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What is RSO and What Do Medical Marijuana Patients Use it For?


Patients with a certified West Virginia medical marijuana card have several options to choose from at dispensaries, with cannabis flower, vape cartridges, and distillate being some of the most popular options.

One product that medical marijuana patients have used to treat a variety of symptoms is Rick Simpson Oil, commonly referred to as RSO. Rick Simpson Oil is a potent extraction of many of the cannabis plant’s compounds and offers a high-value dosage for patients with a wide variety of medical conditions.

In this article, we’ll talk about RSO, what it is, and how medical marijuana patients use Rick Simpson Oil to treat different symptoms and conditions!

What is Rick Simpson Oil (RSO)?


Rick Simpson Oil is One of the Earliest Modern Cannabis Extractions

Rick Simpson Oil, created by none other than Rick Simpson, is a specific type of cannabis extract.

In fact, RSO is one of the older types of modern cannabis extraction techniques and served to pave the way for many of the ways we create cannabis extracts today.

Back in 1997, Rick Simpson was just a Canadian engineer working at a hospital when he suffered a fall that led to long-term complications, with ongoing symptoms such as dizziness and tinnitus (ringing of the ears).

After multiple medications failed to provide him with relief, he discovered a documentary boasting about the potential medical benefits of cannabis, and Simpson decided to start trying cannabis for his symptoms, though not without the vocal disapproval of his doctor and peers.

In 2003, Simpson was diagnosed with skin cancer, and upon researching the potential benefits of THC for cancer, went to work in creating a THC extract that he could apply to his skin. After less than a week his skin cancer had disappeared, and from that moment forward he swore by the oil he had created and began offering RSO to cancer patients in Canada, giving many people the relief they had been looking for with cannabis.

Unfortunately, Rick Simpson was subject to a host of legal problems, including multiple searches of his property and facing arrest, though he continues to provide RSO to patients in need to this day.

What is RSO Made of?

Rick Simpson Oil is a cannabis extract, or in other words, a concentrated solution containing specific compounds from the cannabis plant.

RSO can be made using a variety of different techniques, though alcohol or ethanol extraction is typically the most common method for creating RSO.

Similar to making your own edibles, RSO is made by soaking plant matter in a solution to absorb the compounds of the plant, and then filtering and reducing it to contain only the naturally occurring active compounds.

RSO can be made at home or purchased at a dispensary, and depending on your dosage frequency, it may be more affordable to make your own RSO. RSO is usually a thick, very dark brown or black oil that can taste somewhat unpleasant, though the small dosage size makes it go down a little easier.

How Do West Virginia Medical Marijuana Patients Use RSO?


How Does RSO Work?

Though originally intended for external topical use, RSO can be used in a variety of ways.

It can be applied topically to the skin, and some types of RSO can even be smoked, though its most popular method of use is oral consumption.

Patients typically take one drop of RSO from a syringe directly on or under the tongue between 1 – 5 times daily for around 3 months, though dosage size, frequency, and duration can vary.

RSO is a potent extract and typically comes with fairly high levels of THC, ranging anywhere from 60% - 90% THC. RSO is packed with cannabinoids, including a substantial amount of THC, which makes the minimum effective dose quite small, around the size of half a grain of rice.

And though famous for cancer, RSO can provide many medicinal benefits in a powerful concentration, making it an easy-to-use option for patients looking for fewer doses throughout the day.

What are the Effects of Rick Simpson Oil?

RSO can be a very potent extract containing high amounts of cannabinoids like THC or CBD.

It’s frequently made with indica-dominant strains that promote hefty physical effects too, so the combination can be quite heavy if you’re not prepared.

RSO can have the same type of perceivable effects as any other concentrates or dabs, and with THC content hovering the 80% level, it can be an effective option for patients looking for a longer high.

RSO is often dosed every 8 hours, with effects generally lasting somewhere between 4 to 6 hours.


Commonly reported effects are sleepiness, drowsiness, spaciness, and intense relaxation, which can interfere with daily activities if your tolerance is low.

Patients taking RSO are often looking for extraordinary relief from symptoms like chronic pain, cancer, or HIV/AIDS, and the longer duration and more potent effects are one of the big pros for Rick Simpson Oil.

As an alternative to smoking, RSO can provide incredible relief for many different symptoms and conditions, and as a natural alternative to traditional pharmaceutical medications, Rick Simpson Oil has helped many patients achieve relief with medical marijuana.

Get Your Medical Marijuana Certification in

West Virginia


In order to qualify for medical marijuana in West Virginia, patients must first be diagnosed with a qualifying condition and receive a medical cannabis recommendation from a physician. Consult with one of our compassionate doctors who can help you become a medical marijuana patient from the comfort of your own home today!

To get access to medical marijuana in West Virginia, patients must first obtain a medical marijuana certification from a qualified physician.

Take the steps to schedule your medical marijuana evaluation appointment today and get access to legal marijuana products available at dispensaries!

Being a West Virginia medical marijuana patient allows you the freedom to take your medication the right way for you. We’re dedicated to helping patients every step of the way! Feel free to give us a call at 877-303-8424 and we can answer your questions about getting a medical marijuana card in West Virginia.

 

Doctors Who Care.

Relief You Can Trust.

West Virginia Marijuana Card’s mission is to help everyone achieve

wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana.

Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for

our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.

If you have any questions, call us at 877-303-8424, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!

Check out West Virginia Marijuana Card’s Blog to keep up to date on the latest medical marijuana news, tips, and information and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to join the medical marijuana conversation in West Virginia.


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