Rick Simpson Oil (RSO): The Ultra-Potent Cannabis Concentrate Making Waves in Miami Cancer Patient Care

As a Medical Marijuana patient, you may have heard of the ultra-potent cannabis concentrate, Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) or seen it on display at your local Marijuana Dispensary and wondered just who is buying it and how they may be using it. Believe it or not, many cancer patients in Miami have been clearing the shelves to not only relieve cancer pain, but also for the hope that RSO can help them with the cancer itself. This hope comes from many individuals posting their stories (true or not) on social media. However, research has yet to provide us with a definitive answer as to whether or not RSO is effective as a cancer treatment. 

Let me explain to you the interesting tale behind it and give you a detail of what defines it. It all started in 2003 with Rick Simpson. After being diagnosed with skin cancer, he decided to think outside the box. Frustrated with traditional treatments, he created a concentrated cannabis oil and, in a leap of faith, applied it to his skin cancer spots. His personal experience sparked a movement that would spread far beyond his hometown in Nova Scotia. 

While more studies need to be conducted into cancer research with RSO, it is important to note that we recommend RSO to our patients for relief from the side effects of cancer treatments, not for the treatment of cancer.

What Makes RSO Special?

Picture the darkest, thickest honey you’ve ever seen – that’s what RSO looks like. It actually comes in a glass syringe that many find difficult to squeeze out. Since it is ultra-concentrated, it is important to keep dosage to a rice-grain size. It’s not just any cannabis oil. Think of it as a whole-plant extract that keeps all the natural compounds working together, kind of like using the whole orange instead of just the juice. It’s this full-spectrum approach that sets it apart from other cannabis products.

The Kitchen to Lab Evolution

While Rick started making his oil in his home, today’s RSO is a different story. Modern production has moved from kitchen experiments to professional labs, and thank goodness for that! Making RSO involves some seriously flammable materials and precise techniques. It’s like the difference between brewing coffee at home and running a commercial coffee roastery – some things are best left to the pros.

Using RSO: The Basics

Most people get their RSO in syringes (not as scary as it sounds – think more like a precise measuring tool). It’s super concentrated, so a little goes a long way. Imagine if you concentrated a whole pot of coffee into a single drop – you’d want to be pretty careful with how much you use, right?

Clinical Applications

Pain Management

A systematic review by Whiting analyzed 79 trials and found moderate-quality evidence supporting the use of cannabinoids for chronic pain.

Neurological Applications

Recent research has investigated cannabis extracts in neurological conditions:

• A comprehensive review by Silvestro examined the role of cannabis-based medicines in neurological disorders
• Clinical evidence documented by Lattanzi demonstrated potential applications in epilepsy management

More Studies Conducted: Rick Simpson Oil

Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) is a cannabis extract that has been promoted as a potential cancer treatment in some online forums. However, scientific research has not substantiated these claims. A comprehensive review published in JAMA Oncology examined clinical data and case reports on cannabis as an anticancer agent. The study concluded that, despite numerous anecdotal reports, there is insufficient evidence to support the use of cannabis, including RSO, as an effective treatment for cancer. When laws surrounding cannabis is relaxed, perhaps more studies will shed some light into cancer treatments with medical marijuana.

Similarly, an article in Michigan Medicine addressed the use of cannabis in cancer care, stating that while cannabis may help manage certain symptoms associated with cancer and its treatments, there is no conclusive evidence that it can cure or treat cancer itself. 

Additionally, a clinical review published in JAMA Oncology discussed the use of cannabis in patients with cancer, noting that while some patients use cannabis products like RSO for symptom management, there is no solid evidence supporting its efficacy in treating cancer. RSO isn’t just another cannabis product – it’s a story of innovation born from Rick Simpson’s personal necessity. While it’s gained quite a following, it’s important to approach it with the respect it deserves. LifeCannMD provides recommendations to cancer patients for the management of side effects only as allowed by the State of Florida. To see if you qualify for a Medical Marijuana recommendation from Dr. Fernando Fandiño-Sende, please schedule an appointment or call us with any questions you may have.