What is Rick Simpson oil? RSO v whole-plant CBD

Rick Simpson oil (RSO) is a well-known oil derived from the cannabis plant, but it’s important to know the difference between this and other widely available products, such as whole-plant CBD.

While researching cannabis-based wellness products such as CBD, many people come across RSO and believe it to be similar. But while they both originate from the cannabis plant, the end products have some significant differences. 

RSO and CBD are both derived from cannabis flowers, but unlike CBD, RSO is high in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main intoxicating compound identified in cannabis, making it illegal in many countries around the world. 

The story behind Rick Simpson oil 

RSO was originally produced by a Canadian engineer, Rick Simpson, after he was diagnosed with a form of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma, in 2003.

Medicinal cannabis was legal in Canada at the time, but few doctors were willing to prescribe. After reading studies which demonstrated that cannabis could potentially slow tumour growth in mice, Simpson began producing his own cannabis oil (which would later become known worldwide as RSO). 

Simpson claims that applying the oil to his tumour completely cured his cancer, however, this has not been scientifically proven. He later began producing the oil and providing it to other patients free of charge. It became renowned globally after Simpson produced a documentary about his story in 2008.

Simpson has now stepped back from his life as a public cannabis activist, but he has published a number of books and the recipe for RSO can still be found on his website. It was also recently announced that a new documentary is in the works.

Is there any truth behind the claims?

Many people report that RSO has been helpful for treating a range of health conditions. As well as cancer, some claim that the oil can help manage epileptic conditions and other serious illnesses, but this has not yet been supported by research trials in humans.

Cannabis can be an effective treatment for managing the symptoms and side-effects of cancer, such as pain management, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting and as a part of palliative care. While there is some early evidence to suggest some of the compounds in cannabis have potential to treat or even prevent tumour growth in some cancers, not enough clinical studies have been carried out to support this.

In regards to epilepsy it’s also important to note that THC can be a pro-convulsant, as well as an anticonvulsant. While some can be beneficial for seizure reduction in epilepsy, it can also increase the risk of seizures and should ideally only be taken under clinical guidance. 

RSO – cannabinoid content and extraction process

While there are some similarities, the difference between RSO and CBD-based oils really becomes clear when you look at the cannabinoid content of each. 

When made correctly, RSO is a full marijuana extract cannabis oil from Indica-heavy strains and contains much higher THC levels than any cannabidiol-based products available on the market. According to Simpson it is very important that RSO is made from the Indica-heavy strains. While Sativa strains produce an oil that is an excellent anti-depressant and tends to cheer you up, Indica relaxes you, allowing you to sleep deeper and longer, which is important for the healing process.

RSO can contain around 600-800 mg (60-80%) THC in a single 1g syringe and very little CBD content, depending on the strain used. According to Simpson, it is these high levels of THC which makes it so effective in treating cancer and other diseases. But this also means that the oil remains illegal in many countries and as a result these claims have not been scientifically proven.

RSO is traditionally extracted from a marijuana plant utilising a solvent known as Naphtha, to extract the cannabinoids. Naphtha is a highly flammable liquid made from distilling crude oil, which is used in products such as, anti-freeze, lubricants and washing and cleaning fluids. Other solvents like ethanol or butane are sometimes also used.

However, Naphtha is a highly hazardous substance which can be harmful to the consumer if any residue solvent is left in the extract, and may even increase the risk of developing cancer. 

In addition to this when using Naphtha or Ethanol as a solvent, during solvent recovery stage almost all of the terpenes will be removed, because terpenes are very volatile molecules, especially monoterpenes, and they easily evaporate. All of these compounds have their own therapeutic benefits and work in synergy to produce the best effects, in what is known as the ‘entourage effect’. 

While all extraction methods have pros and cons, CO2 extraction, when done correctly, is cleaner and greener, as it evaporates more easily and has no direct effect on the ozone layer. 

How is whole-plant CBD different to RSO?

Whole-plant cannabidiol-based oil, containing no more than trace levels of THC (o.o1% per 10ml bottle) is legal and readily available in the UK. While you won’t experience the effects of THC, if you seek out a product such as Hemp Point’s hybrid balanced whole-plant hemp extract cannabidiol based cannabis oil, it will contain high levels of terpenes and minor cannabinoids, all of which contribute to the ‘entourage effect’, bringing you the greatest potential benefit. 

CBD has no psychoactive effects, meaning it won’t leave consumers feeling that ‘high’ we usually associate with cannabis and as it’s legal it is readily available from high street retailers and online in the UK.

While the research on CBD remains in its infancy, there is also a growing evidence base to support its safety and efficacy in helping to manage a range of health issues.

DISCLAIMER: Products containing higher levels of THC are only legal in the UK when prescribed by a doctor. Find out more about accessing a medical cannabis prescription here.

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