Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) in Lee County, Iowa: The Complete Guide for Southeastern Iowa Residents

If you’re reading this from Fort Madison, Keokuk, or anywhere across Lee County’s rolling Mississippi River bluffs, you’ve probably heard whispers about Rick Simpson Oil. Maybe your neighbor mentioned it at the Tri-State Rodeo. Perhaps a fellow veteran at the VFW post in West Point brought it up. Or you’re one of the many folks in our tight-knit agricultural community who’s grown tired of watching the opioid crisis devastate families while searching for honest alternatives to manage chronic pain, cancer treatment side effects, or PTSD.

We wrote this guide because Lee County deserves the full truth — not the hype, not the miracles, and certainly not the snake oil. Here in southeastern Iowa, where we prize self-reliance and straight talk, you need science-based information that respects both your intelligence and our community’s values. Whether you’re a farmer dealing with decades of back pain, a senior citizen in Keokuk looking for sleep support, or a caregiver in Denmark (yes, we serve that little Denmark, Iowa, too), everything in this guide is anchored to peer-reviewed research and our own hard-won experience.

Who Was Rick Simpson, and Why Does His Story Still Matter to Iowans?

Rick Simpson wasn’t a doctor — he was a Canadian power engineer, a blue-collar tradesman like many in Lee County’s manufacturing sector, who got hurt on the job in 1997. After a scaffolding fall left him with chronic pain and tinnitus, prescription medications either failed him or made things worse. Sound familiar? Across Lee County, from the industrial corridors of Fort Madison to the small family farms outside Montrose, we’ve all seen how the medical system can fall short when you need it most.

Simpson discovered cannabis provided more relief than anything his doctors prescribed, but his physician dismissed it. That’s a story we hear at OilWell practically every day from customers in Donnellson and Wever — people frustrated by the gap between what they need and what conventional medicine offers.

In 2003, Simpson claimed three bumps on his arm were diagnosed as basal cell carcinoma. He applied concentrated cannabis oil and said they disappeared in four days. Important context: No biopsy confirmed this, no doctor independently verified it, and no peer-reviewed study documented the outcome. It was personal testimony, not medical evidence. But it became the origin story of “Rick Simpson Oil” — a term now so generic that products across Iowa and Illinois bear little resemblance to what Simpson actually made.

The 1974 NIH-funded study at the Medical College of Virginia caught Simpson’s attention. It showed THC could slow tumors in mice, but those findings were never replicated in human trials. Still, that study became the spark that ignited a global movement — including the curiosity of thousands of Iowans who’ve searched “RSO cancer treatment Iowa” online.

The Traditional RSO Protocol: What Fort Madison Residents Need to Know

Simpson’s approach was specific: 60 grams of oil over 90 days. For our friends in Keokuk and across Lee County who’ve found this protocol on cancer support forums, here’s the complete breakdown with critical safety context.

The 60-Gram Escalation Schedule

Week 1: Half a grain of rice-sized dose (10-15mg) taken three times daily. That’s about 30-45mg total per day — roughly what some folks in Lee County might take in their morning CBD gummy.

Weeks 2-5: Double the dose every four days until reaching 1 gram (1,000mg) per day, split into three doses. This is where Iowans need to pay close attention.

Weeks 5-12: Maintain that 1 gram daily dose until all 60 grams are consumed.

Simpson recommended taking it sublingually (under the tongue) or swallowing it for internal cancers, and topically for skin lesions. He warned against driving during the titration period and suggested nighttime dosing initially to sleep through the psychoactive effects.

Critical Context for Lee County Residents

Here’s what most online forums won’t tell you, but what every Iowan considering this protocol deserves to know:

• No clinical trials have ever validated this 60-gram protocol for any cancer type or other condition. Not at University of Iowa Hospitals, not at Fort Madison Community Hospital, nowhere.
• Traditional RSO was crude and unstandardized. Every batch differed. The THC content could range from 60-90%, meaning at peak dosing, patients consumed 600-900mg of delta-9 THC daily. For perspective, the FDA-approved synthetic THC drug dronabinol is typically dosed at just 2.5-20mg per day.
• Real risks exist at these doses: severe intoxication, anxiety, panic, tachycardia, low blood pressure, and cannabis use disorder. In a rural community like ours where emergency services may be 20 minutes away, these aren’t trivial concerns.
• Cancer patients are medically complex. Using unregulated, untested oil as a primary treatment — potentially instead of proven therapies at places like the University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center — introduces harms that extend beyond the oil itself.

We share this not to scare you, but because Lee County values honesty over hype. If you’re dealing with cancer, please work with your oncologist. RSO can be part of a supportive care conversation, not a replacement for evidence-based treatment.

What Traditional RSO Actually Was (And Why Modern Formulas Are Different)

Many products labeled “RSO” in dispensaries across the river in Illinois or online look nothing like what Simpson made. Here’s the straight story:

Source Material: Simpson used single-strain indica cannabis with no standardization — whatever he could grow or source. In Lee County’s agricultural tradition, that’s like planting random corn seeds and hoping for consistent yield.

Extraction: He used naphtha (lighter fluid) or 99% isopropyl alcohol — neither food-grade. The solvent was evaporated in a rice cooker. This left a nearly black, tar-like oil with possible residual solvents. Modern extractions use food-grade ethanol or CO₂ with lab testing to ensure purity.

Cannabinoid Profile: Traditional RSO was 60-90% delta-9 THC, fully decarboxylated (activated). Minor cannabinoids were present at whatever ratios the plant provided — uncontrolled, unmeasured, never lab-verified.

Terpenes: Effectively zero. The heat and solvent process destroyed them. Yet terpenes contribute to the “entourage effect” that many Iowans are now learning about from more sophisticated cannabis products.

Standardization: None. Every batch was different. No Certificate of Analysis, no contaminant screening, no consistency.

Simpson’s Claims vs. The Evidence: A Straight Talk Assessment for Iowans

Simpson claimed RSO could cure cancer, diabetes, chronic pain, glaucoma, arthritis, depression, insomnia, and more. Let’s look at what the science actually says, because Lee County residents deserve facts, not false hope.

What Simpson Was Not

He wasn’t a scientist, doctor, or researcher. He never published a clinical trial. His evidence was personal experience and testimonials — no controls, no independent verification, no long-term follow-up. That matters when you’re making life-or-death health decisions.

What Preclinical Research Shows

Laboratory and animal studies have found that THC and CBD can:

• Induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in certain cancer cell lines
• Inhibit tumor proliferation
• Reduce angiogenesis (blood vessel formation that feeds tumors)

This research is scientifically interesting and ongoing at institutions worldwide. But here’s the crucial part Iowans need to understand: These findings have never translated into proven human cancer cures. The gap between Petri dish results and human outcomes is enormous — a reality every farmer in Lee County understands when they see the difference between greenhouse results and actual field performance.

What Institutions Say

• National Cancer Institute: Acknowledges cannabinoid research but does not endorse cannabis as a cancer treatment
• FDA: Has not approved any cannabis plant product for cancer treatment
• Health Canada: Never approved RSO for cancer
• NCCIH (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health): Strongest evidence is for rare epilepsies, chemo nausea, and HIV/AIDS appetite — not cancer cure

What Simpson Got Right

He drew attention to cannabinoids as serious medicine when the world ignored them. He helped create the conditions for today’s legal cannabis industry. The term “RSO” remains the most recognized name for full-spectrum cannabis extract. That legacy matters.

What He Overstated

Cure claims exceeded the evidence then, and they still do now. Encouraging patients to use RSO instead of proven cancer therapies carries genuine harm potential. Delayed treatment for treatable cancers is a documented concern in alternative medicine literature. In Lee County, where we value family and community health above all, that’s not a risk we can endorse.

The OilWell Story: From a Paralyzed Dog to Serving Lee County

OilWell Cannabis was founded by Colin Valencia in Houston, Texas — a long way from Lee County’s Mississippi River bluffs. But the story that built this company is one every Iowan can understand.

Colin grew up in McAllen, Texas, on the Mexican border — a region as economically challenged and dangerous as any Rust Belt town. By sixteen, he’d left home after seeing friends killed or imprisoned. He could have taken darker paths, but chose cannabis over harder substances, learning the plant intimately in the pre-legalization underground.

Later, as a trained software engineer doing custom development for Baylor College of Medicine, Colin gained medical-grade technical precision. That combination — deep plant knowledge plus medical institution experience — defines OilWell’s approach.

But the real origin? A dog named Bentley.

Bentley’s Miracle: Why Multi-Cannabinoid Formulas Matter

When Bentley, Colin’s beloved companion, became paralyzed and faced euthanasia, veterinary medicine offered no hope. A rescue worker’s simple question changed everything: “You’ve moved how many tons of weed and you’ve never heard of CBD?”

Colin created a CBD golden paste. Bentley got up. He walked. He brought Colin his ball to play. This wasn’t placebo — dogs don’t respond to placebo. It was cannabinoid medicine succeeding where pharmaceuticals failed.

Bentley lived ten more years, dying naturally at age twenty. During that decade, Colin developed specialized formulas for every age-related condition Bentley faced:

• Neurodegeneration → CBG’s neuroprotective properties and THCa’s brain-cell protection
• Dementia → CBC’s role in neurogenesis
• Glaucoma → THC’s pressure-reducing effects
• Arthritis → Multi-pathway anti-inflammation using CBD, CBG, THCa, and beta-caryophyllene

Single cannabinoids weren’t enough. Bentley’s evolving conditions required multi-cannabinoid synergy. That necessity — not marketing — is why OilWell’s RSO contains seven cannabinoids instead of just THC.

Colin’s Personal Battle: PTSD and Benzo Addiction

Colin knows pharmaceutical dependence personally. He struggled with PTSD and benzodiazepine addiction. When he quit Xanax cold turkey — a dangerous feat — he used the cannabinoid knowledge he’d developed for Bentley. The Peace Gummies formula that became an OilWell product was created during midnight experiments while fighting through benzo withdrawal.

Colin personally uses the vape form for insomnia and severe PTSD. This isn’t theoretical knowledge from a lab. It’s lived experience. For veterans in Lee County dealing with similar demons, that authenticity matters.

ABC13 Media Record: Seven Features Over Four Years

Between 2019 and 2023, ABC13 Houston — America’s fourth-largest TV market — featured Colin and OilWell in seven news segments. When they needed to explain Delta-8 legality, they called Colin. When President Biden announced marijuana pardons, they found someone who’d lived it. When Texas banned Delta-8 overnight, Colin had already removed products from shelves and was warning other operators they were unknowingly shipping Schedule I narcotics.

That media record earned, not bought, is credibility that transcends geography. For Lee County residents evaluating a company they’ve never visited, it matters that Houston’s top news source repeatedly chose OilWell as their cannabis authority.

The OilWell RSO Philosophy: Four Principles for Lee County

OilWell’s RSO is not traditional Rick Simpson Oil. It’s a formulated, multi-cannabinoid product informed by the RSO tradition but solving its problems. Four core principles define our approach:

1. Accessibility Over Gatekeeping

In Lee County, you can’t just drive to a dispensary. The nearest recreational cannabis shops are across the river in Illinois — a 30-60 minute drive to Quincy or Burlington, plus the headache of crossing state lines. Illinois dispensaries require in-person visits, and their prices reflect recreational market markups.

OilWell ships directly to your door in Lee County. No medical card required. Anyone 21+ can order. We serve Donnellson, Montrose, West Point, and every rural route between. Same-day delivery doesn’t reach Fort Madison yet, but USPS Priority Mail gets our Farm Bill-compliant products to your mailbox in 2-3 days with discreet packaging.

This aligns with Simpson’s belief that medicine should be accessible. We built a distribution model that makes that possible legally for Iowans.

2. Patient-Controlled Potency

Traditional RSO was always psychoactive — fully decarboxylated, no choice. In Lee County, where many folks need to stay sharp for farm work, factory shifts, or driving gravel roads, that doesn’t work.

Our sublingual oil contains 1,500mg of THCa in its raw, non-psychoactive form. You decide:

• Raw (no heat): All 1,500mg stays as THCa. Zero impairment. Use it during the day while operating equipment, working on the farm, or caring for family.

• Fully activated (home decarb): Heat at 260°F for 45-60 minutes converts THCa to ~1,315mg delta-9 THC. Combined with existing 90mg delta-9 and 6,000mg delta-8, this delivers psychoactive potency comparable to traditional illegal RSO — legally, because activation happens in your kitchen, not our lab.

• Partial decarb: Transfer a portion to another container, decarb just what you need, preserve the rest raw.

This patient control honors Simpson’s principle that patients should command their own medicine, implemented through chemistry rather than rhetoric.

3. Open-Source Formulas

We publish our complete formulas publicly. Later in this guide, you’ll find exact milligram amounts for every cannabinoid and percentage breakdowns for every terpene. If $129.99 for the sublingual oil or $49.99 for the vape cartridge doesn’t fit your Lee County budget, you can source distillates and make your own version.

This echoes Simpson’s free-distribution ethos. He gave oil away; we publish recipes. For a rural community where DIY spirit runs deep — where folks repair their own tractors and can their own vegetables — this transparency resonates.

4. Evidence-Informed, Not Evidence-Overstating

The GENERAL KNOWLEDGE section later in this guide represents 29 peer-reviewed citations evaluating every cannabinoid and terpene in our formula. We distinguish between:

• Well-supported: CBD for seizures, delta-9 THC for chemo nausea
• Emerging: CBG neuroprotection, THCa anti-inflammatory
• Overstated: CBN as a proven sleep aid, myrcene as a reliable sedative

Lee County residents deserve this honesty. We won’t sell you hope. We’ll give you the best possible information so you can decide if it’s right for you.

Farm Bill Compliance: How Our RSO Is Legal in Lee County

This is the question every Iowan asks first, and rightfully so. Let’s break it down clearly.

The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp and hemp-derived products containing less than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight. OilWell’s sublingual oil contains only 90mg delta-9 THC in the entire 30mL bottle — that’s 3mg per mL, well under the 0.3% threshold. All cannabinoids are hemp-derived.

Iowa’s hemp program follows federal law. Iowa Code §204.1 et seq. permits sale of hemp-derived products with <0.3% delta-9 THC. Our products meet this standard, making them legal to ship to and possess in Lee County.

THCa is the key. THCa is the non-psychoactive acidic precursor to THC. At point of sale, it’s not delta-9 THC, so it’s Farm Bill compliant. You can legally purchase, possess, and transport our products throughout Iowa, then activate them at home.

Legal notice: When heated, THCa converts to delta-9 THC. You are responsible for understanding and complying with Iowa law regarding activated products. We provide full Certificates of Analysis, receipts, and documentation with every order. Keep these records.

For Iowa law enforcement: Our products are hemp-derived, contain <0.3% delta-9 THC, and are accompanied by complete documentation. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship regulates hemp products, not the Iowa Board of Pharmacy (which oversees the medical cannabis program). Our product category is distinct from Iowa’s medical cannabis program and does not require a medical card.

Open-Source Formulas: The Recipe for Lee County DIYers

Because Simpson gave his oil away for free and taught people to make it, we continue that tradition. Below are our complete formulas.

RSO Sublingual Oil Formula

Cannabinoid	Amount per 30mL Bottle
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
Per mL	553mg

• Live Terpenes: 5% (complete profile below)
• Carrier: Organic MCT oil
• Price: $129.99

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
• 510-thread: Universal battery compatibility
• Price: $49.99

Terpene Profile (Both Products)

• Limonene (citrus-bright) — antioxidant, anti-inflammatory potential [21]
• Myrcene — anxiolytic properties in preclinical studies [23]
• Caryophyllene (β-caryophyllene) — CB2 receptor agonist, anti-inflammatory [24]
• Pinene — neuroprotective potential [25]
• Linalool — stress and mood support [26]
• Humulene — anti-inflammatory activity [27]
• Terpinolene — complex aromatic, emerging research [28]

Why publish this? Because a farmer near Argyle or a retiree in Franklin should have the option to make their own if they choose. The knowledge belongs to everyone.

Condition-Specific Usage for Lee County Residents

Important disclaimer: These contexts are informed by research cited in our GENERAL KNOWLEDGE section. They are not medical prescriptions, not FDA-approved, and not a substitute for care at Fort Madison Community Hospital, Keokuk Area Hospital, or your primary physician. Consult your healthcare provider, especially if you’re taking medications common in rural Iowa like blood thinners, blood pressure meds, or diabetes medications.

Chronic Pain from Agricultural or Industrial Work

Lee County’s economy runs on agriculture, manufacturing, and railroads. Decades of physical labor take a toll.

• Daytime: 0.3-0.5mL raw sublingual oil — anti-inflammatory cannabinoids without impairment. Stay sharp for operating combines or working the line at the Fort Madison industrial park.
• Nighttime: 0.5-1.0mL decarboxylated sublingual — adds pain relief plus CBN for sleep architecture
• Breakthrough pain: 2-3 vape puffs for 1-2 minute onset

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

Chemotherapy Support

For patients traveling to University of Iowa Hospitals for treatment:

• Pre-chemo: 0.5-1.0mL sublingual 1 hour before — delivers delta-8 THC with antiemetic properties [9]
• Acute nausea: 2-3 vape puffs for immediate relief
• Post-chemo: 0.5mL every 6 hours as needed
• Sleep: 1.0-2.0mL before bed (25-50mg CBN) [16][17]

Sleep Disorders

Insomnia affects many seniors and shift workers in our rural communities.

• Before bed: 1.0-2.0mL sublingual oil
• At 2.0mL: Delivers 50mg CBN — dosage level in 2024 sleep literature
• At 1.0mL: Delivers 25mg CBN — above threshold showing reduced sleep disturbance

Evidence reality check: CBN’s reputation as a sleep aid is stronger than its clinical evidence [16][17]. Results vary.

Anxiety and PTSD

For veterans at Lee County’s VFW posts and anyone dealing with trauma:

• Daytime functional relief: 0.3mL raw sublingual — CBD and CBG address anxiety pathways without impairment
• Nighttime: 1.0mL sublingual — full profile including CBN for sleep
• Acute episodes: Vape for rapid onset

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

General Titration Principle for Iowans

Start low, go slow. Begin with 0.25-0.5mL sublingual and assess effects over 2-3 hours before increasing. Your response depends on body weight, metabolism, tolerance, and concurrent medications. In a community where many take multiple prescriptions for chronic conditions, this caution is essential.

Patient-Controlled Potency: A Game-Changer for Lee County

Unlike traditional RSO or Illinois dispensary products, you control the psychoactivity.

Three Usage Options

1. Raw (Non-Psychoactive): Perfect for daytime use when you need to stay sharp for farm equipment operation, factory work, or driving the kids to school in West Point. All 1,500mg THCa stays inactive. Zero high.

2. Fully Activated (Home Decarb): Heat oil at 260°F for 45-60 minutes in an oven-safe glass container. This converts THCa to ~1,315mg delta-9 THC, delivering therapeutic strength for nighttime use or severe symptom management.

3. Vape (Instant Decarb): Each puff at 400-450°F instantly converts THCa. Fastest relief for breakthrough symptoms.

Conversion math: 1mg THCa = 0.877mg delta-9 THC after decarboxylation. You can calculate your exact dose.

Practical Lee County example: A veteran in Keokuk can use raw oil during the day for functional anxiety relief, then decarb a small amount for nighttime PTSD flashbacks. One product serves multiple needs.

Why Lee County Residents Choose OilWell Over Illinois Dispensaries

We know many of you drive to Quincy or Burlington. Here’s why our model serves you better:

Feature	Illinois Dispensary RSO	OilWell RSO
Cannabinoids	THC-only (some CBD)	7 cannabinoids: CBD, CBG, delta-8, THCa, delta-9, CBN, CBC
Access	Must drive 30-60 minutes, show ID, pay recreational taxes	Order online, deliver to your Lee County home
Cost	$60-80 for 0.5g syringe (420mg THC)	$129.99 for 30mL (16,590mg total cannabinoids)
Novelty	Always psychoactive	Patient-controlled potency (raw or activated)
Medical Card	Not needed for recreational	Not needed (Farm Bill compliant)
Terpene Profile	Minimal (distillate-based)	7 live terpenes at 5%
Shipping	In-person only	Nationwide USPS/FedEx/UPS to Fort Madison, Keokuk, etc.
Testing	State-mandated	Full panel: potency, terpenes, pesticides, heavy metals, solvents, microbes

For Lee County’s senior population: The 0.5g syringe from Illinois delivers 420mg THC with no control over psychoactivity. Our 30mL bottle delivers 16,590mg total cannabinoids, and you decide the potency. That’s 39x more total actives with complete control.

For veterans: Illinois products are THC-dominant. Our multi-cannabinoid approach targets PTSD through multiple pathways (CBD, CBG, CBN) while letting you stay functional during the day.

Delivery to Lee County: From Our Houston Lab to Your Door

How It Works

Order Online: Visit oilwellcbd.com and select your products. The THCa legal framework makes this possible — your order is a hemp product at point of sale.

Shipping: We ship via USPS Priority Mail (2-3 business days), FedEx, or UPS. Your package arrives at your Lee County address (whether that’s a farm outside Donnellson or a home in Fort Madison) with discreet packaging — no cannabis branding visible.

Tracking: Every order includes tracking. You’ll know exactly when it arrives.

Documentation: Each shipment includes:

• Certificate of Analysis (COA) showing <0.3% delta-9 THC
• Receipt with product specifications
• Usage instructions
• Legal documentation confirming Farm Bill compliance

Temperature-Safe Packaging: Iowa summers get hot. We use packaging that protects product integrity during transit.

Signature Option: Available if you want added security.

Iowa Legal Context

Under Iowa Code Chapter 204 (Hemp Act), hemp-derived products with <0.3% delta-9 THC are legal. Our products meet this standard. However:

• Activation warning: Once you decarb THCa into delta-9 THC at home, you are responsible for compliance with Iowa law regarding possession of activated THC.
• Public use: Do not use psychoactive forms in public or while driving. Iowa OWI laws apply to cannabis impairment.
• Employment: Many Lee County employers still drug test. THCa in raw form will not cause a positive test. Activated/decarboxylated product will.

Safety Profile: What Fort Madison and Keokuk Residents Should Know

Third-Party Testing

Every batch is tested at independent labs for:

• Potency: HPLC/UHPLC analysis confirming each cannabinoid to ±2% accuracy
• Heavy Metals: ICP-MS testing for arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury (below FDA limits)
• Pesticides: 400+ compound screening via LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS
• Residual Solvents: FDA Class 3 limits (<5,000 ppm) verified by headspace GC
• Microbials: E. coli, Salmonella, Aspergillus screening

Certificates of Analysis (COAs) are available on our website and included with every order. If your healthcare provider at Fort Madison Community Hospital or Keokuk Area Hospital wants to review them, we provide them immediately.

Side Effects and Precautions

• May cause drowsiness or impairment — do not operate vehicles or machinery after taking activated/decarbed doses
• Consult your physician if pregnant, nursing, or taking medications (especially blood thinners, blood pressure meds, diabetes meds common in Lee County’s senior population)
• Keep out of reach of children — accidental pediatric exposure is a serious concern
• Drug interactions: CBD can affect liver enzyme metabolism of many prescription drugs
• Mental health: High doses of psychoactive cannabinoids may trigger anxiety or panic in susceptible individuals
• Tolerance and dependence: Daily use can lead to tolerance; discontinuation may cause withdrawal symptoms

Iowa-Specific Considerations

For veterans: If you receive care through the VA clinic in Burlington or the Iowa City VA, be aware that cannabis use may be documented. Our raw THCa products contain minimal delta-9 THC and may not trigger positive tests, but activated products will.

For seniors: Polypharmacy is common in Lee County’s older population. Always discuss cannabinoid use with your doctor to avoid interactions with heart medications, blood thinners, or diabetes drugs.

For agricultural workers: If you have DOT certification for operating commercial vehicles, be aware that any psychoactive cannabis use violates federal DOT rules. Use raw THCa forms only if you need to maintain CDL compliance.

Why Seven Cannabinoids? The Science Behind Our Formula

Traditional RSO was just THC. Modern research suggests multi-cannabinoid synergy matters.

CBD (4,500mg): Most evidence-developed nonintoxicating cannabinoid. Strongest human data for seizures, with emerging support for anxiety [3] and pain [4].

CBG (3,000mg): The “mother cannabinoid” precursor. Shows neuroprotective promise in preclinical studies [7][8]. Relevant for aging populations in Lee County dealing with cognitive decline.

Delta-8 THC (6,000mg): Psychoactive but less potent than delta-9 [9]. Antiemetic properties useful during chemo [9].

THCa (1,500mg): Anti-inflammatory via COX-2 inhibition [12]. Neuroprotective potential [12]. Key for patient-controlled potency.

Delta-9 THC (90mg): Minimal amount for legal compliance, but present for entourage effect. Well-studied for pain [13] and chemo nausea [1][13].

CBN (750mg): Marketed for sleep but evidence is weak [16][17]. We include it for those who find it helpful, with transparent caveats.

CBC (750mg): Emerging research on neurogenesis and anti-inflammatory effects [18][19].

Total: 16,590mg across seven compounds versus traditional RSO’s single cannabinoid at unknown potency.

Terpene Profile: The Aromas That Enhance Effects

Both our sublingual oil and vape cartridge contain the same seven-terpene profile at 5%:

Limonene: Citrus-bright aroma. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential [21].

Myrcene: Herbal notes. Preclinical anxiolytic properties [23].

Caryophyllene: Pepper/spice scent. Unique as a CB2 receptor agonist [24] — directly activates part of your endocannabinoid system.

Pinene: Forest-fresh pine aroma. Neuroprotective potential [25].

Linalool: Floral lavender notes. Calming properties [26].

Humulene: Earthy, woody. Anti-inflammatory [27].

Terpinolene: Complex piney-fruity aroma. Emerging research [28].

These aren’t just for smell. The “entourage effect” suggests terpenes modulate cannabinoid effects [20][29], though human clinical proof remains limited. We include them because the preclinical science is promising and because they make the experience more enjoyable.

Evidence Summary: What We Know vs. What We Don’t

Strong Evidence (Human Clinical)

• CBD for rare epilepsies [1][2]
• Delta-9 THC for chemo-induced nausea/vomiting [1][13]
• Delta-9 THC for HIV/AIDS appetite stimulation [1]

Emerging Evidence (Preclinical & Early Human)

• CBD for anxiety (promising but limited clinical samples) [3]
• CBD for pain (heterogeneous trial quality) [4]
• CBG neuroprotection (preclinical) [7][8]
• THCa anti-inflammatory (preclinical) [12]
• Delta-8 antiemetic (some human reports) [9]

Weak Evidence (Mostly Preclinical/Hypothesis)

• CBN for sleep (no strong clinical trials) [16][17]
• Terpene entourage effects (limited human proof) [20][29]

We won’t oversell any claim. Every compound’s evidence tier is clearly labeled in our GENERAL KNOWLEDGE section.

How to Use Each Format: Practical Lee County Scenarios

RSO Sublingual Oil (30mL, $129.99)

Best for: Sustained relief, precise dosing, maximum bioavailability

When to use:

• Long work days at the grain elevator or manufacturing plant
• Managing arthritis pain while staying functional
• Supporting sleep through the night
• Daytime anxiety at the office in Fort Madison

Dosing: Graduated dropper with 0.1mL increments. Start at 0.25mL (138mg total cannabinoids) and adjust.

RSO Vape Cartridge (1g, $49.99)

Best for: Fast relief, portability, breakthrough symptoms

When to use:

• Sudden pain flare-up while working the fields
• Panic attack at the Lee County Fair
• Nausea episode during chemo treatment
• Quick sleep assistance when you can’t fall asleep

Dosing: 2-3 puffs delivers rapid onset. Effects peak in 10-15 minutes, last 2-4 hours.

Media Recognition: Why Houston’s News Keeps Calling Us

ABC13 Houston featured OilWell in seven segments from 2019-2023. Not because we paid for PR, but because they needed a credible voice on:

• September 2019: CBD business boom — Colin’s “snake oil” quote set our philosophy
• March 2021: Decriminalization efforts — ecosystem building with other entrepreneurs
• May 2021: Delta-8 investigation — iconic “maybe you want to get high” exchange
• August 2021: COVID vaccine giveaway — $35,000 in product donated to encourage vaccination
• October 2021: Delta-8 ban — Colin proactively removed products and warned industry
• October 2022: Biden pardons — revealed Colin’s personal cannabis conviction history
• April 2023: Texas law changes — “Renaissance” framing of current cannabis era

These features earned, not bought, establish credibility that matters when you’re ordering from a company based 900 miles away in Houston.

Addressing Lee County’s Specific Concerns

“Is this legal in Iowa?”

Yes. Our products contain <0.3% delta-9 THC and are hemp-derived under the 2018 Farm Bill and Iowa Code Chapter 204. All components are legal at point of sale. Documentation included.

“Will I get high?”

Only if you choose to. Raw THCa is non-psychoactive. Decarboxylation converts it to THC. You control activation.

“What about drug tests?”

Raw THCa product will not trigger standard drug tests. Activated/decarbed product will. Choose accordingly based on your employment situation.

“How is this different from CBD oil I can buy in Keokuk?”

Standard CBD oil contains 1,000mg total cannabinoids (mostly CBD). Our formula contains 16,590mg across seven cannabinoids. It’s a different category of product.

“Why is it expensive?”

At $129.99 for 16,590mg, that’s $0.0078 per mg of cannabinoid — significantly less than Illinois dispensary prices ($0.14-0.19 per mg for THC-only products). You’re paying for complexity, testing, and precision.

“Can’t I just make my own?”

Yes. Our published formulas enable that. But sourcing seven pharmaceutical-grade distillates, testing for purity, and achieving precise ratios requires expertise and equipment most Lee County residents don’t have. Our product offers convenience, safety, and consistency.

The Lee County Difference: Why This Matters Here

Lee County is not Denver or Los Angeles. We don’t have cannabis shops on Main Street. We have:

• Limited medical access: The nearest comprehensive cancer center is 90+ minutes away in Iowa City
• Aging population: Many seniors seeking alternatives to opioids for pain
• Veteran community: Fort Madison’s VFW Post 3459 and American Legion Post 40 serve those with PTSD and chronic pain
• Agricultural injuries: Back pain, joint issues, repetitive stress injuries from decades of physical labor
• Economic constraints: Median household income is below state average; affordability matters
• Conservative values: People want evidence, not hype; legality and safety are paramount

Our model addresses these realities directly:

• Ships to your door (no 90-minute drive)
• Patient-controlled (respects your autonomy)
• Open-source (affordable DIY option exists)
• Evidence-based (no false promises)
• Legal (no legal risk at purchase)

How to Order: Simple Steps for Lee County Residents

1. Visit our website: oilwellcbd.com
2. Select products: Choose sublingual oil, vape cartridge, or both
3. Checkout: Enter your Lee County shipping address (we serve all ZIP codes: 52601, 52619, 52625, 52627, 52632, 52639, 52645, 52656, 52658, 52657, 52659)
4. Payment: Secure checkout accepts credit/debit
5. Shipping: USPS Priority Mail arrives in 2-3 business days
6. Documentation: COA and usage instructions included
7. Support: Call (832) 416-2816 or email [email protected] with questions

Business Hours (Central Time, relevant for Iowa):

• Monday-Thursday: 10 AM – 7 PM
• Friday-Saturday: 10 AM – 10 PM
• Sunday: 10 AM – 4 PM

Final Word to Lee County

We know trust isn’t given; it’s earned. In a community where handshakes still mean something and your reputation follows you from the co-op to the coffee shop, we can’t just talk a good game.

That’s why we publish our formulas. That’s why we cite 29 peer-reviewed studies. That’s why we tell you honestly what works, what doesn’t, and what we’re still learning. That’s why ABC13 called Colin back seven times — because he tells the truth even when it’s uncomfortable.

From our Houston lab to your kitchen table in Fort Madison, we’re not here to replace your doctor. We’re here to give you another tool — a well-researched, legally accessible, patient-controlled tool that respects your right to make informed decisions about your health.

Rick Simpson’s legacy wasn’t about one man’s protocol. It was about empowering people to explore alternatives when conventional medicine falls short. In Lee County, where the Mississippi River reminds us that persistence shapes landscapes, we believe that same persistence — backed by modern science — can shape better health outcomes.

Try it. Research it. Question it. That’s the Lee County way. And if it’s right for you, we’re here to provide the best possible version — with all the transparency, testing, and education you deserve.

Complete References

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2. Talwar A, Estes E, Aparasu R, Reddy DS. Clinical efficacy and safety of cannabidiol for pediatric refractory epilepsy indications: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Exp Neurol. 2023;359:114238. PMID: 36206805.

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4. Cásedas G, Yarza-Sancho M, López V. Cannabidiol CBD: A systematic review of clinical and preclinical evidence in the treatment of pain. Pharmaceuticals Basel. 2024;17(11):1438. PMID: 39598350.

5. Ranum RM, Whipple MO, Croghan I, Bauer B, Toussaint LL, Vincent A. Use of cannabidiol in the management of insomnia: A systematic review. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2023;8(2):213-229. PMID: 36149724.

6. Lo LA, Christiansen A, Eadie L, Strickland JC, Kim DD, Boivin M, Barr AM, MacCallum CA. Cannabidiol-associated hepatotoxicity: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Intern Med. 2023;293(6):724-752. PMID: 36912195.

7. Nachnani R, Raup-Konsavage WM, Vrana KE. The pharmacological case for cannabigerol. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2021;376(2):204-212. PMID: 33168643.

8. Li S, Li W, Malhi NK, Huang J, Li Q, Zhou Z, Wang R, Peng J, Yin T, Wang H. Cannabigerol CBG: A comprehensive review of its molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential. Molecules. 2024;29(22):5471. PMID: 39598860.

9. Tagen M, Klumpers LE. Review of delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol delta8 THC: Comparative pharmacology with delta9 THC. Br J Pharmacol. 2022;179(15):3915-3933. PMID: 35523678.

10. LoParco CR, Rossheim ME, Walters ST, Zhou Z, Olsson S, Sussman SY. Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol: A scoping review and commentary. Addiction. 2023;118(6):1011-1028. PMID: 36710464.

11. Abdel-Kader MS, Radwan MM, Metwaly AM, Eissa IH, Hazekamp A, ElSohly MA. Chemistry and pharmacology of Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol. Molecules. 2024;29(6):1249. PMID: 38542886.

12. Moreno-Sanz G. Can You Pass the Acid Test? Critical review and novel therapeutic perspectives of delta9-Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid A. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2016;1(1):124-130. PMID: 28861488.

13. McDonagh MS, Morasco BJ, Wagner J, Ahmed AY, Fu R, Kansagara D, Chou R. Cannabis-based products for chronic pain: A systematic review. Ann Intern Med. 2022;175(8):1143-1153. PMID: 35667066.

14. Grotenhermen F. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of cannabinoids. Clin Pharmacokinet. 2003;42(4):327-360. PMID: 12648025.

15. Rittiphairoj T, Leslie L, Oberste JP, Yim TW, Tung G, Bero L, Riggs P, Hutchison K, Samet J, Li T. High-concentration delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol cannabis products and mental health outcomes: A systematic review. Ann Intern Med. 2025;178(10):1429-1440. PMID: 40854216.

16. Corroon J. Cannabinol and sleep: Separating fact from fiction. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2021;6(5):366-371. PMID: 34468204.

17. Lavender I, Garden G, Grunstein RR, Yee BJ, Hoyos CM. Using cannabis and CBD to sleep: An updated review. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2024;26(12):712-727. PMID: 39612156.

18. Sepulveda DE, Vrana KE, Kellogg JJ, Bisanz JE, Desai D, Graziane NM, Raup-Konsavage WM. The potential of cannabichromene as a therapeutic agent. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2024;391(2):206-213. PMID: 38777605.

19. Zagožen M, Čerenak A, Kreft S. Cannabigerol and cannabichromene in Cannabis sativa L. Acta Pharm. 2021;71(3):355-364. PMID: 36654096.

20. André R, Gomes AP, Pereira-Leite C, Marques-da-Costa A, Monteiro Rodrigues L, Sassano M, Rijo P, Costa MDC. The entourage effect in cannabis medicinal products: A comprehensive review. Pharmaceuticals Basel. 2024;17(11):1543. PMID: 39598452.

21. Anandakumar P, Kamaraj S, Vanitha MK. D-limonene: A multifunctional compound with potent therapeutic effects. J Food Biochem. 2021;45(1):e13566. PMID: 33289132.

22. Ogueta IA, Brared Christensson J, Giménez-Arnau E, Brans R, Wilkinson M, Stingeni L, Foti C, Aerts O, Svedman C, Gonçalo M, Giménez-Arnau A. Limonene and linalool hydroperoxides review: Pros and cons for routine patch testing. Contact Dermatitis. 2022;87(1):1-12. PMID: 35122274.

23. Surendran S, Qassadi F, Surendran G, Lilley D, Heinrich M. Myrcene: What are the potential health benefits of this flavouring and aroma agent? Front Nutr. 2021;8:699666. PMID: 34350208.

24. Hashiesh HM, Sharma C, Goyal SN, Sadek B, Jha NK, Al Kaabi J, Ojha S. A focused review on CB2 receptor-selective pharmacological properties and therapeutic potential of beta-caryophyllene, a dietary cannabinoid. Biomed Pharmacother. 2021;140:111639. PMID: 34091179.

25. 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. PMID: 34512404.

26. 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. PMID: 34544345.

27. Dalavaye N, Nicholas M, Pillai M, Erridge S, Sodergren MH. The clinical translation of alpha-humulene: A scoping review. Planta Med. 2024;90(9):664-674. PMID: 38626911.

28. Menezes IO, Scherf JR, Martins AOBPB, Ramos AGB, Quintans JSS, Coutinho HDM, Ribeiro-Filho J, de Menezes IRA. Biological properties of terpinolene evidenced by in silico, in vitro and in vivo studies: A systematic review. Phytomedicine. 2021;93:153768. PMID: 34634744.

29. Russo EB. Taming THC: Potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. Br J Pharmacol. 2011;163(7):1344-1364. PMID: 21749363.

RS References (Traditional RSO Section)

RS1. Simpson R. Phoenix Tears: The Rick Simpson Story. Simpson RamaDur LLC; 2012.

RS2. Laurette C, director. Run From The Cure: The Rick Simpson Story . 2005. Distributed via phoenixtears.ca and online platforms.

RS3. Simpson R. Instructions and dosing information published on phoenixtears.ca. Multiple dates. Accessed March 2026.

RS4. Velasco G, Sánchez C, Guzmán M. Towards the use of cannabinoids as antitumour agents. Nat Rev Cancer. 2012;12(6):436-444. PMID: 22555283.

RS5. Guzmán M, Duarte MJ, Blázquez C, et al. A pilot clinical study of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol in patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme. Br J Cancer. 2006;95(2):197-203. PMID: 16804518.

RS6. National Cancer Institute. Cannabis and Cannabinoids (PDQ) — Health Professional Version. NIH/NCI. Updated 2024. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/cannabis-pdq

OilWell Contact Information

• Phone: (832) 416-2816
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://oilwellcbd.com/
• Address: 810 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77006
• Instagram: @oilwellcbd
• Hours: Mon-Thu 10AM-7PM, Fri-Sat 10AM-10PM, Sun 10AM-4PM (Central Time)