Is Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) Dangerous?

Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) is one of many cannabis oil products that can potentially be dangerous. This is mostly due to the fact that a person using RSO is consuming more tetrahydrocannabinol THC than a typical oil.

According to Rick Simpson’s website, the oil comes from the indica strain of cannabis. Rick Simpson believes his RSO oil product, after used in a topical manner, helped to heal his skin cancer. However, cancer patients and others should be weary of medical claims until they’ve spoken with their doctor.

Dangers Of Rick Simpson Oil

When RSO is used, one experiences a sedative effect. RSO contains a much larger amount of THC than cannabidiol (CBD) which is found in some other oils.

There are many cannabinoids, but the main cannabinoid that causes the cannabis plant marijuana to be psychoactive is THC.

Addiction

The high THC levels of Rick Simpson Oil can pose potential risks. While some use CBD oils sparingly, others may begin to abuse the drug, especially RSO with high THC levels.

Because the side effects of cannabis use can cause sedative effects, RSO can be addictive and lead to marijuana use disorder.

Making Your Own RSO Oil

To use Rick Simpson oil as a home-made oil is dangerous due to the cooking aspects and chemistry. To extract the THC from the cannabis plant material, a solvent such as ethanol may be used.

When the solvent is heated, components such as terpenes and cannabinoids are removed.

This makes way for the large amount of THC to remain in the mixture. Rick Simpson Oil has a thick and syrupy consistency.

Rick Simpson recommends using naphtha, isopropyl alcohol, or petroleum ether as a solvent which are much stronger chemicals that can cause explosions if heat and mixtures overlap during the process.

Mixing RSO With Other Drugs

When used with central nervous system (CNS) depressants, RSO may contribute to more side effects such as heavy sedation, low blood pressure, and respiratory depression.

Due to the amount of psychoactive THC in Rick Simpson Oil, it’s important to never mix cannabis with other antidepressant or anti-anxiety medications before consulting your doctor.

Receiving edibles at a dispensary with a contained amount of THC, or using medical marijuana as prescribed, are safe alternatives to RSO.

Potential Benefits Of Rick Simpson Oil

Cannabis has a variety of health benefits when used safely and with doctor approval. Medical cannabis is used across the country to help those suffering from a variety of physical and mental health issues.

Cancer Treatment

A study from the National Cancer Institute showed cancerous cell regression in mice when using THC. After reading about the study, Rick Simpson began using cannabis extract on his basal cell carcinoma skin cancer spots on his arm.

Simpson also applied the oil to the cancerous spots on his neck and face. Simpson’s views are that RSO can cure cancer or destroy cancer cells. Science has come a long way and studies continue to be completed, but there are no known cures for cancers such as leukemia.

Cannabis can frequently be used as medical benefits to help treat the side effects caused by chemotherapy. Although it can’t treat cancer, marijuana edibles may help with symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.

In addition, RSO oil can help those who suffer from chronic pain, just as many cannabis products can prove to be beneficial in that manner.

Treatment For Substance Abuse

If you or a loved one live with a substance use disorder, it’s time for you to get the help you need.

When you choose the Northeast Addictions Treatment Center, you can take advantage of:

• outpatient treatment
• group therapy
• cognitive behavioral therapy

To learn more about our treatment services, please contact us today.