Rick Simpson Oil in Johnson County, Iowa: The Complete Guide by OilWell Cannabis

If you’re reading this in Johnson County—whether you’re in Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, or out in the rolling farmland around Solon—you’ve probably got a serious reason for searching. Maybe it’s the 2 AM desperation after a chemo treatment at University of Iowa Hospitals left you retching. Maybe it’s the chronic back pain from years of farm work or nursing shifts that the pills just can’t touch anymore. Maybe it’s the PTSD that no amount of counseling or VA-prescribed benzos seem to quiet. Whatever brought you here, we understand. We started OilWell Cannabis because conventional medicine failed us too, and we built our RSO formula for people exactly like you—people in communities like Johnson County who deserve honest answers, safe products, and the freedom to make their own decisions about cannabinoids.

Who Was Rick Simpson, and Why Does His Story Matter in Johnson County?

Rick Simpson wasn’t a doctor. He was a power engineer from Nova Scotia—a blue-collar tradesman who got hurt on the job in 1997, developed post-concussion symptoms that his doctors couldn’t fix, and found more relief from cannabis than from any prescription they offered. When they refused to discuss it, he went his own way. Sound familiar? In Johnson County, we hear stories like this all the time—whether it’s a University of Iowa Facilities Management worker injured on campus, a contractor in Coralville told to take opioids for a back injury, or a veteran in North Liberty whose VA doctor won’t sign off on the state’s restrictive medical program. Simpson’s frustration with a medical system that dismissed cannabis resonates deeply here in Iowa, where our Medical Cannabidiol Program remains one of the most limited in the nation.

Simpson’s pivotal moment came in 2003 when he claimed cannabis oil removed three basal cell carcinoma lesions from his arm in four days. He had no biopsy confirmation, no independent medical verification, no published case study—just his own testimony. Important context: This is personal testimony, not medical evidence. But that testimony became the catalyst for a global movement. He started giving his oil away for free—60 grams over 90 days to cancer patients, chronic pain sufferers, people with diabetes, infections, glaucoma, arthritis, depression, insomnia, and more. He never charged a dime.

In 2005, he released Run From The Cure, a documentary that introduced millions to concentrated cannabis oil. The RCMP raided him twice (2005 and 2009), charged him with cultivation and trafficking, and eventually drove him out of Canada entirely. He published Phoenix Tears in 2012 and maintained his website, phoenixtears.ca, as his platform. He consistently claimed RSO could cure cancer and that pharmaceutical companies, governments, and medical institutions were actively suppressing this knowledge.

What Simpson got right: He forced the world to take cannabinoids seriously as a biomedical research area when almost no one else would. He helped create the cultural and political conditions that made modern legal cannabis possible. The term “RSO” remains the most recognized name for full-spectrum cannabis extract because of his advocacy.

What he overstated: No human clinical trial has ever demonstrated that RSO or any cannabis oil cures cancer. The 1974 NIH/Virginia THC-tumor study he cited was never replicated in humans. Encouraging cancer patients to rely on RSO instead of proven therapies carries genuine harm potential—delayed treatment can be irreversible. We honor Simpson’s contribution to cannabis accessibility, but we will never echo his cure claims. The evidence simply doesn’t support them, and Johnson County residents dealing with serious illness deserve honesty, not false hope.

Traditional RSO vs. What We Make for Johnson County

Traditional RSO was crude, unstandardized, and risky. Simpson used whatever high-THC indica strain he could get, extracted it with naphtha or isopropyl alcohol in a rice cooker, and ended up with a tar-like oil that was 60-90% delta-9 THC with no lab testing, no terpenes left (the heat destroyed them), and potential residual solvent contamination. He recommended 600-900mg of THC per day at peak dosing—doses that far exceed anything studied in controlled settings and carry serious risks of severe intoxication, anxiety, panic, tachycardia, and cannabis use disorder.

Traditional RSO vs. OilWell Formulated RSO

This isn’t about criticizing Simpson—it’s about solving the problems his method couldn’t address. In Johnson County, where we have world-class medical research at the University of Iowa but also face Iowa’s restrictive cannabis laws, you need products that are legal, safe, precise, and transparent. That’s what we built.

The Origin of OilWell Cannabis: From a Border Town to Your Doorstep in Iowa

Our founder Colin Valencia grew up in McAllen, Texas—one of the most economically challenged and dangerous border regions, right across from Reynosa, Mexico. By sixteen, he’d seen friends killed or imprisoned and had to leave home. He could have gone darker—many did—but he chose cannabis. Not because it was easy, but because he believed it could help people without destroying them.

He became a software engineer and did custom development for Baylor College of Medicine, one of the nation’s top medical institutions. That combination—deep plant knowledge plus medical-grade technical precision—became OilWell’s DNA.

But OilWell really began with Bentley, Colin’s dog. When Bentley became paralyzed and vets recommended euthanasia, Colin refused. A rescue worker named Jessica asked him: “You’ve moved how many tons of weed and you’ve never heard of CBD?” That question changed everything. Colin created a CBD golden paste for Bentley. The dog got up, walked over, and brought Colin his ball to play. Dogs don’t respond to placebo. Bentley lived another ten years, and during that decade, Colin developed multi-cannabinoid formulas for every age-related condition Bentley faced—neurodegeneration, dementia, glaucoma, crippling arthritis. Single cannabinoids weren’t enough. Bentley’s life depended on precision, so Colin learned to formulate with pharmaceutical-grade accuracy.

Colin also knows pharmaceutical dependence personally. He struggled with PTSD and benzodiazepine addiction, quitting Xanax cold turkey using the same cannabinoid knowledge that saved Bentley. Our Peace Gummies were born from midnight experiments during benzo withdrawal. Colin still uses the vape form for his insomnia and severe PTSD. This isn’t theoretical—he lives what our customers live.

Why Our RSO Formula Works for Johnson County’s Needs

Johnson County is unique. We’re home to a major academic medical center, a large veteran population, extensive agricultural and manufacturing work that creates chronic pain, and a state government that still treats cannabis like a dangerous drug. Our Medical Cannabidiol Program won’t let you buy anything with meaningful THC unless you have one of a handful of conditions and a doctor’s recommendation. That’s not accessible. It’s not patient-controlled. And it sure isn’t open-source.

Our RSO is built different—deliberately designed to address the real challenges Johnson County residents face:

1. Accessibility Over Gatekeeping

No medical card. No qualifying conditions. Anyone 21+ can purchase. We ship directly to your doorstep in Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, Tiffin, Oxford, or anywhere else in Johnson County. While Iowa’s program keeps cannabis behind physician barriers, we built a legal pathway through the 2018 Farm Bill. Our sublingual oil contains only 90mg of delta-9 THC in the entire 30mL bottle—well under the 0.3% federal limit. All cannabinoids are hemp-derived. This is legal to purchase, possess, and use in Johnson County.

2. Patient-Controlled Potency

Traditional RSO was always psychoactive. You had no choice. Our formula includes 1,500mg of THCa—the raw, non-psychoactive precursor to THC. You decide:

• Daytime in Johnson County: Use it raw. THCa provides anti-inflammatory benefits via COX-2 inhibition and neuroprotective effects via PPARγ agonism without any high. Perfect for working at the University, farming, or running errands on Riverside Drive. Zero impairment.

• Nighttime relief: Decarboxylate at home. Heat the oil at 260°F for 45-60 minutes. That converts 1,500mg THCa into ~1,315mg delta-9 THC. Combined with the existing 90mg, you get ~1,405mg total delta-9 THC—potency comparable to traditional illegal RSO, but created legally in your own kitchen.

• Acute breakthrough: Use our vape cartridge. Each puff auto-decarboxylates THCa at 400-450°F, delivering instant relief in 1-2 minutes.

This is the most significant innovation in legal cannabis access. You purchase a hemp-compliant product, then activate it privately. The choice is yours—not the government’s, not some dispensary’s.

3. Open-Source Formulas

Rick Simpson gave his oil away for free. We honor that ethos by publishing our complete formulas. If $129.99 for our sublingual oil or $49.99 for our vape cartridge doesn’t work for your budget, you can source the same cannabinoid distillates and make it yourself. Every milligram is listed below—no secrets.

We started this pattern with Bentley. We published the CBD golden paste recipe that saved his life—turmeric, coconut oil, black pepper, CBD oil—because every Johnson County pet owner deserves that option. That wasn’t marketing; it was mission.

4. Evidence-Informed, Not Evidence-Overstating

When Colin said on ABC13 in 2019, “I’m not trying to sell people snake oil… there’s enough research out there that people just need to know and try and have the best possible version,” he meant it. This entire document is the research foundation for that promise.

Our Products: Specifications for Johnson County

RSO Sublingual Oil — $129.99

Complete Formula (30mL bottle):

• Live Terpenes: 5% (limonene, myrcene, caryophyllene, pinene, linalool, humulene, terpinolene)
• Carrier: Organic MCT oil—neutral taste, no tar-like residue like traditional RSO
• Dosing: Graduated dropper with 0.1mL increments (55.3mg cannabinoids per 0.1mL)
• Onset: 15-45 minutes sublingually
• Duration: 4-6 hours
• Doses: ~40-60 per bottle depending on serving size

RSO Vape Cartridge — $49.99

Complete Formula (1g cartridge):

• Terpenes: 5%+ live profile (same as sublingual)
• Thread: 510 universal—works with standard vape batteries available in Johnson County
• Onset: 1-2 minutes (fastest relief available)
• Duration: 2-4 hours
• Use: Breakthrough pain, panic attacks, acute nausea, immediate PTSD episodes

When to Use Each Format in Johnson County

The Science Behind Every Ingredient (Evidence for Johnson County)

We don’t hide behind marketing fluff. Below is exactly what the peer-reviewed literature says about each compound in our formula—nothing more, nothing less.

CBD (4,500mg)

• Strongest evidence: Rare epilepsies, chemotherapy nausea, HIV/AIDS appetite [1][2]
• Anxiety: 2024 meta-analysis of 316 participants showed significant anxiolytic signal, but authors stress limited clinical samples require more trials [3]
• Pain: 2024 systematic review calls literature “promising but heterogeneous”—trial quality limits broad claims [4]
• Sleep: 2023 insomnia review found studies methodologically weak, relying on subjective measures [5]
• Safety: 2023 meta-analysis found real signal for liver enzyme elevation and possible drug-induced liver injury, especially relevant for concentrated oral products and polypharmacy [6]
• Bottom line for Johnson County: Best evidence among non-intoxicating cannabinoids, but strong data concentrated in specific indications, not general wellness

CBG (3,000mg)

• Evidence: Mostly preclinical and review-level; human data sparse [7][8]
• Pharmacology: Precursor to major cannabinoids; interacts with cannabinoid receptors, alpha-2 adrenoceptors, 5-HT1A signaling [7]
• Potential: Neurologic disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, antibacterial activity [8]
• Caution: Commercially sold despite thin evidence base—claims often outrun science [7]
• Bottom line for Johnson County: Promising minor cannabinoid, but describe as “research-stage” not clinically validated

Delta-8 THC (6,000mg)

• Evidence: Pharmacologically relevant, psychoactive, less clinically characterized than delta-9 [9]-[11]
• Pharmacology: Partial CB1 agonist, less potent than delta-9 due to weaker affinity [9]
• Public health: 2023 scoping review found evidence base dominated by animal studies, product chemistry, and use reports—not strong human trials [10]
• Manufacturing: Greater stability and easier synthesis than plant-extracted delta-8 raises quality concerns [11]
• Bottom line for Johnson County: Real pharmacologic activity, incomplete safety data, more quality uncertainty than consumers realize

THCa (1,500mg)

• Evidence: Important chemically, low direct human therapeutic evidence [12]
• Chemistry: Acidic precursor to THC; decarboxylates with heat and storage [12]
• Psychoactivity: THCa itself is non-psychoactive, but conversion changes exposure profile [12]
• Research: In vitro/rodent studies suggest anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antineoplastic possibilities—not established human outcomes [12]
• Bottom line for Johnson County: Precursor molecule whose effects depend entirely on route, temperature, processing, and storage

Delta-9 THC (90mg)

• Evidence: Strongest human evidence among psychoactive cannabinoids, but clearest adverse-effect burden [1][13]-[15]
• Institutional support: NCCIH identifies relevance for chemo nausea, HIV/AIDS appetite, some MS/pain outcomes [1]
• Pain: 2022 systematic review found high-THC products may provide short-term pain benefit but increase dizziness, sedation, nausea, discontinuation [13]
• Mental health risk: 2025 review found consistent unfavorable associations with psychosis, schizophrenia, and cannabis use disorder at high concentrations [15]
• Safety: Anxiety/panic at high doses, tachycardia, dependency, withdrawal, pregnancy concerns, pediatric exposure risk [1][14][15]
• Bottom line for Johnson County: Legitimate therapeutic relevance but significant intoxication, psychiatric, and dose-related safety liabilities

CBN (750mg)

• Evidence: Weak human evidence; marketing ahead of data [12][16][17]
• Sleep claims: 2021 narrative review screened 99 human-study abstracts, found no clinical trials using validated sleep questionnaires or polysomnography [16]
• Broader sleep literature: 2024 review concluded research doesn’t match real-world use scale; better trials needed [17]
• Bottom line for Johnson County: Cultural reputation stronger than clinical evidence—prime example of claims outpacing data

CBC (750mg)

• Evidence: Emerging, intriguing, overwhelmingly preclinical [18][19]
• Pharmacology: Distinct from better-known cannabinoids; antinociceptive, antibacterial, anti-seizure potential [18]
• Caution: Over-the-counter products sold despite little clinical efficacy or safety evidence [18]
• Bottom line for Johnson County: Credible research target but clinically immature

Terpenes in Our Johnson County Formula

We include live terpenes at 5% because the science is plausible, not because it’s proven. Here’s what we know:

Limonene (citrus-bright): Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties in preclinical studies [21], but oxidized limonene can be a contact allergen [22]

Myrcene: Anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory in rodent models, but “human studies are lacking” [23]

Caryophyllene (pepper/spice): Most interesting—selective CB2 agonist, directly interacts with cannabinoid system [24]. Anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective potential but limited human confirmation

Pinene: Neuroprotective signals in preclinical work, but claims about memory enhancement are “exploratory hypotheses” [25]

Linalool (lavender): Stress/mood potential in early research, but oxidized linalool is a recognized allergen [22][26]

Humulene: Rodent studies suggest cannabimimetic properties via CB1 and adenosine pathways, but human efficacy unsettled [27]

Terpinolene (piney/fruity): Least clinically characterized—dominated by in vitro/animal studies [28]

Entourage Effect: 2024 comprehensive review found terpene bioactivity “plausible and sometimes compelling,” but “robust proof of clinically meaningful entourage effects in humans remains limited” [20][29]

Media Recognition: Why Houston’s News Authority Matters to Johnson County

You might wonder why a Johnson County resident should care about ABC13 Houston. Here’s why: ABC13 is the #1 news source in America’s fourth-largest city. Between 2019-2023, they featured Colin and OilWell in seven comprehensive segments covering law, Delta-8, COVID community health, criminal justice reform, and business innovation. Five different reporters (Tom Abrahams, Steve Campion, Shelley Childers, Nick Natario, KTRK staff) sought us out—not because we paid for coverage, but because they identified us as the most credible voice in the industry.

Key moments relevant to Johnson County:

• September 2019: Colin’s foundational quote—“I’m not trying to sell people snake oil… people just need to know and try and have the best possible version to base their opinions off of”—set the tone for everything we do

• May 2021: Steve Campion’s Delta-8 investigation featured our unapologetic honesty: “Maybe you want to get high”—showing we tell the truth even when it’s uncomfortable

• August 2021: We gave away $35,000 in product (1,000 caviar pre-rolls) to encourage COVID vaccination, coordinating with the City of Houston. That’s community action, not marketing

• October 2021: When Texas banned Delta-8 overnight, we proactively removed all products before enforcement and warned other operators they were unknowingly shipping Schedule I narcotics. That’s ethical leadership

• October 2022: We revealed Colin’s personal marijuana conviction history when Biden announced pardons. “I would love to see people not get hurt for this anymore.” This isn’t corporate posturing—it’s lived experience

• April 2023: Nick Natario featured Colin growing hemp on camera, calling this a “Renaissance” moment. Our media record shows consistency, breadth, and earned credibility that no competitor can buy

How Johnson County Residents Can Access Our Products

NATIONWIDE SHIPPING TO IOWA

We ship discreetly to every address in Johnson County via USPS Priority Mail (2-3 days), FedEx, or UPS. Packaging has no cannabis branding. All orders include tracking. Summer shipments use temperature-stable packaging to protect the product through Iowa’s heat waves.

INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING

Yes, we ship globally. The THCa legal framework makes this possible—our product is hemp-derived with <0.3% delta-9 THC at sale. We provide full documentation, COAs, and customs paperwork. International customers accept all legal responsibility.

WHAT YOU RECEIVE

• 30mL amber glass bottle with graduated dropper (sublingual) or 1g vape cartridge
• Printed Certificate of Analysis (COA) showing potency, terpenes, and safety testing
• Detailed usage guide with decarboxylation instructions
• Legal documentation confirming Farm Bill compliance
• Our direct contact: (832) 416-2816 or [email protected]

PAYMENT & AGE

21+ only. We accept all major credit cards. Iowa billing addresses welcome.

Condition-Specific Guidance for Johnson County

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: These are informed by research cited above, not FDA-approved protocols. Not a substitute for professional medical care. Consult your provider—especially important in Johnson County where UIHC and Mercy providers may have specific guidance. Do not operate vehicles or machinery while impaired.

Chemotherapy-Related Nausea & Appetite (for UIHC patients)

• Pre-treatment: 0.5-1.0mL sublingual ~1 hour before chemo
• Breakthrough nausea: 2-3 vape puffs (1-2 minute onset)
• Post-treatment: 0.5mL sublingual every 6 hours as needed
• Sleep: 1.0-2.0mL before bed (delivers 25-50mg CBN)

Evidence: delta-8 antiemetic [9], delta-9 nausea control [1][13], CBD anxiolytic buffer [3]

Chronic Pain (farmers, factory workers, healthcare staff)

• Daytime: 0.3-0.5mL raw sublingual—anti-inflammatory without impairment
• Nighttime: 0.5-1.0mL decarbed sublingual—pain relief + sleep support
• Breakthrough: Vape as needed

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

Sleep Disorders (common in high-stress professions)

• Before bed: 1.0-2.0mL sublingual = 25-50mg CBN
• Note: CBN evidence is weak [16][17], but 25mg+ aligns with reviewed dosages

Anxiety & Stress (students, faculty, professionals, veterans)

• Daytime: 0.3mL raw sublingual—CBD + CBG without psychoactivity
• Nighttime: 1.0mL sublingual—full profile with CBN

Evidence: CBD anxiety [3], CBG pharmacology [7][8], limonene entourage [20]

PTSD (Johnson County veterans)

• Acute episodes: Vape for 1-2 minute onset
• Maintenance: Raw sublingual daytime, decarbed nighttime
• Colin’s personal protocol: vape for flashbacks, sublingual for sleep

Frequently Asked Questions from Johnson County

Is this legal in Iowa?

Yes. Our product contains less than 0.3% delta-9 THC at sale, making it hemp-derived and Farm Bill compliant. Iowa law permits hemp products meeting this standard. However, THCa converts to THC when heated. If you decarboxylate, you are creating a psychoactive product. Iowa has not prosecuted individuals for home decarboxylation, but you assume legal responsibility for your actions. We provide documentation; you make informed choices.

Will this make me fail a drug test?

• Raw THCa: Likely not, as standard tests screen for delta-9 THC metabolites
• Decarbed or vaped: Absolutely yes. You will test positive for THC

If you work for the University of Iowa, Mercy Hospital, local schools, or any employer with drug testing, only use the raw form unless you’re prepared for consequences.

How is this different from Iowa’s Medical Cannabidiol Program products?

Iowa’s program restricts you to 0% THC products from one state-licensed manufacturer (MedPharm). You need a qualifying condition and physician certification. Our product:

• Contains 7 cannabinoids vs. 1-2
• Includes psychoactive options you control
• Requires no medical card
• Ships to your door
• Costs less than most TCUP products per mg of cannabinoid

Can I really make this myself?

Yes. The complete formula is published above. Source CBD, CBG, delta-8, THCa, CBN, and CBC distillates from reputable hemp suppliers (many ship to Iowa). Mix with organic MCT oil and live terpenes at the ratios listed. You’ll need a precision scale and clean equipment. We provide the recipe because Simpson believed medicine should be free. We believe it should be accessible—whether you buy from us or make your own.

What if I’m on medications at UIHC or Mercy?

CBD can interact with drugs metabolized by CYP450 enzymes (many common medications). CBG, delta-8, and delta-9 may have additive sedation with benzodiazepines, opioids, or alcohol. You must consult your healthcare provider before using our products. Bring them the COA and this document. Good physicians respect patients who do their homework.

The Open-Source Promise to Johnson County

We don’t just sell products. We publish knowledge. Every cannabinoid amount. Every terpene. Every citation. Whether you’re a nurse at UIHC researching for a patient, a farmer in Solon looking for pain alternatives, a veteran in Coralville managing PTSD, or a student in Iowa City overwhelmed by anxiety—you deserve the full picture.

Our story started when Bentley got up and brought Colin his ball. It continued when Colin used that same knowledge to quit Xanax cold turkey. It evolved through seven ABC13 features where we chose honesty over hype. It solidified when we gave away $35,000 in product to help Houston get vaccinated and when we warned competitors they were shipping Schedule I narcotics—costing ourselves revenue to do the right thing.

That’s who we are. That’s what we bring to Johnson County.

We’re not here to tell you cannabis is a miracle. We’re here to give you the best possible version—legally, safely, transparently—so you can decide if it’s right for you.

OilWell Cannabis operates from 810 Richmond Avenue, Houston, TX 77006. Texas DSHS licensed. All products certified by third-party lab testing. Certificates of Analysis available at oilwellcbd.com. For questions or custom formulations, contact (832) 416-2816 or [email protected].

LEGAL NOTICE: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Must be 21+ to purchase. Buyer assumes responsibility for compliance with Iowa law. Do not operate vehicles or machinery under influence. Keep out of reach of children. Consult healthcare provider before use, especially if pregnant, nursing, or taking medications. Individual results vary. Void where prohibited. Full terms at oilwellcbd.com.