral cannabis can take a while to kick in.
- Choose a method: Place it under the tongue, mix it into food, or put it in a capsule. Some people apply it to the skin, though there’s little research on this.
- Store it properly. Keep it in a cool, dark place, locked away from children and pets.
- Track how you feel. Write down doses and effects, and share them with your doctor.
Don’t make RSO at home. Homemade RSO is usually made with flammable solvents, which can cause fires and explosions and leave harmful residue in the oil.
Is Rick Simpson Oil Legal?
RSO is treated like other high-THC cannabis products. In US states with legal medical or adult-use cannabis, you can buy it from licensed dispensaries. In states without legal cannabis, it’s illegal. Federal law still treats marijuana as a controlled substance, so don’t carry it across state lines.
If you live in Ohio, our guide to patient rights under Ohio medical cannabis laws explains how the state’s program works.
Common Misconceptions About RSO
- “RSO cures cancer.” There’s no reliable human evidence for this.
- “RSO is the same as CBD oil.” RSO is mainly THC and will get you high.
- “Natural means safe.” RSO can cause strong side effects and drug interactions.
- “More is better.” Higher doses raise the risk of side effects.
- “It’s a quick fix.” It isn’t a substitute for medical care.
Be Careful Buying Online
Cancer Research UK warns that cannabis oils sold online may contain unknown ingredients, and that some sellers take payment and never send anything. Only buy from licensed sources, and be wary of any product that claims to cure disease. Our guide to things to consider before buying health products online has more tips.
FAQs
What is Rick Simpson Oil used for?
People use it for sleep, pain, nausea, and anxiety, and some use it alongside cancer treatment. Evidence for these uses is limited.
Does Rick Simpson Oil cure cancer?
No reliable human studies show that it does. Don’t use it in place of proven treatment.
Will RSO get me high?
Yes. It’s usually very high in THC.
Is RSO legal?
It’s legal only where high-THC cannabis is legal, and it should be bought from a licensed dispensary.
How much RSO should I take?
Start with a very small amount, about a grain of rice or less, and talk to your doctor first.
Final Thoughts on Rick Simpson Oil
Rick Simpson Oil is a strong, high-THC cannabis extract that some people find helpful for sleep, pain, or nausea. But the big claims made about it, especially about curing cancer, aren’t supported by research. If you’re thinking about trying RSO, talk to your doctor, buy only from licensed sellers, and start with a very small dose.
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This article is for general information only and isn’t medical advice. Talk to a doctor before using cannabis products, especially if you have a health condition or take other medicines.
