Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) in Gunnison County, Colorado: The Complete Guide by OilWell Cannabis
If you’re searching for Rick Simpson Oil in Gunnison County, you’re not alone. Whether you’re a cancer patient exploring supportive options at Gunnison Valley Health, a veteran managing PTSD after service, a rancher dealing with chronic pain from decades of physical work, or simply someone who wants honest cannabis education without the hype—we wrote this for you. We know that in a mountain community like ours, where self-reliance meets wellness-focused living, you deserve facts, not fairy tales.
Gunnison County sits at over 7,700 feet elevation, surrounded by some of Colorado’s most rugged peaks. Our community spans from the historic ranchlands of the Gunnison Basin to the ski slopes of Crested Butte, from the classrooms of Western Colorado University to the trails of the Gunnison National Forest. We face unique health challenges here: high-altitude insomnia, chronic pain from outdoor recreation and agricultural work, anxiety, and limited access to specialized medical care in rural areas. These are the exact reasons people turn to cannabinoid medicine.
But here’s what most cannabis companies won’t tell you: the term “RSO” has become so diluted that what you find in a Gunnison dispensary might look nothing like what Rick Simpson actually made. We believe Gunnison County deserves better. We believe you deserve to understand what you’re buying, what the science actually says, and how to use these products safely in our high-altitude, active lifestyle environment.
ABOUT RICK SIMPSON AND TRADITIONAL RICK SIMPSON OIL
Who is Rick Simpson
Rick Simpson was born in 1949 in Amherst, Nova Scotia, Canada. He was not a doctor, scientist, or medical professional. He was a power engineer and maintenance worker — a blue-collar tradesman whose path into cannabis advocacy began not with research but with personal suffering and a deep distrust of the medical system that failed him.
In 1997, while working at a hospital in Moncton, New Brunswick, Simpson fell from scaffolding and suffered a serious head injury. The aftermath included persistent tinnitus, dizziness, and post-concussion symptoms that conventional medicine could not resolve. According to Simpson, the medications he was prescribed either failed to help or made his condition worse. He reported that cannabis provided more relief than anything his doctors offered, but when he asked his physician to support or prescribe cannabis, the request was refused.
Simpson’s interest in concentrated cannabis oil deepened after he learned about a 1974 study funded by the National Institute of Health and conducted at the Medical College of Virginia, in which THC was reported to slow or shrink tumors in mice. That study — originally intended to demonstrate harm — became a foundational reference point in Simpson’s later advocacy, even though its findings were never replicated in controlled human cancer trials.
The pivotal moment in Simpson’s story came in 2003. He reported that three bumps on his arm were diagnosed by his doctor as basal cell carcinoma. Rather than pursuing conventional treatment, Simpson applied concentrated cannabis oil directly to the lesions, covered them with bandages, and waited. According to his account, the bumps disappeared within four days. No independent medical verification of this outcome has been published, and no biopsy confirmation or clinical follow-up has been documented in any peer-reviewed source. Nevertheless, this personal experience became the origin story of Rick Simpson Oil.
Important context: Simpson’s account is presented here as his personal testimony. The absence of clinical documentation, controlled observation, or independent medical confirmation means these events cannot be evaluated as medical evidence. They are, however, historically significant as the catalyst for a global movement.
The crusade — spreading the oil
After his 2003 experience, Simpson committed himself fully to producing and distributing concentrated cannabis oil. Operating out of his property in Maccan, Nova Scotia, he began making the oil in large quantities and giving it away for free to cancer patients and others in his community. He charged nothing. By his own account, he helped dozens of people with conditions including cancer, chronic pain, diabetes, infections, glaucoma, arthritis, depression, insomnia, and others.
Simpson’s story reached a global audience through the 2005 documentary Run From The Cure, directed by Christian Laurette. The film documented Simpson’s claims, showed testimonials from people he had treated, and framed his work as a grassroots challenge to pharmaceutical and governmental interests. It was distributed freely online and became one of the most widely shared cannabis advocacy films of its era. Within cannabis communities, it was foundational — for many people, Run From The Cure was their introduction to the concept of concentrated cannabis oil as medicine.
Simpson’s advocacy brought him into direct conflict with Canadian law. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) raided his property in 2005, seizing plants and equipment. He was charged with cannabis cultivation, possession, and trafficking. Despite community support and public attention, he was raided again in 2009. He was acquitted on some charges but convicted on others. Facing continued legal pressure, Simpson eventually left Canada and relocated to Europe, living in Croatia and later the Netherlands, where he continued his advocacy from abroad.
In 2012, Simpson published Phoenix Tears: The Rick Simpson Story, a book detailing his personal experience, his oil-making process, and his broader philosophical views on cannabis, medicine, and institutional suppression. He also maintained phoenixtears.ca as his primary online platform for information and advocacy.
Throughout his public career, Simpson’s position remained consistent and uncompromising: he maintained that cannabis oil — particularly high-THC oil made according to his specific method — could cure cancer and many other diseases, and that pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, and medical institutions were actively suppressing this knowledge to protect their financial interests.
Important context: Simpson’s conspiratorial framing is noted here without endorsement or dismissal. It reflects a worldview shared by many in the early cannabis movement and is relevant to understanding why RSO became culturally significant. The evidence-based assessment of his specific medical claims follows below.
The traditional RSO protocol — Simpson’s 60-gram, 90-day regimen
Simpson’s core treatment recommendation was a structured oral protocol designed to deliver a total of 60 grams (approximately 60 mL) of concentrated cannabis oil over a period of roughly 90 days. He described this as a cancer treatment protocol, though he also recommended it for numerous other conditions.
Goal
Consume 60 grams of concentrated, high-THC cannabis oil over approximately 90 days. Simpson considered this the minimum amount necessary for a serious cancer treatment course.
Titration schedule
- Week 1: Begin with a dose approximately the size of half a grain of dry rice — roughly 10 to 15 milligrams of oil — taken three times per day. Total daily intake: approximately 30 to 45 milligrams.
- Weeks 2 through 5: Double the dose approximately every four days to build THC tolerance gradually. By the end of this period, the target is to reach approximately 1 gram (1,000 milligrams) of oil per day, divided into three roughly equal doses.
- Weeks 5 through 12: Maintain the full dose of approximately 1 gram per day, divided into three doses of roughly 333 milligrams each, and continue until the full 60 grams have been consumed.
Administration methods
- Primary method — oral: Simpson recommended placing the dose directly under the tongue (sublingual) or swallowing it.
- Secondary method — topical: For skin cancers and external lesions, Simpson recommended applying the oil directly to the affected area, covering it with a bandage, and changing the bandage every three to four days.
- Not recommended as primary — inhalation: Simpson did not recommend smoking or vaporizing the oil as a primary treatment method, though he acknowledged it for immediate symptom relief.
Tolerance and the psychoactive effects
Simpson maintained that patients would develop significant tolerance to the psychoactive effects of THC within approximately three to four weeks of consistent dosing. He recommended taking initial doses at night to sleep through the most intense psychoactive effects and urged patients to avoid driving or operating machinery during the titration period.
Post-protocol maintenance
After completing the full 60-gram course, Simpson recommended a maintenance dose of approximately 1 to 2 grams of oil per month, taken indefinitely.
Important context for evaluating this protocol
- No controlled trial validation. There are no published randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, or well-documented case series evaluating this specific 60-gram/90-day protocol.
- Assumes crude, unstandardized material. The 60-gram quantity assumes a single-strain, THC-dominant extract with no standardized potency.
- Very high THC exposure. At peak dosing, patients were consuming roughly 1 gram of high-THC oil per day. Assuming 60 to 90 percent THC, this translates to approximately 600 to 900 milligrams of delta-9 THC per day — far exceeding anything studied in controlled clinical settings.
- Real risks at these doses. Consuming 600 to 900 milligrams of THC daily carries serious risks including severe intoxication, impairment, anxiety, panic, tachycardia, hypotension, and cannabis use disorder [1][13][14][15].
- Oncology context. Patients with active cancer are often medically complex. Using unregulated, unstandardized cannabis oil as a primary cancer treatment introduces harm that extends beyond the oil itself.
What is traditional Rick Simpson Oil — the product
Traditional RSO refers to the specific type of concentrated cannabis oil Simpson made. It was defined not by lab specifications but by his method and materials.
Source material
Simpson used high-THC, indica-dominant cannabis strains. He grew his own cannabis or sourced it from growers he trusted. There was no strain standardization — the starting material varied by availability and growing season.
Extraction solvent
Simpson originally used naphtha — a petroleum-based solvent commercially available as lighter fluid. He later endorsed 99 percent isopropyl alcohol as an alternative. Neither is a food-grade solvent.
Extraction process
- Dry cannabis placed in a container
- Covered with solvent and agitated to dissolve cannabinoids
- Solvent poured off through a filter
- Process repeated with fresh solvent
- Combined solvent washes placed in a rice cooker
- Solvent evaporated at relatively low heat (but high enough to decarboxylate THCa and destroy terpenes)
- Thick, dark oil remained at the bottom
- Oil transferred into oral syringes
Appearance and physical characteristics
Traditional RSO was an extremely dark — nearly black — thick, viscous, tar-like oil with a strong cannabis odor and possible solvent-residual smell.
Cannabinoid profile
- Primarily decarboxylated delta-9 THC. The heat converted essentially all THCa into delta-9 THC.
- Naturally occurring minor cannabinoids. Whatever CBD, CBN, CBC, CBG the source strain contained were present at natural ratios, but these were not controlled or measured.
- Estimated THC content. Likely ranged from approximately 60 to 90 percent total THC by weight, though this was never lab-verified in traditional production.
Terpene content
Minimal to none. The combination of solvent extraction and high-heat evaporation meant traditional RSO was effectively stripped of its terpene content.
Standardization and testing
None. Every batch was different because it depended entirely on starting plant material, growing conditions, solvent purity, extraction technique, and evaporation parameters. There was no Certificate of Analysis, no cannabinoid quantification, and no contaminant screening.
Residual solvent risk
This is one of the most significant safety concerns with traditional RSO. Naphtha may contain benzene, toluene, and other compounds classified as toxic or carcinogenic. Incomplete solvent purging leaves potentially harmful residues in the finished oil.
Simpson’s claims vs. the evidence record
Rick Simpson made expansive therapeutic claims about his oil. He stated that RSO could cure cancer and was effective against diabetes, chronic pain, infections, glaucoma, arthritis, depression, insomnia, multiple sclerosis, and numerous other conditions.
What Simpson was not
Simpson was not a scientist, physician, pharmacologist, or researcher. He had no formal training in medicine, oncology, pharmacology, or clinical research methodology. He never designed, conducted, funded, or published a clinical trial. His entire evidence base consisted of personal experience, self-reported patient outcomes, and testimonials gathered informally.
What the preclinical literature shows
- In vitro studies have demonstrated that THC and CBD can induce apoptosis, inhibit proliferation, and reduce angiogenesis in certain cancer cell lines .
- Animal model studies have shown some tumor-growth inhibition in mice and rats treated with cannabinoids .
- These findings have generated legitimate scientific interest and ongoing research.
What the preclinical literature does not show
- These findings have not translated into proven human cancer cures.
- No human clinical trial has demonstrated that RSO or any cannabis oil preparation cures cancer.
- Several small human trials of cannabinoids in cancer contexts (particularly glioblastoma) have been exploratory and have not produced results that support cancer-cure claims .
Institutional positions
- The U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI) acknowledges that cannabinoids have been studied for potential anticancer effects but does not endorse cannabis or cannabis oil as a cancer treatment .
- The FDA has not approved any cannabis plant product for the treatment of cancer [1].
- Health Canada has never approved RSO or cannabis oil as a cancer cure.
- NCCIH explicitly states that the strongest cannabinoid evidence is for rare epilepsies, chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting, and appetite-related indications in HIV/AIDS — not cancer cure [1].
What Simpson got right
Simpson drew attention to cannabinoids as a serious area of biomedical research at a time when most of the world was ignoring or actively suppressing that conversation. His advocacy helped create the political, cultural, and social conditions for the legal cannabis industry and the cannabinoid research infrastructure that exists today. The term RSO itself remains the most recognized name for full-spectrum cannabis extract in the consumer vocabulary.
What he overstated
The leap from preclinical signals to cancer cure was not supported by human evidence when Simpson made it, and it is not supported now. Encouraging patients — particularly cancer patients — to rely on RSO as a primary treatment in place of proven oncologic therapies carries genuine harm potential. Delayed or foregone treatment for treatable cancers is a documented concern.
The legacy of Rick Simpson and the evolution of modern RSO
The term RSO is now used broadly across the legal cannabis industry. Many products labeled as RSO bear little resemblance to what Simpson originally made. In dispensaries today, RSO can refer to almost any full-spectrum cannabis extract sold in a syringe format.
Simpson himself has been critical of commercial products that use the RSO name while departing significantly from his original method and philosophy. He believed in a do-it-yourself, free-access model in which anyone could grow cannabis, extract the oil, and treat themselves without corporate intermediaries.
What is not in dispute is that modern RSO has evolved substantially from its origins, and those changes are directly relevant to the formulas in this document.
Traditional RSO vs. modern formulated RSO
| Dimension | Traditional RSO | OilWell formulated RSO |
|---|---|---|
| Source material | Single high-THC indica strain | Multi-cannabinoid blend from multiple sources |
| Extraction method | Naphtha or isopropyl alcohol | Modern food-grade ethanol or CO₂ methods |
| Cannabinoid profile | THC-dominant, uncontrolled | Seven defined cannabinoids at specific ratios |
| Terpene content | Destroyed by high-heat process | Live terpenes at 5% with defined seven-terpene profile |
| Standardization | None — every batch different | Lab-tested with specific mg/mL targets |
| Lab testing | Not available or performed | Full panel testing |
| Residual solvents | Significant risk with naphtha | Controlled and tested |
| Dosing precision | Approximate, syringe-based | Measured per mL (553 mg/mL) |
| Product formats | Single thick oil only | Sublingual oil and vape cartridge |
| THCa preservation | No — fully decarboxylated by heat | Yes — THCa included at 1,500 mg |
| Evidence approach | Anecdotal, personal testimony | Research-backed, evidence-weighted |
Why OilWell’s formulas diverge from traditional RSO
OilWell’s formulations are informed by the RSO tradition but depart from it in deliberate, evidence-motivated ways:
- Multi-cannabinoid approach because the entourage-effect literature suggests potential benefit from cannabinoid diversity [20][29]
- Terpene preservation because terpene bioactivity is plausible and supported at the preclinical level [20][21][23][24][25][26][27][28][29]
- THCa as a separate ingredient to preserve potential non-psychoactive bioactivity that is lost when THCa converts to THC [12]
- Reduced delta-9 THC dominance distributing content across CBD, CBG, delta-8 THC, CBN, and CBC to reflect the broader cannabinoid research landscape
- Product format innovation acknowledging that different delivery routes have different pharmacokinetic profiles [14]
Solvent safety and extraction evolution
Traditional RSO production used naphtha or isopropyl alcohol — neither of which is food-grade. Naphtha may contain benzene, toluene, and other toxic compounds. Incomplete solvent purging leaves potentially harmful residues.
Modern cannabis extraction uses food-grade ethanol or supercritical carbon dioxide (CO₂), allowing for much more complete solvent removal. Finished products can be tested for residual solvents using validated analytical methods. This is one of the most straightforward improvements the modern regulated cannabis industry has made over the traditional RSO production model.
The decarboxylation question
Traditional RSO was fully decarboxylated. The heat involved in evaporating solvent converted essentially all THCa into delta-9 THC.
OilWell’s RSO Sublingual Oil formula deliberately preserves THCa at 1,500 mg as a distinct ingredient, preserving the acidic precursor because the THCa literature suggests potentially relevant non-psychoactive bioactivity that is lost when THCa converts to THC [12].
Terpene loss in traditional RSO
Terpenes are volatile aromatic compounds with relatively low boiling points. Most begin to volatilize at temperatures between 21 and 157 degrees Celsius. Traditional RSO production destroyed terpenes through solvent extraction and high-heat evaporation.
OilWell’s formulas specify live terpenes at 5 percent with a defined seven-terpene profile: limonene, myrcene, caryophyllene, pinene, linalool, humulene, and terpinolene. Each terpene has its own evidence profile in the GENERAL KNOWLEDGE section. The entourage-effect literature [20][29] provides the theoretical framework for why preserving and including terpenes alongside cannabinoids may matter pharmacologically.
Evidence standards then and now
Rick Simpson operated in a pre-legalization, pre-lab-testing era. When he began making and distributing oil in the early 2000s, cannabis was illegal in Canada and throughout most of the world. There was no regulatory framework, no standardized testing infrastructure, no legal pathway for clinical research, and no peer-reviewed journals dedicated to cannabis therapeutics. Simpson’s evidence was anecdotal. His production was unstandardized. His claims were untested.
This document applies a formal evidence hierarchy: human clinical evidence first, then systematic reviews and meta-analyses, then institutional summaries, then preclinical and mechanistic literature [1]-[29]. Every compound-level claim is tied to specific peer-reviewed sources with evidence strength clearly labeled.
Simpson’s protocol vs. modern dosing considerations
Simpson’s 60-gram/90-day protocol was designed around crude, single-strain, THC-dominant extract with no standardized potency. OilWell’s products are fundamentally different.
OilWell’s sublingual formula delivers 553 mg of total active cannabinoids per mL across seven defined compounds. Traditional RSO potency was unknown and variable. Simpson’s oil was approximately 60 to 90 percent delta-9 THC. OilWell’s formula uses delta-9 THC at only 90 mg while distributing the remaining content across CBD (4,500 mg), CBG (3,000 mg), delta-8 THC (6,000 mg), THCa (1,500 mg), CBN (750 mg), and CBC (750 mg).
Simpson’s protocol at peak dosing delivered approximately 600 to 900 mg of delta-9 THC per day. OilWell’s sublingual formula contains only 90 mg of delta-9 THC in the entire 30 mL bottle (3 mg per mL), making per-dose delta-9 THC exposure dramatically lower.
Dosing guidance for OilWell products should be developed independently of Simpson’s protocol, informed by the per-compound evidence in the GENERAL KNOWLEDGE section and by responsible titration principles.
ABOUT OILWELL CANNABIS AND THE OILWELL RSO FORMULA
The origin of OilWell Cannabis
We are OilWell Cannabis, founded by Colin Valencia in Houston, Texas. But our story isn’t about a corporate boardroom or a venture capital pitch — it’s about survival, love, and a dog named Bentley who wasn’t supposed to walk again.
Colin grew up in McAllen, Texas, right across the river from Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico. The McAllen-Reynosa area, known as the Borderplex, is one of the most economically challenged and dangerous regions along the U.S.-Mexico border. McAllen is a city of contrasts — vibrant culture and a thriving retail sector, yet deeply affected by poverty and limited opportunities. Reynosa is an industrial hub plagued by violence and cartel activity, making it a harsh environment for anyone growing up there.
Colin’s childhood was marked by exposure to both opportunities and challenges along the border. Early on, he learned to hustle, taking on risky work transporting items across the border for various groups. Those early experiences exposed him to complexities and dangers. A lot of his best friends have been killed or are in prison because of associated dangers. He has faced every form of violence imaginable, both in the streets and across the border. By sixteen, one way or another, he had to leave home for good.
Despite the dangers, Colin did not fall into the darkest paths available — like selling harder substances. Instead, he focused on cannabis, seeing it as a safer and more beneficial alternative. He grew up in the traditional cannabis world long before legalization, learning the plant intimately while operating in the shadows. Over time, he transitioned from those early, risky ventures to creating a legal, legitimate business in an industry he believes in.
Colin later became a formally trained software engineer and did custom development work for Baylor College of Medicine, one of the most prestigious medical institutions in the Texas Medical Center. That combination — deep cannabis plant knowledge plus medical-grade technical precision — defines our approach.
Bentley’s story — the foundation of everything
Bentley was more than just a pet — he was family, a companion who stood by Colin through the toughest times. When Bentley fell seriously ill, veterinarians delivered the verdict no pet owner wants to hear: euthanasia was the only humane option. Bentley was paralyzed in his back legs. They said the pain medications would destroy his internal organs, causing him more pain and suffering. The choice was painful prolonged decline or immediate mercy killing.
But giving up on Bentley was not an option. In a desperate search for alternatives, Colin stumbled upon the healing properties of CBD through a question that changed everything. A kind-hearted rescue worker named Jessica asked: “You’ve moved how many tons of weed and you’ve never heard of CBD?”
Colin had cannabis experience — but it was recreational. He had never explored therapeutic applications. Jessica’s question exposed a blind spot that became a mission.
Determined to save Bentley, Colin learned to create CBD golden paste — a specialized cannabinoid formula for pets. It was not a cure, but it was a lifeline. And that hope delivered what veterinary medicine said was impossible: Bentley got up. He walked over to Colin and brought him his ball to play. It was a miracle. From paralyzed and facing euthanasia to fetching his ball. Dogs do not respond to placebo. This was cannabinoid medicine doing what pharmaceuticals could not.
Bentley lived another ten years, passing naturally at age twenty. During those ten years, Colin developed specialized cannabis formulas for every age-related condition Bentley faced. Neurodegeneration led him to understand CBG’s neuroprotective properties and THCa’s PPARγ agonism for brain cell protection. Dementia led him to CBC’s role in neurogenesis. Glaucoma led him to THC’s CB1 agonism for intraocular pressure reduction. Crippling arthritis led him to develop multi-pathway anti-inflammatory approaches using CBD, CBG, THCa, and beta-caryophyllene working through different receptor systems simultaneously.
Single cannabinoids were not enough. Bentley’s evolving conditions required multi-cannabinoid synergy. CBD alone could not address neurodegeneration and dementia and glaucoma and arthritis simultaneously. Minor cannabinoids like CBG, CBN, and CBC became critical as Bentley aged. Pharmaceutical precision mattered — Bentley’s life depended on formula accuracy, not guesswork.
Colin’s PTSD, benzo addiction, and Peace Gummies
Colin also knows pharmaceutical dependence personally. He struggled with PTSD and benzodiazepine addiction. When he decided to break free from Xanax, he did it cold turkey — notoriously difficult and dangerous — using the cannabinoid knowledge he had developed keeping Bentley alive. The Peace Gummies formula became an OilWell product created during midnight experiments while fighting through benzo withdrawal. Colin personally uses the vape form to manage his insomnia and severe PTSD. This is not theoretical knowledge. Colin lived what RSO patients live: desperation for relief, failed pharmaceuticals, the discovery that cannabinoids work when pills do not.
From Houston to Gunnison County — why this matters here
You might be wondering: why does a Texas company’s story matter to us in Gunnison County? Because our community faces the same challenges Colin built OilWell to address. We have veterans transitioning from military service to mountain life, carrying PTSD that conventional treatment hasn’t resolved. We have ranchers and outdoor guides whose bodies bear decades of physical labor, living with chronic pain. We have cancer patients at Gunnison Valley Health seeking supportive options during chemotherapy. We have skiers and climbers pushing their bodies to the limit, dealing with inflammation and injury. And like everywhere, we have people trapped in prescription cycles that aren’t working.
OilWell’s story began with a dog who wasn’t supposed to walk again. It continued with a man who escaped benzo addiction through cannabinoid science. And it evolved into formulas that doctors now use for Crohn’s disease, IBS, ulcerative colitis, PTSD, benzo addiction, and insomnia. That same formulation precision — born from necessity, not theory — is what we bring to Gunnison County.
ABC13 media recognition — credibility you can verify
Between September 2019 and April 2023, ABC13 Houston (KTRK) featured Colin Valencia and OilWell Cannabis in seven distinct news segments spanning business, law, medicine, community health, and politics. Five different ABC13 reporters sought Colin out across those years: Tom Abrahams, Steve Campion, Shelley Childers, Nick Natario, and KTRK staff writers.
September 15, 2019 — CBD Business Boom
Colin’s foundational quote from this first feature captures our philosophy: “I’m not trying to sell people snake oil. I’m not trying to sell people hope, but there’s enough research out there that people just need to know and try and have the best possible version to base their opinions off of to give it a fair shot as to whether it’s right or wrong for them.”
March 22, 2021 — Decriminalization Efforts
Colin’s therapy quote: “Pain comes in a lot of different forms.” This went deeper than any prior interview into the therapeutic dimension, at a moment when national decriminalization discussions were accelerating.
May 24, 2021 — Delta-8 THC Investigation
Steve Campion’s investigative feature included Colin’s iconic honesty: “I don’t give a sh* if it’s wrong to say you’ll get high off it. Maybe you want to get high.”* The segment balanced Colin’s unapologetic stance with medical caution from UTHealth and regulatory advocacy, becoming one of the most referenced ABC13 cannabis segments.
August 20, 2021 — COVID Vaccine Giveaway
OilWell gave away 1,000 special edition caviar pre-rolls (approximately $35,000 in product) to encourage COVID-19 vaccination. We coordinated with the city of Houston, demonstrating community-first action with no political strings attached.
October 19, 2021 — Delta-8 Ban Impact
When Texas reclassified Delta-8 as Schedule I overnight, Colin proactively removed all products before enforcement and warned other operators who were unknowingly shipping Schedule I narcotics. This ethical leadership during crisis defined our character.
October 7, 2022 — Biden Marijuana Pardon
This feature revealed Colin’s personal marijuana conviction history. Every previous quote carries more weight when you understand the person saying it has personally experienced cannabis criminalization. Our vending machine innovation also debuted here.
April 21, 2023 — Texas Marijuana Laws
Colin’s “Renaissance” framing positioned the present as opportunity: “Right now is actually a pretty – like Renaissance – pretty important time that should be enjoyed now.” This completed a four-year media arc showing OilWell at the frontier of legal cannabis.
These features are not marketing materials. They are independently produced, editorially controlled news segments from a major-market ABC affiliate that repeatedly identified Colin Valencia as the most credible voice in Houston’s legal cannabis industry. That recognition cannot be purchased — it can only be earned.
Current operations
Today, OilWell Cannabis operates from Montrose, Houston, Texas (810 Richmond Avenue, Houston, TX 77006). We’ve been operating since 2019, generate approximately one million dollars in annual revenue, maintain a near-5.0 Google rating, and are Texas DSHS licensed.
Our products are not mass-produced. They are carefully crafted with a personal touch, from the artwork on the packaging to the formulations inside. All artwork, formulations, and packaging are created in-house in Houston, using only our own recipes and ideas. We bring Houston grit, McAllen roots, and a builder’s mindset to the company, but our posture stays simple: make products with intent, answer directly, and never pretend cannabis is right for everyone.
The OilWell RSO philosophy
Our RSO is not traditional Rick Simpson Oil. It is a formulated, multi-cannabinoid product informed by the RSO tradition but departing from it in deliberate, evidence-motivated ways.
Accessibility over gatekeeping. No medical card is required. Anyone age twenty-one or older can purchase. We ship nationwide across the United States and internationally to customers who verify local legality. This matters especially for Gunnison County residents who may not have easy access to specialized cannabis products in our rural mountain community.
Patient-controlled potency. THCa is sold in its acidic, non-psychoactive form. You decide whether to use it raw for non-psychoactive benefits or to decarboxylate it into delta-9 THC for full psychoactive potency. For Gunnison County residents who need to function at high altitude — driving mountain passes, operating equipment, working physically demanding jobs — this non-psychoactive option is essential. For those seeking full therapeutic strength, the activation pathway gives you that choice.
Open-source formulas. We publish our complete formulas publicly — every cannabinoid, every milligram amount, every percentage — so that anyone who cannot afford the product can source ingredients and make their own version. For Gunnison County residents facing economic pressures in a tourism-dependent economy, this ensures access isn’t limited by price.
Evidence-informed, not evidence-overstating. The GENERAL KNOWLEDGE section in this document represents our commitment to honest education about what the science actually says. Simpson operated without access to peer-reviewed literature or clinical trial data; we have that access and use it to distinguish between what is well-supported, what is emerging, and what is overstated.
Farm Bill compliance and the THCa legal framework for Gunnison County
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp and hemp-derived products containing less than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC by dry weight at the federal level. This legal framework is the foundation of our RSO product design.
Our RSO Sublingual Oil contains only 90 milligrams of delta-9 THC in the entire 30 mL bottle — 3 milligrams per milliliter — well under the 0.3 percent threshold. All cannabinoids in the formula are hemp-derived. The product is legal under federal law and in Colorado.
THCa is the acidic, non-psychoactive precursor to delta-9 THC. It is not itself delta-9 THC. This distinction is legally significant: THCa is Farm Bill compliant at the point of sale because it has not been converted to delta-9 THC.
You can decarboxylate THCa into delta-9 THC at home by heating the oil at 260°F (125°C) for 45 to 60 minutes in an oven-safe glass container. This converts 1,500 milligrams of THCa into approximately 1,315 milligrams of delta-9 THC. Combined with the existing 90 milligrams of delta-9 THC in the formula, this produces approximately 1,405 milligrams of total delta-9 THC — giving the product psychoactive potency comparable to traditional illegal RSO, entirely at your discretion after purchase.
Important legal notice for Gunnison County residents: THCa converts to delta-9 THC when heated. You are responsible for understanding and complying with local laws regarding cannabinoid products. Colorado legalized recreational cannabis in 2012, and adults 21+ can legally possess and use cannabis products. However, federal law still applies to certain situations (employment, federal land, etc.). Our products ship with full documentation, Certificates of Analysis, and receipts.
Open-source formulas — why we publish everything
We publish our complete RSO formulas publicly — every cannabinoid, every milligram amount, every percentage — so that anyone who cannot afford the product can source ingredients and make their own version. This is a direct echo of Rick Simpson’s original ethos. Simpson gave his oil away for free and taught people how to make it. He never patented his method. He never charged patients. We adapted that ethos for the modern cannabinoid marketplace: we sell a professionally manufactured, lab-tested, standardized product for those who want it, and we publish the complete recipe for those who want to make it themselves.
As Colin said on ABC13 in 2019: “I’m not trying to sell people snake oil. I’m not trying to sell people hope, but there’s enough research out there that people just need to know and try and have the best possible version to base their opinions off of to give it a fair shot as to whether it’s right or wrong for them.”
CBD golden paste recipe for pets — the original open-source formula
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup organic turmeric powder
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup coconut oil (unrefined, organic)
- 1 to 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper (important for absorption)
- CBD oil (dosage depends on the size and needs of the pet; consult with a veterinarian)
Instructions:
- Mix turmeric and water in a saucepan over low heat, stirring continuously until it forms a thick paste (7-10 minutes). Add more water if needed.
- Add coconut oil and freshly ground black pepper. Stir until thoroughly mixed.
- Allow to cool, then transfer to a jar with lid. Store in refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- Add CBD oil to paste before giving to pet, adjusting dosage based on weight and health needs. Start low and increase gradually.
Serving suggestion: Mix a small amount with pet’s food once or twice daily. Always consult with a veterinarian before starting any new supplement regimen.
For Gunnison County pet owners dealing with aging companions in our thin mountain air, this recipe offers hope when traditional veterinary medicine says there’s nothing left. Dogs don’t respond to placebo — this formula proved that.
The decarboxylation choice — patient-controlled potency
Traditional RSO was always fully decarboxylated. Our sublingual formula contains 1,500 milligrams of THCa in its acidic, non-psychoactive form, creating three distinct usage options:
Option 1 — Raw, no heat. All 1,500 milligrams stays as THCa — completely non-psychoactive. This provides anti-inflammatory activity via COX-2 inhibition and neuroprotective potential via PPARγ agonism [12]. This option is compatible with work, driving, and daytime use with zero impairment — crucial for Gunnison County residents who operate vehicles on mountain roads or work in physically demanding jobs.
Option 2 — Fully activated, home decarboxylation. Heating at 260°F (125°C) for 45 to 60 minutes converts 1,500 milligrams of THCa into approximately 1,315 milligrams of delta-9 THC. Combined with the existing 90 milligrams of delta-9 THC, this yields approximately 1,405 milligrams of total delta-9 THC. You may also transfer a controlled portion from the original bottle into a second oven-safe container, decarboxylating only what you intend to use while preserving the remainder in raw THCa form.
Option 3 — Vape, auto-decarboxylation. The RSO Vape Cartridge vaporizes at 400 to 450°F, instantly converting THCa to delta-9 THC with each inhalation. Every puff delivers freshly decarboxylated cannabinoids.
The conversion chemistry: THCa has a molecular weight of 358.47 g/mol. The conversion ratio is approximately 1 milligram THCa = 0.877 milligrams delta-9 THC after decarboxylation.
This design puts the potency decision entirely in your hands — aligning with Rick Simpson’s principle that patients should control their own medicine, but implementing that principle through actual product chemistry.
Solvent-free production
Our RSO is not an extraction product in the traditional sense. It is a formulated blend of individual cannabinoid distillates and isolates combined at specific ratios in a controlled production environment. No naphtha. No isopropyl alcohol. No butane. No extraction solvents are present in the finished product.
This approach eliminates the residual solvent risk that is one of the most significant safety concerns with traditional RSO production.
The product uses organic MCT oil (medium-chain triglycerides) as the carrier base. MCT oil is a food-grade lipid carrier that facilitates cannabinoid absorption through sublingual tissue and provides a neutral taste profile — a significant improvement over the tar-like consistency and solvent-residual odor of traditional RSO.
Third-party lab testing covers cannabinoid potency, terpene profile, and safety panels including pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, and microbial contaminants. Certificates of Analysis (COAs) are available on request and accessible through our website.
The broader OilWell product portfolio
Beyond RSO, we produce a range of cannabinoid products, each developed from formulation knowledge Colin built over Bentley’s ten-year journey and his own experience with PTSD and benzo withdrawal.
Asshole Peach — Our most popular product. Asshole Peach is a carefully formulated experience designed to provide a euphoric, long-lasting sensation. It is particularly favored by veterans for its ability to relieve pain and PTSD symptoms without being overly aggressive.
Peace Gummies — Developed directly from Colin’s own experience with PTSD and benzodiazepine addiction. Peace Gummies helped him quit Xanax cold turkey. The formula is also available in a vape form for quick relief — Colin personally uses the vape to manage his insomnia and severe PTSD.
Custom creations — We offer custom-made products tailored to specific needs. Whether it involves specific cannabinoid ratios, particular delivery formats, or formulations for unique health circumstances, we design targeted products on request. This includes formulations for vegans, diabetics, and those with specific dietary or health needs.
For Gunnison County’s veteran community, our veteran-focused formulations provide alternatives to pharmaceuticals that often fail them. For our outdoor recreation community, our anti-inflammatory and recovery products support the active lifestyle that defines our region.
Two product formats
We offer the RSO formula in two delivery formats, each designed for different use cases and pharmacokinetic profiles.
RSO Sublingual Oil — $129.99
- 30 mL bottle (1 fl oz)
- 16,590 mg total cannabinoids (553 mg per mL)
- Seven cannabinoids: CBD 4,500 mg, CBG 3,000 mg, delta-8 THC 6,000 mg, THCa 1,500 mg, delta-9 THC 90 mg, CBN 750 mg, CBC 750 mg
- Live terpenes at 5%: limonene, myrcene, caryophyllene, pinene, linalool, humulene, terpinolene
- Organic MCT oil base
- Graduated dropper for precise dosing in 0.1 mL increments
- Onset: 15 to 45 minutes
- Peak effects: 1 to 2 hours
- Duration: 4 to 6 hours
- Bioavailability: 13 to 19 percent
- Approximately 40 to 60 doses per bottle
RSO Vape Cartridge — $49.99
- 1-gram cartridge
- 900 mg+ total cannabinoids
- Same six-cannabinoid ratio as sublingual formula
- Live terpenes at 5%+
- 510-thread universal battery compatibility
- Onset: 1 to 2 minutes (fastest cannabinoid delivery method)
- Peak effects: 10 to 15 minutes
- Duration: 2 to 4 hours
- Bioavailability: 10 to 35 percent
- Automatic THCa decarboxylation at vaping temperature (400 to 450°F)
When to use each format
| Use case | Recommended format | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Fast relief (acute pain, nausea, panic) | Vape | 1-2 minute onset — crucial for breakthrough pain during Gunnison County outdoor activities |
| Sustained relief (chronic pain, sleep) | Sublingual | 4-6 hour duration supports overnight relief at high altitude |
| Maximum bioavailability | Sublingual | 13-19% absorption efficiency |
| Portability and discretion | Vape | Compact for mountain travel, no measuring required |
| Precise dosing control | Sublingual | Graduated dropper in 0.1 mL increments |
| Daytime non-psychoactive use | Sublingual (raw, no heat) | THCa stays inactive, zero impairment for driving or operating equipment |
| Nighttime psychoactive use | Sublingual (decarbed) or Vape | Activated THCa + delta-8 THC for full therapeutic effect |
Competitive comparison for Gunnison County residents
When you’re choosing RSO in Gunnison County, you have options. Local dispensaries carry various products. Here’s how ours compares factually:
OilWell RSO vs. typical Colorado dispensary RSO
| Dimension | Colorado dispensary RSO | OilWell RSO |
|---|---|---|
| Cannabinoid profile | Often THC-only or simple blends | Seven defined cannabinoids at specific ratios |
| CBG content | Typically 0 mg | 3,000 mg |
| CBN content | Typically 0-50 mg | 750 mg |
| CBC content | Typically 0 mg | 750 mg |
| Patient-controlled potency | Usually fully decarboxylated | Yes — THCa non-psychoactive until you heat it |
| Access requirements | Must visit physical dispensary | Ships directly to Gunnison County, age 21+ only |
| Product consistency | Varies by batch | Lab-tested, standardized every time |
| Total cannabinoids | Typically 500-1,000 mg | 16,590 mg total |
OilWell RSO vs. hemp CBD RSO (e.g., online hemp brands)
| Dimension | Hemp CBD RSO (10 mL, 1,000 mg) | OilWell RSO (30 mL, 16,590 mg) |
|---|---|---|
| Total cannabinoids | 1,000 mg | 16,590 mg |
| CBD content | ~950 mg | 4,500 mg |
| CBG content | 0-20 mg | 3,000 mg |
| Delta-8 THC | 0 mg | 6,000 mg |
| THCa (convertible to delta-9 THC) | Minimal | 1,500 mg (converts to ~1,315 mg delta-9 THC) |
| Psychoactive option | No | Yes — via THCa decarboxylation |
| Price | $40-60 | $129.99 |
For Gunnison County residents deciding between a local dispensary trip or ordering online, the key differences are clear: more cannabinoids, more total actives, patient-controlled potency, and doorstep delivery to your mountain home.
Condition-specific usage context for Gunnison County
Important disclaimer: The following usage contexts are informed by cannabinoid research cited in the GENERAL KNOWLEDGE section and by our formulation rationale. They are not medical prescriptions, not FDA-approved treatment protocols, and not a substitute for professional medical care. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using cannabinoid products, especially if you have a medical condition, are taking medications, are pregnant or nursing, or have any health concerns. Do not operate vehicles or machinery while under the influence of psychoactive cannabinoids.
Chemotherapy-related nausea and appetite support
- Pre-chemo: 0.5 to 1.0 mL sublingual approximately 1 hour before treatment
- Acute breakthrough nausea: 2 to 3 vape puffs for immediate relief (1-2 minute onset)
- Post-chemo: 0.5 mL sublingual every 6 hours as needed
- Sleep support during treatment: 1.0 to 2.0 mL sublingual before bed (delivers 25 to 50 mg CBN)
- Evidence: delta-8 THC antiemetic [9], delta-9 THC nausea evidence [1][13], CBD anxiolytic buffering [3]
Chronic pain (fibromyalgia, arthritis, neuropathy, old injuries from ranch work or mountain sports)
- Daytime: 0.3 to 0.5 mL raw sublingual — provides anti-inflammatory cannabinoid exposure without psychoactive impairment
- Nighttime: 0.5 to 1.0 mL decarboxylated sublingual — combines pain relief with CBN sleep support
- Breakthrough pain: Vape as needed for rapid onset
- Evidence: CBD pain [4], delta-9 THC pain [13], beta-caryophyllene CB2 agonism [24], THCa COX-2 inhibition [12]
Sleep support (especially relevant for high-altitude insomnia and disrupted sleep from shift work in tourism/hospitality)
- Before bed: 1.0 to 2.0 mL sublingual
- At 2.0 mL, this delivers 50 mg CBN — the dosage investigated in 2024 sleep literature
- At 1.0 mL, this delivers 25 mg CBN — above the 20 mg threshold associated with reduced sleep disturbance
- Evidence: CBN sleep [16][17], cannabis and sleep reviews
Anxiety and stress (relevant for Gunnison County’s seasonal tourism pressures, economic uncertainty, and isolation)
- Daytime functional relief: 0.3 mL raw sublingual — CBD and CBG address anxiety pathways without impairment
- Nighttime: 1.0 mL sublingual — full cannabinoid profile including CBN for sleep architecture
- Evidence: CBD anxiety [3], CBG pharmacology [7][8], limonene entourage effect [20]
General titration principle for Gunnison County residents: Start low, go slow. Begin with 0.25 to 0.5 mL sublingual and assess effects over 2 to 3 hours before increasing. Individual responses vary based on body weight, metabolism, tolerance, concurrent medications, and other factors. Our thin mountain air and high altitude can affect metabolism, so conservative dosing is especially important for new users in Gunnison County.
Delivery to Gunnison County
Nationwide shipping to Colorado
We ship to all 50 states where Farm Bill-compliant products are legal, including Colorado. Shipping options:
- USPS Priority Mail (2 to 3 business days)
- FedEx and UPS Ground (3 to 5 business days)
- Discreet packaging with no cannabis branding visible
- Tracking provided for all orders
- Temperature-stable packaging for summer shipments
- Signature-required option available
For Gunnison County specifically:
- Orders typically arrive within 2-4 business days via USPS Priority Mail
- Discreet packaging ensures privacy in our small community
- Tracking lets you monitor delivery to rural addresses or PO boxes
- Temperature-stable packaging protects products during mountain temperature swings
International shipping
We ship internationally and have delivered to multiple countries across multiple continents. The THCa legal framework makes this possible: because the product contains less than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC at point of sale, it meets the definition of a hemp-derived product under the 2018 Farm Bill.
All international packages include full documentation, Certificates of Analysis (COAs), and receipts for customs purposes. Minimum flat-fee shipping applies; excessive international shipping costs are billed to the customer. The customer is responsible for verifying legality in their jurisdiction and accepts all customs and legal risk.
How our formulas connect to the evidence
Every cannabinoid in our formula — CBD, CBG, delta-8 THC, THCa, delta-9 THC, CBN, and CBC — has its own evidence profile in the GENERAL KNOWLEDGE section. Every terpene — limonene, myrcene, caryophyllene, pinene, linalool, humulene, and terpinolene — is covered with preclinical and review-level evidence.
The formulas published here are anchored to per-compound evidence summaries that explain what is well-supported by human clinical data, what is emerging from review and preclinical literature, and what is overstated relative to the current evidence base.
Where we make specific research claims about individual cannabinoids or terpenes, this document provides the source evaluation context — the same peer-reviewed citations, the same evidence-tier assessments, and the same cautious interpretation framework.
We do not exempt ourselves from the same evidence standards applied to the broader field. That is intentional. Our position — as stated in 2019 — is that people deserve the best possible version of the information so they can give it a fair shot and decide for themselves whether it is right or wrong for them. This document is the research foundation for that position.
We are more than a brand — we are a promise to our customers that we will always strive to deliver the best, most thoughtful cannabis products available. We are not here to follow trends. We are here to set them. And as we continue to grow, our focus remains on maintaining the same level of integrity, creativity, and commitment that has defined us from the day Bentley got up, walked across the room, and brought his ball to play.
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE
Research method and evidence weighting
This section prioritizes sources in the following order: human clinical evidence, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, NIH and other institutional summaries, then mechanistic or preclinical literature when human data are sparse. That weighting matters because the evidence base is not evenly distributed. Of the compounds listed, CBD and delta-9 THC have the strongest human literature; the rest require more caution [1]-[29].
Institutional baseline from NIH and related sources
- NCCIH states that the strongest established cannabinoid evidence is for certain rare epilepsies, chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting, and appetite or weight-loss indications associated with HIV/AIDS. It notes only modest evidence for chronic pain and multiple-sclerosis-related symptoms [1].
- The FDA has not approved the cannabis plant itself for medical use, although purified CBD and synthetic THC-like drugs have specific approvals [1].
- Safety concerns highlighted by NIH include impairment, motor vehicle crash risk, cannabis use disorder, pregnancy-related concerns, contamination or labeling inaccuracy, and THC-vape lung-injury concerns [1].
- NCCIH warns that over-the-counter CBD products may differ from their labels and that CBD itself has been associated with decreased alertness, gastrointestinal effects, liver-related adverse effects, and drug interactions [1].
Cannabinoids
CBD
- Evidence profile: strongest human evidence, especially as purified product [1]-[6]
- Best supported: purified CBD in seizure disorders [1][2]
- Anxiety: 2024 systematic review of 316 participants found significant anxiolytic signal but stressed limited clinical sample [3]
- Pain: 2024 systematic review concluded literature is promising but heterogeneous, limiting broad analgesic claims [4]
- Sleep: 2023 insomnia review found literature methodologically weak [5]
- Safety: 2023 systematic review found signal for liver enzyme elevation and possible drug-induced liver injury [6]. NCCIH flags diarrhea, sleepiness, appetite change, mood effects, liver abnormalities, drug interactions [1]
- Bottom line: CBD is most evidence-developed nonintoxicating cannabinoid, but strong evidence is concentrated in specific indications rather than broad wellness claims [1]-[6]
CBG
- Evidence profile: mostly review-level and preclinical; human evidence sparse [7][8]
- Pharmacology: CBG is biosynthetic precursor with distinct pharmacology including cannabinoid receptors, alpha-2 adrenoceptors, 5-HT1A signaling [7]
- Research areas: neurologic disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, antibacterial activity — primarily preclinical hypotheses [7][8]
- Caution: 2021 review notes CBG is being sold commercially while evidence base remains thin [7]
- Bottom line: promising minor cannabinoid with limited clinical validation [7][8]
Delta-8 THC
- Evidence profile: pharmacologically relevant, psychoactive, much less clinically characterized than delta-9 THC [9]-[11]
- Comparative pharmacology: 2022 review concluded delta-8 and delta-9 have broadly similar PK/PD behavior; delta-8 is partial CB1 agonist, less potent than delta-9 [9]
- Public health: 2023 scoping review found evidence base dominated by animal studies, product chemistry, use reports; noted adverse consequences and regulatory concerns [10]
- Manufacturing: 2024 review notes commercial interest tied to stability and easier synthesis, raising product-byproduct and lab-testing questions [11]
- Bottom line: psychoactive THC analogue with real pharmacologic activity, incomplete human safety characterization, manufacturing-quality concerns [9]-[11]
THCa
- Evidence profile: important chemically/formulation-wise, but low on direct human therapeutic evidence [12]
- What it is: acidic precursor of THC, may represent large share of THC-related content in raw plant material. Decarboxylates to THC during heating/storage [12]
- Psychoactivity: THCa itself does not produce psychoactive effects, but distinction only holds if molecule stays acidic and is not substantially decarboxylated [12]
- Research status: in vitro and rodent literature suggest anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, antineoplastic possibilities, but not established human outcomes [12]
- Bottom line: highly relevant precursor molecule whose interpretation depends heavily on route, temperature, processing, storage [12]
Delta-9 THC
- Evidence profile: strongest human evidence of psychoactive cannabinoids, but also clearest adverse-effect burden [1][13]-[15]
- Institutionally best supported: NCCIH identifies THC-containing medicines as relevant to chemo nausea/vomiting, HIV/AIDS appetite/weight loss, some MS and pain outcomes [1]
- Pain: 2022 systematic review found high-THC or comparable THC:CBD products may provide short-term pain benefit but increase dizziness, sedation, nausea, discontinuation [13]
- Pharmacokinetics: inhaled THC produces effects within seconds-minutes, peaks 15-30 minutes, tapers over few hours; oral THC has later onset, later peak, longer duration [14]
- Mental health risk: 2025 systematic review of high-concentration THC products found consistent unfavorable associations with psychosis/schizophrenia outcomes and cannabis use disorder, plus concerning signals for anxiety/depression [15]
- Broader safety: anxiety/panic at high doses, tachycardia, blood pressure changes, dependency potential, withdrawal, pregnancy concerns, accidental pediatric exposure, vape lung injury concerns [1][14][15]
- Bottom line: legitimate therapeutic relevance in some settings, but carries clearest intoxication, psychiatric, and dose-related safety liabilities [1][13]-[15]
CBN
- Evidence profile: weak human evidence; marketing has moved ahead of data [12][16][17]
- Marketing vs. reality: widely marketed for sleep/sedation, but clinical support far thinner than market suggests [16][17]
- Sleep literature: 2021 narrative review screened 99 human-study abstracts, reviewed 8 full-text articles, found no clinical trials using validated sleep questionnaires or polysomnography to substantiate strong sleep-promoting claims [16]
- Broader sleep research: 2024 updated review concluded cannabinoid sleep research still does not match scale of real-world use; need for better-designed, adequately powered trials remains substantial [17]
- Chemical context: THC can degrade toward CBN under certain conditions, explaining why CBN is often discussed in aging/oxidized cannabis contexts [12]
- Bottom line: clearest example where cultural reputation is stronger than current clinical evidence [16][17]
CBC
- Evidence profile: emerging, intriguing, overwhelmingly preclinical or review-based [18][19]
- Pharmacology: 2024 focused review describes CBC as having distinct pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, receptor behavior; highlights antinociceptive, antibacterial, anti-seizure areas as especially interesting [18]
- Older literature: review of animal and in vitro work reports anti-inflammatory effects, reduced gut hypermobility, modest rodent analgesic activity, possible neurobiological/antiproliferative relevance — not yet strong evidence for patient-facing claims [19]
- Safety caveat: 2024 CBC review notes over-the-counter CBC products are already being sold despite little evidence establishing clinical efficacy or safety [18]
- Bottom line: scientifically credible minor cannabinoid deserving more research, not already-validated clinical active [18][19]
Terpenes
Terpene claims need even stricter interpretation than cannabinoid claims. Much of the literature comes from isolated compounds, essential oils, non-cannabis plants, or preclinical models rather than controlled human studies. The 2024 entourage-effect review makes this especially important: terpene bioactivity is plausible and sometimes compelling, but robust proof of clinically meaningful entourage effects in humans remains limited [20][29].
Limonene
- Evidence profile: largely review and preclinical, with useful safety literature [20]-[22]
- Potential activity: 2021 review describes limonene as multifunctional monoterpene with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, gastroprotective, immune-modulatory possibilities — but overwhelming share from nonhuman/non-cannabis literature [21]
- Safety note: limonene oxidation products, especially hydroperoxides, are clinically relevant contact allergens important in patch-testing [22]
- Bottom line: biologically active and widely discussed, but cannabis-specific therapeutic claims should stay conservative unless directly supported in humans [20]-[22]
Myrcene
- Evidence profile: mostly preclinical, very limited human evidence [20][23]
- Research summary: 2021 myrcene review describes anxiolytic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic properties and possible mechanisms, but explicitly states human studies are lacking [23]
- Interpretation caution: myrcene is often invoked as proven sedative terpene explaining couch-lock — stronger claim than human evidence supports [20][23]
- Bottom line: plausible bioactive terpene, but compound-specific clinical claims about mood, pain, sedation remain far ahead of definitive human proof [23]
Caryophyllene
- Evidence profile: among most mechanistically interesting because of direct cannabinoid-system relevance, but still mostly preclinical [24]
- Why it stands out: 2021 focused review describes beta-caryophyllene as selective CB2 receptor agonist — unusual, making it especially relevant when discussing cannabis terpenes pharmacologically rather than purely aromatic [24]
- Research themes: anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, gastroprotective — but human clinical confirmation remains limited [24]
- Bottom line: arguably strongest candidate for terpene with cannabinoid-system significance, but should not be described as clinically proven for outcomes commonly attributed [24]
Pinene
- Evidence profile: promising preclinical literature, weak human clinical confirmation [20][25]
- Brain-health framing: 2021 review on pinene and linalool as terpene-based medicines for brain health found antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective signals justifying future study, but emphasized evidence mostly preclinical and well-designed clinical trials lacking [25]
- Interpretation caution: claims that pinene reliably improves memory, sharpens attention, or counterbalances THC-related cognitive effects remain interesting hypotheses rather than settled clinical facts [20][25]
- Bottom line: deserves scientific attention, but strong cognition-related claims should be presented as exploratory [25]
Linalool
- Evidence profile: similar to pinene: substantial preclinical interest, limited direct clinical confirmation [20][22][25][26]
- Research summary: linalool repeatedly discussed in relation to stress, mood, brain-health pharmacology. 2021 brain-health review found enough preclinical signal to justify continued investigation while emphasizing lack of robust human trials [25]
- Additional literature: separate review discusses possible antidepressant mechanisms and neuropharmacologic relevance, but remains translational rather than definitive clinical story [26]
- Safety note: oxidized linalool hydroperoxides are recognized allergens in dermatitis literature [22]
- Bottom line: scientifically credible bioactive terpene, but current evidence supports cautious phrasing rather than firm therapeutic promises [22][25][26]
Humulene
- Evidence profile: translationally interesting but still early [20][27]
- Scoping-review findings: 2024 scoping review analyzed 340 articles, found broad preclinical evidence for anti-inflammatory and other biologic effects, with some rodent work suggesting cannabimimetic properties via CB1 and adenosine A2a pathways [27]
- Interpretation caution: findings valuable for hypothesis generation, but do not yet establish consistent human efficacy across pain, inflammation, mood outcomes [27]
- Bottom line: one of more interesting terpene research targets, but remains far from clinically settled [27]
Terpinolene
- Evidence profile: one of least clinically characterized terpenes in this file [20][28]
- Systematic-review findings: 2021 terpinolene review screened 2,449 records, included 57 studies, concluded terpinolene has range of reported biological effects but evidence base still dominated by in silico, in vitro, animal studies rather than human trials [28]
- Interpretation caution: even recent cannabis entourage reviews frame terpene benefits as exploratory, not established compound-specific clinical effects [20]
- Bottom line: biologically interesting, but among listed terpenes remains especially underdeveloped clinically [20][28]
Research limits and interpretation
- Evidence base is highly uneven. CBD and delta-9 THC can support most detailed human-facing statements; rest require more caution [1]-[29]
- Whole-cannabis extract data, purified-molecule data, semisynthetic cannabinoid data, terpene-only data are not interchangeable. Common error is letting evidence from one category stand in for another
- Minor cannabinoids and terpenes are commercially interesting precisely because underexplored, but that also means claims frequently outrun science
- Product quality matters as much as molecule identity. Labeling inaccuracies, contamination, synthesis byproducts, dose variability, route-dependent pharmacokinetics all materially affect interpretation in real-world products [1][10][11][14]
- For THCa particularly, chemistry is destiny: storage and heating can change actual exposure profile by converting acidic cannabinoids into neutral cannabinoids such as THC [12]
Common overstatements to avoid
- Overstatement: CBN is clinically proven sleep cannabinoid. More accurate: specific sleep evidence for CBN remains weak, with no strong validated-trial base yet identified [16][17]
- Overstatement: myrcene is proven human sedative that reliably explains couch-lock. More accurate: myrcene has plausible preclinical bioactivity, but direct human proof for that common claim is limited [20][23]
- Overstatement: terpenes in general have proven entourage effects in patients. More accurate: entourage hypotheses are influential and worth studying, but robust clinical proof remains limited and highly compound-specific [20][29]
- Overstatement: THCa is always nonpsychoactive. More accurate: THCa itself is not THC, but heating and processing can convert THCa into THC, changing effective exposure [12]
- Overstatement: delta-8 THC is safe because it is hemp-derived. More accurate: delta-8 THC is psychoactive, pharmacologically close to delta-9 THC, and often entangled with manufacturing and testing concerns [9]-[11]
Practical takeaways for our formulas
- Most evidence-developed actives are CBD and delta-9 THC
- Delta-8 THC is not trivial or purely mild; it is psychoactive cannabinoid with less robust safety/efficacy characterization than delta-9 THC
- THCa meaningfully changes with processing and should not be interpreted same way in raw, gently handled, heated formats
- CBG, CBN, CBC are scientifically credible but clinically immature compared with CBD and THC
- Listed terpenes are likely highly relevant to aroma, flavor, potentially some biologic activity, but compound-specific human therapeutic claims should be made carefully and only where directly supported
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- Weston-Green K, Clunas H, Jimenez Naranjo C. A review of the potential use of pinene and linalool as terpene-based medicines for brain health: Discovering novel therapeutics in the flavours and fragrances of cannabis. Front Psychiatry. 2021;12:583211.
- Dos Santos ÉRQ, Maia JGS, Fontes-Júnior EA, do Socorro Ferraz Maia C. Linalool as a therapeutic and medicinal tool in depression treatment: A review. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2022;20(6):1073-1092.
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RSO SUBLINGUAL OIL FORMULA
| Cannabinoid | Amount |
|---|---|
| CBD | 4,500mg |
| CBG | 3,000mg |
| Delta-8 THC | 6,000mg |
| THCa | 1,500mg |
| Delta-9 THC | 90mg |
| CBN | 750mg |
| CBC | 750mg |
| Total Cannabinoids | 16,590mg |
- Live Terpenes: 5%
- Format: 30mL bottle
- Active cannabinoids per mL: 553mg
- Price: $129.99
- Onset: 15-45 minutes
- Duration: 4-6 hours
- Bioavailability: 13-19%
- Approximately 40-60 doses per bottle
RSO VAPE CARTRIDGE FORMULA
| Cannabinoid | Percentage |
|---|---|
| CBD | 30% |
| CBG | 20% |
| Delta-8 THC | 15% |
| THCa | 10% |
| CBN | 10% |
| CBC | 10% |
- Live Terpenes: 5%+
- Format: 1 Gram cartridge
- Price: $49.99
- Onset: 1-2 minutes
- Duration: 2-4 hours
- Bioavailability: 10-35%
- 510-thread universal battery compatibility
TERPENE PROFILE (BOTH PRODUCTS)
- Limonene (citrus-bright)
- Myrcene
- Caryophyllene (β-caryophyllene — pepper/spice)
- Pinene (forest-fresh)
- Linalool (floral, lavender)
- Humulene (earthy, woody)
- Terpinolene (piney, fruity, sparkling)
These terpenes create a sensory experience that reflects Gunnison County’s mountain environment — the pine forests, fresh air, and natural aromas that define our landscape.
ORDERING INFORMATION FOR GUNNISON COUNTY
Age requirement: 21+ only
How to order:
- Visit OilWellCBD.com
- Navigate to “RSO Products” or search “Rick Simpson Oil”
- Select Sublingual Oil ($129.99) or Vape Cartridge ($49.99)
- Add to cart and checkout
- Ships discreetly to your Gunnison County address within 2-4 business days
Questions? Contact us:
- Phone: (832) 416-2816
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://oilwellcbd.com/
Local delivery note: While we don’t have same-day delivery in Gunnison County like we do in Houston, our shipping is fast, discreet, and reliable to Colorado addresses. We understand the importance of privacy in small mountain communities.
FINAL THOUGHTS FOR GUNNISON COUNTY
We wrote this guide because we believe Gunnison County deserves the same level of honest, evidence-based cannabis education that we’ve provided to Houston for years. Whether you’re dealing with cancer, chronic pain, PTSD, insomnia, or simply seeking to understand your options, you deserve facts, not fairy tales.
Our story began with a dog who wasn’t supposed to walk again. It continued with a man who escaped benzo addiction through cannabinoid science. And it evolved into formulas that doctors now use for serious conditions. That same formulation precision — born from necessity, not theory — is what we bring to your medicine cabinet in Gunnison County.
Rick Simpson’s legacy is complicated. He gave the world a name and a vision, but his methods were crude and his claims exceeded the evidence. We’ve taken that vision and built something better: standardized, tested, multi-cannabinoid formulas that respect both the plant and the science.
The mountain air in Gunnison County is thin. The demands on our bodies are real. The need for honest medicine is universal. We can’t promise cures. We can promise transparency, quality, and the best version of cannabinoid medicine that current science allows.
This is not snake oil. This is OilWell.
Disclaimer: These products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using cannabinoid products, especially if you have a medical condition, are taking medications, are pregnant or nursing, or have any health concerns. Do not operate vehicles or machinery while under the influence of psychoactive cannabinoids. Must be 21+ to purchase. Buyer assumes responsibility for compliance with local laws.
Legal notice: This product contains less than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight and is Farm Bill compliant. THCa converts to delta-9 THC when heated. Customers are responsible for understanding and complying with their local laws regarding cannabinoid products. We ship with full documentation, Certificates of Analysis, and receipts. International customers accept all customs and legal responsibility.
Gunnison County-specific note: Colorado legalized recreational cannabis in 2012. Adults 21+ can legally possess and use cannabis products. However, federal law still applies to certain situations including federal land (much of Gunnison County’s public lands are federal), employment with federal contractors, and other specific contexts. Please understand your legal responsibilities.
THCa Rick Simpson Oil
Full-Spectrum • In-House Extraction
THE OILWELL PASSION PROJECT: THCa RSO
Experience true full-spectrum relief. Our Rick Simpson Oil is meticulously crafted in-house to preserve the complete cannabinoid and terpene profile of the plant. Potent, pure, and profound.
- 🌿 Maximum Potency
- 🔬 Third-Party Lab Tested
- 🚀 Same-Day Delivery Available