Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) is a cannabis oil that gets its name from the person who created it. Rick Simpson is a Canadian medical marijuana activist who claims he used the oil to clear cancer spots on his skin within days. But what exactly is RSO? What can it treat? Read on to find out.
What is Rick Simpson Oil (RSO)?
Unlike other cannabis oils, Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) is unique because it contains higher levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) together with other Cannabinoids. THC is the psychoactive compound in cannabis that is responsible for making people high.
Most researchers and medical companies focus on CBD oil, which has little or no THC. While some RSO is available on the market, some grey areas still surround its use, with some sources discrediting its efficacy. According to Rick Simpson’s website, users should make the oil at home using Cannabis indica strains.
According to the website, these strains produce “the sleepy sedative effects that aid in healing the patient’s body and causes the patient to relax while this is taking place.”
What does RSO allegedly treat?
RSO is marketed as a cancer treatment solution. However, according to the product’s supporters, it can help in the treatment of other conditions such as:
- Infections
- Chronic inflammation
- High blood pressure
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Drug addiction
- Depression
- Multiple sclerosis
However, there is little or no direct evidence that links RSO to these claims.
Does RSO work?
Extensive research has been ongoing regarding cannabis and THC, which is the chief ingredient in RSO. Some evidence links THC to cancer therapy. However, it is difficult to draw any solid conclusion regarding the effect of RSO on the cancer cells in the long term or successful treatment of the disease.
According to WebMD, there is no solid evidence linking RSO to cancer treatment. However, the website further admits, “some early research shows that some chemicals in marijuana have future potential as a cancer treatment.”
Similarly, cannabis oils with THC may help alleviate nausea and vomiting for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. There is also some evidence that such oils can treat pain and improve appetite, according to the WebMD website.
Even though there are limited sources that link THC with cancer therapy, the few studies available do show promise, especially in preventing or slowing the growth of tumors.
Does RSO have side effects?
THC, which is the main ingredient in RSO, is a psychoactive compound. It can deliver a range of psychological symptoms like paranoia, anxiety, hallucinations, disorientation, depression, or irritability.
At the same time, it is associated with mild physical side effects such as bloodshot eyes, dizziness, low blood pressure, slow digestion, insomnia, and others. However, these are mild side effects and may last only a few hours without causing any significant health risks.
Overall, there is still no concrete evidence that RSO effectively treats cancer. Any patient willing to use the substance should consult their health care provider first before using the oil.
