Rick Simpson Oil (RSO), an oil made from the flowers of the cannabis (marijuana) plant, is attracting attention online from people who claim it cures cancer. There is no concrete evidence about this. However, preliminary studies indicate that some of the chemicals found in marijuana may one day be used to treat cancer.
“Cannabis oil comes in many types and formulations. These include cannabidiol (CBD) oil, which is often part of medical marijuana.”
Unlike many other cannabis oils, Rick Simpson oil is rich in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the main psychoactive chemical found in marijuana. THC is the chemical in marijuana that provides the “high.”
“Online reports say Simpson is a Canadian engineer and cannabis activist. After a bad fall, he found that marijuana helped relieve dizziness and other symptoms. Later, when he developed basal cell skin cancer on his arm, Simpson used cannabis oil as a treatment. According to reports, his skin tumors have disappeared.”
What is Rick Simpson Oil?
RSO is an oil made by washing cannabis buds with a solvent, such as pure light naphtha, and then boiling the solvent away, leaving the oil behind.
“RSO is not a branded product. This means there is no “Rick Simpson Oil” for sale. On his website, Simpson explains how to produce his namesake oil. But he doesn’t sell a for-profit version of oil.”
Because RSO contains high levels of THC, it is illegal to purchase in many places. But in states that have legalized marijuana – for both personal and medical use – you can find RSO in cannabis dispensaries.
Can RSO cure cancer?
Cannabis oils that contain THC can help control nausea and vomiting in people undergoing chemotherapy. There is also evidence that they can treat pain and improve appetite.
“But research has not shown that RSO or other forms of cannabis oil can cure cancer. However, some of the early studies on the use of THC to treat cancer were encouraging.”
Research has shown that THC and other cannabis compounds can inhibit the growth of tumors in both animals and lab settings. These laboratory studies looked at cells related to lung, skin, breast, prostate and other cancers. They found that in some cases cannabis can prevent the spread of cancer cells.
“Other research on THC and other cannabis compounds shows that they can kill cancer cells while sparing healthy ones.”
Cannabis is generally safe. Common side effects include dizziness or memory problems.
What are the potential benefits?
RSO’s primary marketing premise is that it cures cancer. Following his skin cancer diagnosis in 2003, Simpson started putting RSO on the cancerous areas on his neck and face. Simpson claims that the lesions disappeared in a matter of days.
“On Rick Simpson’s website, it is stated that RSO is derived from Cannabis indica, a specific variety of cannabis that has a sedative effect and promotes healing in the body.”
In addition to cancer, RSO is also said to treat:
- multiple sclerosis
- arthritis
- asthma
- infections
- inflammation
- hypertension
- depression
- insomnia
What does the research say?
Rick Simpson decided to try cannabis oil after reading the results of a 1975 study that tested the use of cannabinoids in mice with lung cancer. The study found that both THC and another cannabinoid called cannabinol (CBN) slowed the growth of lung cancer in mice.
“Since then, there has been a good amount of research involving cell samples and animal models examining the effects of cannabinoids on cancer growth.”
A 2014 study in mice examined the effects of THC and CBD extracts along with radiation therapy. Radiation treatment for a particularly aggressive form of brain cancer seemed to be more effective when cannabis extracts were used. According to the study authors, these findings suggest that THC and CBD could help prepare tumor cells to better respond to radiation therapy.
“However, another study conducted on human cells found that THC actually increases the growth rate of some lung and brain cancer cells.”
Recently, there have been some early-stage clinical trials involving human participants with cancer. While these studies have shown that cannabinoids are safe to use in cancer patients, they do not fully demonstrate whether cannabinoids can help treat or control cancer.
There is also a 2013 case report involving a 14-year-old girl with a specific type of leukemia. Her family worked with Rick Simpson to create a cannabinoid resin extract, called hemp oil, which she took daily. She eventually tried using other oils from different sources with mixed results.
“However, hemp oils appeared to cure her cancer, although she died just over two months after starting treatment for an unrelated gastrointestinal condition. This makes it difficult to draw conclusions about the long-term effectiveness of cannabis against cancer.”
Although these findings are encouraging, much longer-term, larger-scale research is required to completely comprehend the effects of various cannabis strains and cannabinoids on cancer cells.
Are there any side effects or risks?
THC is a psychoactive substance, meaning it can produce a range of psychological symptoms, such as:
- paranoia
- anxiety
- hallucinations
- disorientation
- depression
- irritability
It can also cause physical side effects, such as:
- low blood pressure
- bloodshot eyes
- dizziness
- slow digestion
- sleep problems
- impaired motor control and reaction time
- impaired memory
“However, these side effects may last only a few hours and usually pose no major health risks.”
The lack of strong evidence supporting RSO’s ability to treat cancer effectively poses the largest risk. This becomes very dangerous if someone stops following the cancer treatment recommended by their doctor. If RSO doesn’t work, the cancer may continue to grow and become increasingly difficult to treat, even with conventional methods, such as chemotherapy.
“Additionally, Rick Simpson recommends creating your own RSO, which comes with some risks. It is first necessary to obtain a significant quantity of marijuana, which is prohibited in some places. Second, producing oil is a very dangerous process. “
An explosion may result from a spark getting into one of the solvents used to create RSO. Additionally, these solvents can leave carcinogenic residues if not handled properly.
“If you want to try using RSO for cancer, it’s best to follow any other treatments your doctor recommends while using it. You should also learn about medical marijuana laws in your area. “
If you live in a place where medical marijuana is allowed, consider seeking advice on purchasing a ready-made oil at your local dispensary.
Other medical uses of cannabis:
Many US states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana for medical use. It has been shown to treat pain, nausea, and other symptoms.
“When it comes to cannabis oil, there are medical benefits as well. Research has shown that some CBD oils, including those containing THC, can help control certain types of seizures among people with epilepsy. The FDA has approved some medications that contain CBD for the treatment of seizures.”