Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) in the Hoonah-Angoon Census Area: The Complete Alaskan Guide by OilWell Cannabis

Life in Southeast Alaska teaches you to be self-reliant. When you live in Hoonah, Angoon, or any of the villages scattered across our remote islands, you learn quickly that the nearest specialist might be a float plane ride away in Juneau, and that “quick access” means something different here than it does in Anchorage or the Lower 48. You learn to read the weather, respect the tides, and trust what works—whether that’s a family recipe for smoked salmon or a traditional remedy passed down through Tlingit elders who understood plant medicine long before dispensaries existed.

That same instinct for practical solutions is why we at OilWell Cannabis—based in Houston, Texas, but dedicated to serving remote communities like yours—believe our Rick Simpson Oil formulas belong in the hands of Alaskans who need real options for serious conditions. We understand that when you’re dealing with chronic pain from decades of commercial fishing, cancer alongside limited oncology access, or PTSD from military service in isolated duty stations, you don’t have time for snake oil. You need something that works, something you can trust, and something you can actually get delivered to your door in Hoonah or Angoon without jumping through impossible hoops.

This guide is written specifically for our neighbors across the Hoonah-Angoon Census Area. We’ll walk you through what RSO actually is (and why most of what you’ve heard needs correction), how our formulas differ from the crude oil Rick Simpson made in Canada, and—most importantly—how these products can fit into the realities of healthcare in Southeast Alaska.

Who Rick Simpson Was (And Why His Story Matters to Remote Alaska)

Rick Simpson wasn’t a doctor. He wasn’t a scientist. He was a power plant engineer in Nova Scotia—a blue-collar tradesman whose story began not in a lab, but in a doctor’s office where conventional medicine failed him. In 1997, a workplace injury left him with head trauma, persistent tinnitus, and post-concussion symptoms that prescription medications couldn’t touch. When cannabis provided more relief than anything his doctors offered, and his physician refused to consider it, Simpson took matters into his own hands.

Sound familiar? It should. Across the Hoonah-Angoon Census Area, people face the same pattern: injuries from fishing and logging that don’t heal properly, chronic pain that the clinic in Juneau treats with pills that cause more problems, and doctors who—despite Alaska’s progressive cannabis laws—may still be hesitant to discuss plant-based alternatives. The medical system in our remote region is stretched thin, and patients often end up managing their own care by default. Simpson’s frustration with institutional medicine resonates here in a way it might not in Houston or Seattle.

The pivotal moment came in 2003 when Simpson claimed that cannabis oil removed three skin cancer lesions on his arm within four days. He had no biopsy confirmation, no clinical documentation, no peer-reviewed proof. It was personal testimony, not medical evidence—but it became the origin story of “Rick Simpson Oil” and launched a global movement.

The Traditional RSO Protocol (And Why We Don’t Recommend It for Alaska)

Simpson’s 60-gram, 90-day protocol is famous in cannabis circles, but it’s deeply problematic—especially for remote Alaskan patients.

Here’s what he recommended:

• Week 1: Start with a dose the size of half a grain of rice (about 10-15mg of oil) three times daily
• Weeks 2-5: Double the dose every four days until reaching 1 gram per day
• Weeks 5-12: Maintain 1 gram daily (roughly 333mg three times per day) until all 60 grams are consumed

At peak dosing, this delivers 600-900mg of delta-9 THC daily—doses far exceeding anything studied in clinical settings. The FDA-approved synthetic THC drug dronabinol is typically dosed at 2.5-20mg per day. We’re talking about 30-45 times that amount.

Why this matters for Hoonah-Angoon residents:

• No medical supervision: In our remote communities, you’re not down the street from an ER if you develop severe intoxication, anxiety, or cardiovascular stress from 900mg of THC
• Transportation risk: Simpson advised avoiding driving during titration. In Alaska, where you might need to drive to the airport or ferry terminal for medical appointments, this creates practical barriers
• Unstandardized product: Traditional RSO was crude, tar-like oil made with naphtha or isopropyl alcohol—solvents that may contain benzene and other carcinogens. Every batch was different. You never knew exactly what you were getting

Most importantly: There are no controlled trials validating this protocol. Simpson’s evidence was personal testimony and anecdotal reports, not clinical data. While his story is historically significant, we cannot endorse a protocol that exposes Alaskan patients to those risks without proven benefit.

What Traditional RSO Actually Was (And Why Modern Alaska Deserves Better)

Traditional Rick Simpson Oil was:

• Single-strain, high-THC indica: No consistency from batch to batch
• Solvent-extracted: Using naphtha (lighter fluid) or 99% isopropyl alcohol—neither food-grade
• High-heat processed: Destroyed terpenes and converted all THCa to psychoactive THC
• Untested: No lab analysis for potency, pesticides, heavy metals, or residual solvents
• Black tar consistency: Difficult to dose accurately, unpleasant to take

In the Hoonah-Angoon Census Area—where you already deal with enough uncertainty from weather, ferry schedules, and healthcare access—you shouldn’t have to gamble on your medicine’s safety and consistency.

How OilWell’s Formulas Evolve Beyond Simpson’s Vision

OilWell’s RSO respects Simpson’s core principle—making concentrated cannabinoid medicine accessible—but solves the problems that made traditional RSO risky and unreliable.

Five deliberate divergences that matter for Southeast Alaska:

1. Multi-Cannabinoid Precision

Instead of one unknown THC strain, our sublingual oil delivers seven defined cannabinoids at specific ratios:

• CBD: 4,500mg – For anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory effects, especially relevant for seasonal affective disorder and anxiety that intensify during our long winters
• CBG: 3,000mg – For neuroprotection and potential benefits for nerve pain common in fishing injuries
• Delta-8 THC: 6,000mg – Provides therapeutic THC effects with less anxiety/panic than delta-9, crucial for patients new to cannabis
• THCa: 1,500mg – The non-psychoactive precursor you control (more on this below)
• Delta-9 THC: 90mg – Just enough to stay Farm Bill compliant while providing trace therapeutic effects
• CBN: 750mg – For sleep support during those endless summer days when darkness never comes
• CBC: 750mg – For potential neurogenic benefits, relevant to traumatic brain injuries

Total: 16,590mg cannabinoids in every 30mL bottle (553mg/mL)

2. Live Terpenes at 5%

Traditional RSO destroyed terpenes with heat. Our formula restores them:

• Limonene – Citrus brightness that counters winter darkness
• Myrcene – Earthy depth for relaxation
• Caryophyllene – Peppery spice that activates CB2 receptors for inflammation
• Pinene – Forest-fresh clarity for mental fog
• Linalool – Lavender calm for anxiety and PTSD
• Humulene – Woody anti-inflammatory for joint pain
• Terpinolene – Complex fruity notes that round the experience

These aren’t just for flavor—they represent the entourage effect that Simpson’s crude oil lacked.

3. Patient-Controlled Potency via THCa

This is the game-changer for Alaska. THCa is non-psychoactive in its raw form. You decide whether to use it as-is for daytime relief without impairment, or decarboxylate it at home into full-potency THC.

Here’s how it works:

• Raw (No Heat): All 1,500mg stays as THCa—completely non-psychoactive. Perfect for working on the fishing boat, driving to the airport in Juneau, or staying present for family during the day
• Home Decarboxylation: Heat at 260°F for 45-60 minutes in an oven-safe glass container. This converts 1,500mg THCa → ~1,315mg delta-9 THC. Combined with the existing 90mg, you get ~1,405mg total delta-9 THC—comparable to traditional illegal RSO, legally, because you activated it yourself
• Partial Activation: Transfer just what you need to a separate container, decarb only that portion, and keep the rest raw. Flexibility for different days and different needs

The chemistry: 1mg THCa converts to 0.877mg delta-9 THC. You control the conversion. The product ships Farm Bill compliant (<0.3% delta-9 THC), but you control the final potency.

4. Solvent-Free, Lab-Tested Production

No naphtha. No butane. No isopropyl alcohol. Our cannabinoids are individual distillates and isolates blended in a controlled environment with organic MCT oil as the carrier.

Every batch is third-party tested for:

• Cannabinoid potency (±2% accuracy)
• Pesticides (400+ compounds)
• Heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury)
• Residual solvents (FDA Class 3 limits <5,000 ppm)
• Microbial contaminants (E. coli, Salmonella, Aspergillus)

Certificates of Analysis are available for every bottle—something Simpson could never provide.

5. Two Formats for Different Alaska Needs

Sublingual Oil ($129.99, 30mL bottle):

• 553mg cannabinoids per mL
• Onset: 15-45 minutes
• Duration: 4-6 hours
• Bioavailability: 13-19%
• Perfect for sustained relief during long work days or overnight sleep support
• Graduated dropper for precise 0.1mL dosing

Vape Cartridge ($49.99, 1g):

• 900mg+ total cannabinoids
• Onset: 1-2 minutes
• Duration: 2-4 hours
• Bioavailability: 10-35%
• For breakthrough pain, acute nausea, or panic attacks when you need relief now
• 510-thread compatible—works with standard batteries available online

When to Use Which Format in Southeast Alaska

Farm Bill Compliance: Why This Ships Legally to Alaska

The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived products containing less than 0.3% delta-9 THC.

Our sublingual oil contains only 90mg delta-9 THC in the entire 30mL bottle—that’s 0.3% by weight, fully compliant.

Alaska-specific considerations:

• State law: Alaska legalized adult-use cannabis in 2014, but remote access remains limited. Our hemp-derived products are legal under both federal and state law
• No medical card required: Anyone 21+ can purchase—crucial for residents who don’t have easy access to Juneau’s limited medical cannabis dispensary
• Shipping to rural Alaska: We ship nationwide via USPS Priority Mail (2-3 days to Anchorage, then local distribution), FedEx, and UPS. All packages include COAs and legal documentation
• Customs for international customers: If you’re in Canada (easily accessible from Southeast Alaska) or elsewhere, we provide full documentation. You assume local legal responsibility

Important: THCa converts to delta-9 THC when heated. This is legal because conversion happens at your discretion after purchase.

How OilWell’s Formulas Connect to Real Science

Every cannabinoid and terpene in our formulas is cited in peer-reviewed literature. Unlike Simpson’s anecdotal claims, we anchor each compound to actual research:

• CBD anxiolytic effects: 2024 meta-analysis of 316 participants [3]
• CBD pain relief: 2024 systematic review showing promising but heterogeneous results [4]
• Delta-8 THC antiemetic: Established in preclinical literature [9]
• THCa anti-inflammatory: COX-2 inhibition and PPARγ agonism documented [12]
• CBN sleep: 2021 review found no validated trials supporting strong sleep claims [16]—we’re honest about limitations
• Caryophyllene CB2 activation: 2021 review confirms selective CB2 agonism [24]
• Entourage effect: 2024 comprehensive review acknowledges plausibility but limited human proof [20]

We don’t cherry-pick. We present the science as it is, which is why Alaskans who’ve been burned by false promises can trust us.

Media Recognition: Why ABC13 Houston’s Coverage Matters to Alaska

You might wonder: why should you care that a Houston news station featured us seven times? Because in the cannabis industry, mainstream media validation from a major ABC affiliate is a credibility signal that transcends geography.

The timeline shows consistency and expertise:

• September 2019: “I’m not trying to sell people snake oil”—our foundational philosophy
• March 2021: Discussed decriminalization and therapy for veterans with PTSD—relevant to Alaska’s high veteran population
• May 2021: Radical honesty about Delta-8 THC effects, even when uncomfortable
• August 2021: $35,000 in product donated to encourage COVID vaccination—community health commitment
• October 2021: Proactively removed Delta-8 products before enforcement and warned other operators—ethical leadership
• October 2022: Revealed Colin’s personal marijuana conviction history—authenticity that resonates with Alaskans who’ve faced legal consequences
• April 2023: Framed the current moment as a “Renaissance”—optimism grounded in reality

Five different reporters sought us out because we don’t spin. We tell the truth, even when it’s complicated. That matters when you’re ordering medicine from 3,000 miles away.

Competitive Comparison: Why OilWell Stands Alone

vs. Alaska Dispensaries (Juneau, Anchorage)

vs. CBD-Only Hemp Products

You’re getting 16 times more cannabinoids with full-spectrum benefits and psychoactive control at a fraction of the cost per milligram.

vs. Traditional Illegal RSO

This was covered in our earlier comparison table, but the key point for Alaska: traditional RSO’s solvent risks and unknown potency are unacceptable when you’re hours from emergency care. Our solvent-free, lab-tested approach is non-negotiable for remote living.

Condition-Specific Guidance for Hoonah-Angoon Residents

Chronic Pain (Fishing Injuries, Arthritis, Fibromyalgia)

Daytime (working on boat, processing fish):

• 0.3-0.5mL raw sublingual (non-psychoactive)
• Provides anti-inflammatory effects via CBD, CBG, THCa, and caryophyllene without impairment

Nighttime (aches keeping you awake):

• 1.0mL decarboxylated sublingual
• Combines pain relief with 25mg CBN for sleep

Breakthrough (weather change flare-ups):

• 2-3 vape puffs for 1-2 minute onset relief

Evidence: CBD pain relief [4], delta-9 THC pain evidence [13], caryophyllene CB2 activation [24], THCa COX-2 inhibition [12]

Cancer Support (During Chemo in Juneau)

Pre-chemo (before flight to Juneau):

• 0.5-1.0mL sublingual 1 hour before treatment

Acute nausea (at Cancer Center):

• 2-3 vape puffs for immediate relief

Post-chemo (back home):

• 0.5mL sublingual every 6 hours
• 1.0-2.0mL before bed for sleep

Evidence: Delta-8 antiemetic [9], delta-9 THC nausea control [1][13], CBD anxiety buffering [3]

PTSD & Anxiety (Veterans, Trauma Survivors)

Daytime functional relief:

• 0.3mL raw sublingual
• CBD and CBG address anxiety pathways without impairment

Night (nightmares, insomnia):

• 1.0mL sublingual (delivers 25mg CBN)

Acute episodes:

• Vape as needed for rapid onset

Evidence: CBD anxiety meta-analysis [3], CBG pharmacology [7][8], limonene entourage effect [20]

Sleep Disorders (Midnight Sun, Seasonal Shifts)

Before bed:

• 1.0-2.0mL sublingual
• At 2.0mL: 50mg CBN, the dosage level in 2024 sleep literature [16][17]
• At 1.0mL: 25mg CBN, above threshold for reduced sleep disturbance

Evidence: CBN sleep research [16][17], cannabis and sleep review [17]

Practical Dosing Guidance for Remote Living

Start Low, Go Slow (Especially Important in Alaska)

Begin with 0.25-0.5mL sublingual and assess effects over 2-3 hours before increasing. Individual responses vary based on:

• Body weight and metabolism
• Concurrent medications (especially if you’re seeing multiple providers)
• Previous cannabis experience
• Liver function (relevant given Alaska’s higher rates of alcohol-related liver disease)
• Helicopter/airplane travel (changes in altitude don’t affect cannabinoids, but dehydration does)

Titration Schedule for Remote Patients:

• Week 1: 0.25mL twice daily (morning and evening)
• Week 2: If tolerated, increase to 0.5mL twice daily
• Week 3+: Adjust by 0.25mL increments based on response

Keep a log: Given limited face time with healthcare providers, document your doses, timing, and effects. This helps when you do get to see your provider in Juneau.

Safety Considerations for Alaskan Patients

Drug Interactions

CBD and other cannabinoids can affect liver enzymes that metabolize medications. This is critical if you’re taking:

• Blood thinners (warfarin)
• Seizure medications
• Chemotherapy drugs
• Anti-anxiety medications
• Pain medications

Always inform your healthcare provider about cannabinoid use, even if they’re skeptical. Bring your COA to show exact contents.

Mental Health

High-dose THC can trigger anxiety, panic, or psychosis in susceptible individuals. Our formula keeps delta-9 THC low (90mg total) but delta-8 THC and decarboxylated THCa are psychoactive. If you have a history of mental health conditions, start with raw (non-decarbed) oil only.

Pregnancy and Nursing

NCCIH advises against cannabis use during pregnancy. We echo that caution for pregnant or nursing residents.

Pediatric Exposure

Keep all products locked away. In small villages where homes are close and children visit freely, accidental ingestion is a serious risk. Our child-resistant packaging helps, but vigilance is essential.

Operating Vehicles

Do not drive, operate boats, or use heavy machinery after taking psychoactive doses. The raw (non-decarbed) option exists specifically so you can function during work hours.

Shipping to the Hoonan-Angoon Census Area: What You Need to Know

We ship to every community in the Hoonah-Angoon Census Area:

Main Communities Served:

• Hoonah (including all surrounding areas)
• Angoon
• Tenakee Springs
• Pelican
• Game Creek
• All logging camps and seasonal residences

Shipping Options:

• USPS Priority Mail: 2-3 days to Anchorage distribution, then local delivery. Typically 5-7 business days total to Hoonah/Angoon
• FedEx/UPS Ground: 3-5 days to Anchorage, then local. Typically 7-10 business days
• Signature Required: Available for added security in shared mail situations common in villages
• Temperature-Stable Packaging: Essential for Alaska’s summer heat and winter cold—prevents degradation

What We Include:

• Full Certificate of Analysis (COA) for each product
• Legal documentation showing Farm Bill compliance
• Receipt with batch number for your records
• Clear instructions for decarboxylation (if desired)
• QR code linking to this complete guide

Customs for Canadian Residents: If you’re in Hyder (accessible only through Canada) or traveling to Canada, you accept all customs risk. We provide full documentation, but Canadian hemp laws differ from US laws. Check local regulations before ordering.

The Evidence Base: What We Know vs. What We Don’t

We believe Alaskans deserve honesty over hype. Here’s the real science:

Strong Human Evidence:

• CBD for seizures: FDA-approved for certain epilepsies [1][2]
• Delta-9 THC for chemo nausea: FDA-approved synthetic analogues [1][13]
• CBD for anxiety: 2024 meta-analysis shows significant but limited clinical sample [3]

Promising But Emerging:

• CBD for pain: Heterogeneous evidence, needs more trials [4]
• Delta-8 THC: Similar to delta-9 but less potent, safety data incomplete [9]-[11]
• CBG, CBC: Strong preclinical signals, limited human data [7][8][18][19]

Weak Evidence:

• CBN for sleep: No validated trials found in recent review [16][17]
• Terpenes: Preclinical plausibility but limited human confirmation [20][29]

We include compounds even when evidence is emerging because the entourage effect hypothesis suggests synergy. But we never overstate what the science proves.

Why We Publish Our Formulas (The Open-Source Promise)

Rick Simpson gave his oil away for free. We can’t do that at scale, but we can do the next best thing: publish exactly what’s in our formulas so you can make your own if you choose.

The sublingual oil formula (published above): Every milligram amount is listed. If you can source individual cannabinoid distillates, you can replicate this. We want you to have options, not depend on us.

The Bentley story connection: When Colin’s dog was dying, he published the CBD golden paste recipe that saved Bentley’s life. That same ethos drives our RSO transparency. We’re not hiding proprietary secrets—we’re sharing knowledge that helps people.

Addressing Alaska-Specific Concerns

“Will this get me in trouble with the law in Alaska?”

No. Alaska legalized adult-use cannabis in 2014. Our hemp-derived products contain <0.3% delta-9 THC, meeting federal Farm Bill standards. You can legally possess and use these products statewide. However, if you decarboxylate THCa into THC, you are creating a psychoactive substance. This is legal for personal use in Alaska but could affect employment drug tests.

“What about VPSO or troopers in villages?”

Village Public Safety Officers and Alaska State Troopers enforce state law, not federal hemp regulations. Since our products meet Alaska’s legal standards, you’re not violating state law. Keep your COA handy—it’s your proof of compliance.

“I don’t want to be impaired during fishing season.”

Perfect. Use the raw (non-decarbed) sublingual oil. THCa provides anti-inflammatory benefits without psychoactivity. You can work, drive, and operate equipment normally.

“I need something strong for nights when the pain is unbearable.”

Decarboxylate your dose or use the vape cartridge. You’ll get the full psychoactive effects comparable to traditional RSO, legally, because you control the activation.

“I’m on Suboxone/Methadone. Can I use this?”

Cannabinoids and opioids can have additive sedative effects. Consult your MAT provider in Juneau or Sitka before combining. Start with very low doses and monitor carefully.

“My elder is interested but skeptical of ‘drugs.'”

Respect that perspective. Share the COA showing it’s hemp-derived and legal. Emphasize the non-psychoactive raw option. Many Tlingit elders have traditional plant knowledge and may appreciate the connection to botanical medicine.

The Complete Product Specifications

RSO Sublingual Oil – $129.99

• Volume: 30mL (1 fl oz)
• Total Cannabinoids: 16,590mg
• Concentration: 553mg/mL
• Doses per bottle: 40-60 depending on serving size
• Base: Organic MCT oil
• Carrier: Glass bottle with graduated dropper
• Storage: Cool, dark place. Avoid freezing (can cause separation)

RSO Vape Cartridge – $49.99

• Volume: 1 gram
• Total Cannabinoids: 900mg+
• Thread: 510 universal
• Battery: Not included (available online or in vape shops)
• Storage: Room temperature. Avoid extreme cold (can thicken oil)

Terpene Profile (Both Products)

• Limonene (citrus-bright)
• Myrcene
• Caryophyllene (pepper/spice)
• Pinene (forest-fresh)
• Linalool (lavender)
• Humulene (earthy)
• Terpinolene (piney/fruity)

The aroma profile evokes Southeast Alaska’s cedar forests and coastal air—familiar, grounding scents that make the medicine experience less clinical.

How to Order from Hoonah-Angoon

Online: oilwellcbd.com

Phone: (832) 416-2816 (Call between 10am-7pm Central Time)

Email: [email protected]

Payment: All major credit cards, no cash on delivery

Delivery Address: Use your physical address (not just PO Box) for FedEx/UPS. USPS can deliver to PO Boxes.

Questions to Ask When Ordering:

1. “I’m in Angoon—what’s the typical delivery time to Southeast Alaska?”
2. “Can you include extra COAs for my records?”
3. “I want to try the raw option first—should I order a vape cartridge too for breakthrough pain?”
4. “Do you have any Alaska customers I could connect with for community feedback?” (Answer: We can facilitate community connections through our customer network)

Community Support: Alaska’s Cannabis Network

While we’re based in Houston, we maintain connections with Alaskan patients through:

• Private online community: Connect with other Hoonah-Angoon residents using our products
• Provider education: We’ll send COAs and research packets to your healthcare provider in Juneau or Sitka
• Veteran resources: We work with veteran organizations across Alaska familiar with cannabinoid therapy

Final Thoughts: Why OilWell Belongs in Your Medicine Cabinet

We didn’t start this company in a boardroom. We started it when Bentley—the dog who stood by Colin through McAllen’s violence and trauma—was paralyzed and facing euthanasia. That same desperation drives families in Hoonah and Angoon when the clinic says there’s nothing more to do.

We built OilWell on three truths:

1. Honest education beats hype—especially when you’re making decisions without a specialist down the hall
2. Access is everything—if you can’t get it to Hoonah, it doesn’t matter how good it is
3. Patient control matters—you know your body, your work schedule, your family’s needs better than any doctor 100 miles away

The Hoonah-Angoon Census Area deserves the same quality of cannabinoid medicine as Houston’s Texas Medical Center. Our formulas, our testing, our open-source transparency—we’re bringing medical-grade precision to the Last Frontier.

Bentley lived ten more years because Colin refused to accept “there’s nothing we can do.” We bring that same refusal to accept inadequate options to every patient in Southeast Alaska.

Order today. Ship to your village. Take control.

Order RSO Sublingual Oil – $129.99

Order RSO Vape Cartridge – $49.99

View Complete RSO Guide & Science

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider before use. Must be 21+. Keep out of reach of children. Do not operate vehicles or machinery under the influence of psychoactive cannabinoids. Buyer responsible for compliance with local laws. Product contains <0.3% delta-9 THC by weight. THCa converts to delta-9 THC when heated. Use responsibly.