Key Takeaways
- Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) is a full-extract cannabis oil that retains all plant compounds, offering an entourage effect for better medicinal benefits.
- Rick Simpson, after personal success with RSO for cancer, shared it with others, cultivating a movement despite legal challenges.
- RSO can help with chronic pain, nausea, and insomnia but isn’t a guaranteed cure for cancer or FDA-approved.
- Consider starting with a small dose and adjusting slowly, while various consumption methods exist to suit individual needs.
- The legacy of RSO continues to influence the cannabis movement, advocating for patient autonomy and natural healing.
Every revolution starts with someone crazy enough to believe they can heal the world — or at least themselves.
In the early 2000’s, Rick Simpson, a Canadian engineer and everyday working man, wasn’t trying to spark a movement. He just wanted to survive. Simpson found relief from his symptoms in cannabis. When he developed skin cancer, he took a leap that would make history: he soaked his wounds in a thick, tar-like cannabis extract he made himself — and according to him, the cancer vanished.
That homemade oil became known as Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) — a potent, full-spectrum cannabis extract that would go on to redefine what people thought was possible with the plant. It wasn’t just another cannabis concentrate. It was a symbol of defiance, hope, and human instinct to heal by any means necessary.
What Is Rick Simpson Oil (RSO)?
RSO, or Rick Simpson Oil, is a full-extract cannabis oil made by dissolving all the medicinal compounds from the plant — cannabinoids, terpenes, and other phytonutrients — into a concentrated form. Unlike distillates or isolates that strip the plant down to one molecule (like THC or CBD), RSO keeps everything together, delivering the entourage effect — the theory that cannabinoids work better in concert than alone.
RSO is usually thick, dark, and sticky, with an earthy flavor that reminds you this is medicine straight from the dirt. It’s not the kind of product you chase for taste — it’s one you reach for when you need results.
And make no mistake: this is not a casual “take a hit and chill” product. RSO is powerful. One grain of rice-sized dose can contain more cannabinoids than an entire pre-roll.
How Rick Simpson Became a Folk Hero
After seeing what he believed were cancer-curing effects, Simpson started giving his oil away to others battling cancer and chronic illness. He wasn’t a dealer; he was a man on a mission.
But Canada in the early 2000s wasn’t ready for that level of radical compassion. Police raided his home, seized his plants, and charged him for producing cannabis extracts. Yet even after the raids, Simpson didn’t stop. He kept preaching the healing power of cannabis oil to anyone who’d listen.
His story spread across underground forums and early YouTube clips. Cancer patients began making their own oil. Others swore by its ability to ease pain, restore appetite, and fight insomnia.
By the time Canada finally legalized cannabis in 2018, Rick Simpson had become both an outlaw and a legend — a man who proved that real medicine doesn’t always come in a prescription bottle.
How RSO Works in the Body
The science behind RSO is still catching up to the mythology — but what we do know is compelling.
RSO is rich in THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids like CBG, CBN, and CBC — compounds that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system helps regulate pain, sleep, mood, inflammation, and even immune response.
Early research has shown that THC and CBD can inhibit tumor growth and trigger apoptosis (cell death) in certain cancer cells. While no one’s claiming RSO is a cure-all, it’s clear that cannabis compounds have legitimate medicinal properties — and they’re too powerful to ignore.
Simpson’s oil represents that unfiltered power. When taken as intended — slowly, methodically, and with respect — it can bring remarkable results for chronic pain, nausea, anxiety, inflammation, and more.
How Much Rick Simpson Oil Should You Take?
When it comes to RSO, less is more — especially at first.
The general rule? Start low, go slow. Begin with a half-grain of rice-sized dose once or twice a day. Gradually increase over several weeks as your tolerance builds and your body adjusts.
Because RSO is so concentrated, taking too much too soon can send you to the moon — not in a fun “rocket ship to the stars” way, but in the “why did I eat that whole brownie?” kind of way.
If you’re using RSO for medical reasons, work with a healthcare professional familiar with cannabis medicine. Many patients microdose throughout the day, while others follow structured regimens targeting specific conditions like cancer, epilepsy, or chronic pain.
Pro Tip:
RSO can be taken orally, sublingually, in capsules, topically, or infused into food. Each method offers different onset times and effects.
Consumption Methods: Finding Your Flow
Oral or Sublingual Use
Place a small drop of RSO under your tongue or on a cracker. The effects kick in within 30–90 minutes and can last several hours. This is the most common and easiest way to control dosage.
Capsules
If the taste (or stickiness) isn’t your thing, RSO capsules are your friend. They deliver consistent doses and make it easy to stay on a regular regimen.
Vaporizing or Smoking
While RSO can be vaporized, make sure it’s fully purged of solvents first. Even then, this method is harsh and not ideal for flavor chasers. For clean smoking experiences, hydrocarbon or rosin extracts are better options.
Topical Application
For localized pain or inflammation, mix RSO with a carrier oil (like coconut oil) and apply it directly to the skin. Topicals won’t get you high, but they can offer deep relief to sore muscles and joints.
Edibles and Infusions
Mix RSO into butter, oil, or honey to make infused edibles. It’s potent — so go light and wait before doubling down. This is medicine, not munchies.
Can You Make Rick Simpson Oil at Home?
Short answer: yes. Long answer: be smart and careful.
Simpson’s original recipe called for naphtha or isopropyl alcohol, but those solvents are not safe to use today. Modern cannabis alchemists prefer food-grade ethanol or high-proof grain alcohol.
Important: Making RSO at home is risky if you’re not familiar with flammable solvents. Always research safety protocols and ensure proper ventilation. And wherever possible, buy your oil from a licensed, lab-tested source.
Where to Buy Rick Simpson Oil in 2025
The good news? You don’t have to play backyard chemist anymore.
In legal states like California, Massachusetts, and Missouri, RSO is available through licensed dispensaries — including products made us here at Beard Bros Pharms, which offer fully tested, clean, and consistent formulations.
If you’re in Canada, RSO can be purchased through Health Canada–authorized producers or medical platforms. Always look for:
- Lab results showing cannabinoid content and solvent safety
- Full-spectrum extraction methods (not isolates)
- Transparent sourcing of flower and solvent
Your health is worth more than a sketchy syringe from the internet.
The Modern RSO Movement
What started as one man’s experiment has grown into a global wellness movement.
Today, doctors, researchers, and patients are finally exploring cannabis oil with serious scientific rigor. Clinical studies are investigating cannabinoids’ effects on pain management, neurodegenerative disease, and yes — cancer.
Simpson’s contribution wasn’t about creating a product — it was about creating permission. He made people believe that they could reclaim their health, their autonomy, and their relationship with this ancient plant.
Myths, Misuse, and Medical Reality
Let’s clear the smoke:
- RSO is not a guaranteed cure for cancer.
- It’s not FDA-approved.
- It doesn’t work the same for everyone.
But here’s what’s true: RSO and other full-spectrum cannabis extracts have shown real promise in alleviating pain, nausea, insomnia, inflammation, and more. Thousands of patients worldwide rely on it daily to enhance their quality of life — legally and safely.
The myth of “miracle oil” distracts from what RSO truly represents: a natural, powerful, accessible form of plant-based medicine that challenges the pharmaceutical status quo.
RSO and the Future of Cannabis Medicine
Twenty years after Rick Simpson first shared his story, the cannabis landscape looks completely different. What was once fringe is now fundamental. Extraction science has evolved. Legal markets are thriving. And yet, RSO still holds a special place in cannabis culture — the gritty, unpolished reminder that healing isn’t always pretty.
Brands like Beard Bros Pharms are carrying that torch forward — producing clean, potent, and properly purged full-spectrum oils designed for real wellness. The mission is simple: help men and women feel better, live stronger, and reclaim balance without shame or stigma.
RSO isn’t just about cannabis. It’s about agency. It’s about taking control of your health in a world that’s been trying to sell it back to you.
The Legacy Lives On
Rick Simpson may have stepped back from the public eye, but his message echoes louder than ever:
“If you want to help yourself, nobody has the right to stop you.”
Whether you’re a patient seeking relief, a grower crafting medicine, or a skeptic just learning the ropes — the RSO story is a reminder that truth and healing often come from the margins before they reach the mainstream.
So here’s to the rebels, the outlaws, and the innovators. To Rick Simpson, who dared to rub cannabis on his skin and ended up rubbing society the wrong way — for all the right reasons.
Stay lifted. Stay safe. Stay curious.
