Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) in Randolph County, Illinois: The Complete Guide by OilWell Cannabis

Randolph County sits at the heart of southern Illinois, where the Mississippi River defines our western border and the rolling farmland of the American Bottoms stretches east toward the hills. From the historic streets of Chester—home to America’s favorite sailor, Popeye—to the quiet river towns of Sparta and Red Bud, we know our community faces challenges that big-city solutions often overlook. When the VA clinic in Marion feels a world away, when cancer treatment means driving two hours to St. Louis, when chronic pain from decades of agricultural work becomes a daily companion, Randolph County residents deserve honest answers about every option available—including cannabis.

We at OilWell Cannabis understand these challenges intimately. Though we’re based in Houston, Texas, our mission to provide transparent, evidence-based cannabinoid medicine resonates across state lines, especially in rural communities like Randolph County where access to specialized care is limited. This guide is our comprehensive offering to you—every fact, every formula, every piece of research you need to make an informed decision about Rick Simpson Oil.

ABOUT RICK SIMPSON AND TRADITIONAL RICK SIMPSON OIL

Who is Rick Simpson

Rick Simpson was born in 1949 in Amherst, Nova Scotia, Canada. He was not a doctor, scientist, or medical professional. He was a power engineer and maintenance worker—a blue-collar tradesman whose path into cannabis advocacy began not with research but with personal suffering and a deep distrust of the medical system that failed him.

In 1997, while working at a hospital in Moncton, New Brunswick, Simpson fell from a scaffolding and suffered a serious head injury. The aftermath included persistent tinnitus, dizziness, and a constellation of post-concussion symptoms that conventional medicine could not adequately resolve. According to Simpson, the medications he was prescribed either failed to help or made his condition worse. He reported that cannabis provided more relief than anything his doctors offered, but when he asked his physician to support or prescribe cannabis, the request was refused.

We hear echoes of this story in Randolph County regularly. Our agricultural workers, factory employees, and tradespeople face workplace injuries that leave them with chronic pain. Many have visited doctors who dismiss cannabis as an option, forcing them into prescription cycles that don’t work—or worse, into opioid dependency. The experience of being told “no” by a doctor when you’re suffering resonates across our county’s tight-knit communities, from the farms near Percy to the small businesses in Steeleville.

Simpson’s interest in concentrated cannabis oil deepened after he learned about a 1974 study funded by the National Institute of Health and conducted at the Medical College of Virginia, in which THC was reported to slow or shrink tumors in mice. That study—originally intended to demonstrate harm—became a foundational reference point in Simpson’s later advocacy, even though its findings were never replicated in controlled human cancer trials.

The pivotal moment in Simpson’s story came in 2003. He reported that three bumps on his arm were diagnosed by his doctor as basal cell carcinoma. Rather than pursuing conventional treatment, Simpson applied concentrated cannabis oil directly to the lesions, covered them with bandages, and waited. According to his account, the bumps disappeared within four days. No independent medical verification of this outcome has been published, and no biopsy confirmation or clinical follow-up has been documented in any peer-reviewed source. Nevertheless, this personal experience became the origin story of Rick Simpson Oil and the foundation of everything that followed.

Important context: Simpson’s account is presented here as his personal testimony. The absence of clinical documentation, controlled observation, or independent medical confirmation means these events cannot be evaluated as medical evidence. They are, however, historically significant as the catalyst for a global movement.

The crusade—spreading the oil

After his 2003 experience, Simpson committed himself fully to producing and distributing concentrated cannabis oil. Operating out of his property in Maccan, Nova Scotia, he began making the oil in large quantities and giving it away for free to cancer patients and others in his community. He charged nothing. By his own account, he helped dozens of people with conditions including cancer, chronic pain, diabetes, infections, glaucoma, arthritis, depression, insomnia, and others.

In Randolph County, where community care means checking on your neighbor after a storm and sharing what you have when times are tough, this free-distribution model resonates deeply. When someone in our county faces cancer, the whole community rallies—fundraisers at the American Legion post, church potlucks, neighbors mowing lawns. Simpson’s approach mirrored our values: he believed medicine should be accessible to everyone, not locked behind paywalls.

Simpson’s story reached a global audience through the 2005 documentary Run From The Cure, directed by Christian Laurette. The film documented Simpson’s claims, showed testimonials from people he had treated, and framed his work as a grassroots challenge to pharmaceutical and governmental interests. It was distributed freely online and became one of the most widely shared cannabis advocacy films of its era. Within cannabis communities, it was foundational—for many people, Run From The Cure was their introduction to the concept of concentrated cannabis oil as medicine.

Simpson’s advocacy brought him into direct conflict with Canadian law. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) raided his property in 2005, seizing plants and equipment. He was charged with cannabis cultivation, possession, and trafficking. Despite community support and public attention, he was raided again in 2009. He was acquitted on some charges but convicted on others. Facing continued legal pressure, Simpson eventually left Canada and relocated to Europe, living in Croatia and later the Netherlands, where he continued his advocacy from abroad.

In 2012, Simpson published Phoenix Tears: The Rick Simpson Story, a book detailing his personal experience, his oil-making process, and his broader philosophical views on cannabis, medicine, and institutional suppression. He also maintained phoenixtears.ca as his primary online platform for information and advocacy.

Throughout his public career, Simpson’s position remained consistent and uncompromising: he maintained that cannabis oil—particularly high-THC oil made according to his specific method—could cure cancer and many other diseases, and that pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, and medical institutions were actively suppressing this knowledge to protect their financial interests. He framed his work not merely as health advocacy but as a fight against institutional corruption.

Important context: Simpson’s conspiratorial framing is noted here without endorsement or dismissal. It reflects a worldview shared by many in the early cannabis movement and is relevant to understanding why RSO became culturally significant. In rural communities like Randolph County, where pharmaceutical costs can be crushing and institutional trust is sometimes strained, these perspectives find fertile ground. Our goal is to present the evidence honestly so Randolph County readers can evaluate these claims properly.

The traditional RSO protocol—Simpson’s 60-gram, 90-day regimen

Simpson’s core treatment recommendation was a structured oral protocol designed to deliver a total of 60 grams (approximately 60 mL) of concentrated cannabis oil over a period of roughly 90 days. He described this as a cancer treatment protocol, though he also recommended it for numerous other conditions.

Goal

Consume 60 grams of concentrated, high-THC cannabis oil over approximately 90 days. Simpson considered this the minimum amount necessary for a serious cancer treatment course.

Titration schedule

• Week 1: Begin with a dose approximately the size of half a grain of dry rice—roughly 10 to 15 milligrams of oil—taken three times per day (morning, afternoon, and before bed). Total daily intake during this phase: approximately 30 to 45 milligrams.

• Weeks 2 through 5: Double the dose approximately every four days. By the end of this escalation period—roughly four to five weeks in—the target was to reach approximately 1 gram (1,000 milligrams) of oil per day, divided into three roughly equal doses.

• Weeks 5 through 12: Maintain the full dose of approximately 1 gram per day, divided into three doses of roughly 333 milligrams each, and continue until the full 60 grams have been consumed.

For Randolph County residents considering this protocol, we must be direct: this represents an enormous amount of cannabis extract. At peak dosing, patients were consuming roughly 600 to 900 milligrams of delta-9 THC daily—far exceeding anything studied in controlled clinical settings.

Administration methods

• Primary method—oral: Simpson recommended placing the dose directly under the tongue (sublingual) or swallowing it. He considered oral ingestion the most important route for systemic absorption.
• Secondary method—topical: For skin cancers and external lesions, Simpson recommended applying the oil directly to the affected area, covering it with a bandage, and changing the bandage every three to four days.
• Not recommended as primary—inhalation: Simpson did not recommend smoking or vaporizing the oil as a primary treatment method, though he acknowledged inhalation for immediate symptom relief.

Tolerance and the psychoactive effects

• Simpson maintained that patients would develop significant tolerance to the psychoactive effects of THC within approximately three to four weeks of consistent dosing.
• He considered the euphoric, sedating, or disorienting effects a minor and temporary side effect and strongly urged patients not to let the high discourage them.
• He recommended taking initial doses at night or before bed to sleep through the most intense psychoactive effects.
• Simpson warned patients to avoid driving or operating machinery during the titration period.

Important for Randolph County drivers: Our county’s rural roads, from Highway 3 to the back roads near Kaskaskia, require full attention. The protocol’s warning about impaired driving is critical here—especially during harvest season when farm equipment shares narrow roads.

Post-protocol maintenance

• After completing the full 60-gram course, Simpson recommended a maintenance dose of approximately 1 to 2 grams of oil per month, taken indefinitely.
• He considered this ongoing low-dose maintenance important for long-term health and cancer prevention.

Dietary and lifestyle recommendations

• Simpson advocated for dietary changes alongside the oil protocol, including reducing sugar intake, avoiding processed foods, and improving overall nutrition.
• He was not specific or systematic about dietary protocols compared to his highly detailed oil protocol.

Important context for evaluating this protocol

This protocol was designed by one person based on his personal experience and anecdotal observations. It was not developed through clinical trials, dose-finding studies, pharmacokinetic modeling, or any formal research process. Several critical points apply:

• No controlled trial validation. There are no published randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, or even well-documented case series evaluating this specific 60-gram/90-day protocol for any cancer type or any other condition.
• Assumes crude, unstandardized material. The 60-gram quantity assumes a single-strain, THC-dominant extract with no standardized potency. Actual THC content per gram of traditional RSO varied widely.
• Very high THC exposure. At the peak dosing phase, patients were consuming roughly 1 gram of high-THC oil per day—600 to 900 milligrams of delta-9 THC daily. For context, the FDA-approved synthetic THC drug dronabinol is typically dosed at 2.5 to 20 milligrams per day.
• Real risks at these doses. Consuming 600 to 900 milligrams of THC daily carries serious risks including severe intoxication, impairment, anxiety, panic, tachycardia, hypotension, and cannabis use disorder.
• Oncology context. Patients with active cancer are often medically complex. Using unregulated, unstandardized cannabis oil as a primary cancer treatment—potentially in place of proven therapies—introduces harm that extends beyond the oil itself.

For Randolph County residents facing cancer diagnoses, we cannot stress this enough: Our local oncologists at Memorial Hospital in Chester or those you travel to see in St. Louis have proven treatments. RSO should never replace conventional cancer care.

What is traditional Rick Simpson Oil—the product

Traditional RSO refers to the specific type of concentrated cannabis oil that Simpson made and advocated for. It was defined not by lab specifications or regulatory standards but by his method and materials.

Source material

Simpson used high-THC, indica-dominant cannabis strains. He specifically favored heavy, sedating indica genetics and generally recommended against sativa-dominant strains for cancer treatment. He grew his own cannabis or sourced it from growers he trusted. There was no strain standardization—the starting material varied by availability and growing season.

Extraction solvent

Simpson originally used naphtha—a petroleum-based solvent commercially available as lighter fluid, Varsol, or similar products. He later also endorsed 99 percent isopropyl alcohol as an acceptable alternative. Neither naphtha nor isopropyl alcohol is a food-grade solvent, which is a significant safety issue.

For Randolph County DIY makers: We know resourcefulness is part of our culture. But using naphtha or isopropyl alcohol for extraction is dangerous—fire risk in our dry summers, toxic residues, and no way to verify purity without lab testing that isn’t available locally.

Extraction process

1. Dry or semi-dry cannabis plant material was placed in a container (typically a bucket).
2. The material was covered with solvent and agitated or stirred for several minutes.
3. The solvent was poured off through a filter into a separate collection vessel.
4. The process was repeated a second time with fresh solvent.
5. The combined solvent washes were placed in a rice cooker or similar open-vessel heating device.
6. The solvent was evaporated at relatively low heat.
7. As the solvent evaporated, a thick, dark oil remained at the bottom.
8. The final oil was transferred into oral syringes for storage and dosing.

Appearance and physical characteristics

Traditional RSO was an extremely dark—nearly black—thick, viscous, tar-like oil. It had a strong cannabis odor and could carry a faint solvent-residual smell. The consistency was sticky and difficult to handle at room temperature.

Cannabinoid profile

• Primarily decarboxylated delta-9 THC. The heat involved converted essentially all THCa into delta-9 THC.
• Naturally occurring minor cannabinoids. Whatever CBD, CBN, CBC, CBG, and other minor cannabinoids the source strain contained were present at their natural ratios, but these were not controlled, measured, or targeted.
• No ratio control. The profile was entirely determined by the genetics and growing conditions of the source plant.
• Estimated THC content. Depending on starting material, traditional RSO likely ranged from approximately 60 to 90 percent total THC by weight.

Terpene content

Minimal to none. The combination of solvent extraction and high-heat evaporation meant that traditional RSO was effectively stripped of its terpene content. This is a significant distinction from modern formulations.

Standardization and testing

None. Every batch of traditional RSO was different. Simpson operated before cannabis legalization and standardized lab-testing infrastructure. There was no Certificate of Analysis, no cannabinoid quantification, and no contaminant screening.

Residual solvent risk

This is one of the most significant safety concerns with traditional RSO production. Naphtha is a complex mixture of petroleum hydrocarbons that may contain benzene, toluene, xylene, and other compounds classified as toxic or carcinogenic. Incomplete solvent purging leaves potentially harmful residues in the finished oil. Modern extraction methods use food-grade ethanol or supercritical CO₂ specifically to address this problem.

Simpson’s claims vs. the evidence record

Rick Simpson made expansive therapeutic claims about his oil. He stated that RSO could cure cancer—including terminal cases—and that it was effective against diabetes, chronic pain, infections, glaucoma, arthritis, depression, insomnia, multiple sclerosis, and numerous other conditions. He was adamant, consistent, and public about these claims throughout his advocacy career.

It is important to evaluate these claims against the actual evidence base, using the same standards applied throughout this document.

What Simpson was not

Simpson was not a scientist, physician, pharmacologist, or researcher. He had no formal training in medicine, oncology, pharmacology, or clinical research methodology. He never designed, conducted, funded, or published a clinical trial. He never submitted his results to peer review. His entire evidence base consisted of personal experience, self-reported patient outcomes, and testimonials gathered informally.

What the preclinical literature shows

The preclinical cannabinoid-cancer literature does exist, and it is scientifically interesting:

• In vitro studies have demonstrated that THC and CBD can induce apoptosis (programmed cell death), inhibit proliferation, and reduce angiogenesis in certain cancer cell lines.
• Animal model studies have shown some tumor-growth inhibition in mice and rats treated with cannabinoids.
• These findings have generated legitimate scientific interest and ongoing research.

What the preclinical literature does not show

• These findings have not translated into proven human cancer cures. The gap between in vitro or animal results and human clinical outcomes is vast.
• No human clinical trial has demonstrated that RSO or any cannabis oil preparation cures cancer.
• Several small human trials of cannabinoids in cancer contexts have been conducted, but they have been exploratory, small, and have not produced results that would support cancer-cure claims.

Institutional positions

• The U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI) acknowledges that cannabinoids have been studied for potential anticancer effects in laboratory and animal models but does not endorse cannabis or cannabis oil as a cancer treatment.
• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any cannabis plant product for the treatment of cancer.
• Health Canada has never approved RSO or cannabis oil as a cancer cure.
• NCCIH explicitly states that the strongest cannabinoid evidence is for rare epilepsies, chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting, and appetite-related indications in HIV/AIDS—not cancer cure.

What Simpson got right

Simpson drew attention to cannabinoids as a serious area of biomedical research at a time when most of the world was ignoring or actively suppressing that conversation. His advocacy—however scientifically imprecise—helped create the political, cultural, and social conditions for the legal cannabis industry and the cannabinoid research infrastructure that exists today. The term RSO itself remains the most recognized name for full-spectrum cannabis extract in the consumer vocabulary.

What he overstated

The leap from preclinical signals to cancer cure was not supported by human evidence when Simpson made it, and it is not supported now. Encouraging patients—particularly cancer patients—to rely on RSO as a primary treatment in place of proven oncologic therapies carries genuine harm potential. Delayed or foregone treatment for treatable cancers is a documented concern in the alternative-medicine literature.

For Randolph County residents facing cancer diagnoses at our local facilities or traveling to St. Louis for treatment, we cannot emphasize this strongly enough: RSO is not a proven cancer cure and should never replace conventional oncologic care.

The legacy of Rick Simpson and the evolution of modern RSO

The term RSO is now used broadly—and often loosely—across the legal cannabis industry. Many products labeled as RSO bear little resemblance to what Simpson originally made. In dispensaries today, RSO can refer to almost any full-spectrum cannabis extract sold in a syringe format, regardless of extraction method, cannabinoid profile, terpene content, or intended use.

Simpson himself has been critical of commercial products that use the RSO name while departing significantly from his original method and philosophy. He has publicly stated that many products sold as RSO do not meet his standards and that the commercialization of cannabis oil contradicts his original intent. Simpson’s model was explicitly anti-commercial—he gave the oil away for free and urged others to make their own rather than buy from companies.

This philosophical tension is worth acknowledging. Simpson believed in a do-it-yourself, free-access model in which anyone could grow cannabis, extract the oil, and treat themselves or their loved ones without corporate or governmental intermediaries. The modern cannabis industry has done something very different: it has commercialized, standardized, and regulated what Simpson distributed for free.

OilWell occupies a rare middle ground. We sell a professionally manufactured, lab-tested, standardized product for those who want it, and we publish the complete recipe for those who want to make it themselves. This is a direct echo of Simpson’s free-distribution ethos, adapted for the modern cannabinoid marketplace.

Traditional RSO vs. modern formulated RSO

The following table summarizes the key differences between traditional RSO as Simpson defined it and the modern formulated approach used in OilWell’s products.

Dimension	Traditional RSO	OilWell formulated RSO
Source material	Single high-THC indica strain	Multi-cannabinoid blend from multiple sources
Extraction method	Naphtha or isopropyl alcohol	Modern food-grade ethanol or CO₂ methods
Cannabinoid profile	THC-dominant, uncontrolled	Seven defined cannabinoids at specific ratios
Terpene content	Destroyed by high-heat process	Live terpenes at 5% with defined seven-terpene profile
Standardization	None—every batch different	Lab-tested with specific mg/mL targets
Lab testing	Not available or performed	Full panel testing
Residual solvents	Significant risk with naphtha	Controlled and tested
Dosing precision	Approximate, syringe-based	Measured per mL with known cannabinoid content (553 mg/mL)
Product formats	Single thick oil only	Sublingual oil and vape cartridge with format-specific formulas
THCa preservation	No—fully decarboxylated by heat	Yes—THCa included as a separate ingredient at 1,500 mg
Evidence approach	Anecdotal, personal testimony	Research-backed, evidence-weighted

Why OilWell’s formulas diverge from traditional RSO

OilWell’s formulations are not traditional RSO. They are informed by the RSO tradition but depart from it in several deliberate, evidence-motivated ways.

• Multi-cannabinoid approach. Traditional RSO relied on whatever single strain the maker grew or sourced. OilWell’s formulas intentionally include seven cannabinoids because the entourage-effect literature suggests potential benefit from cannabinoid diversity.
• Terpene preservation and addition. Traditional RSO had essentially no terpene content. OilWell includes live terpenes at 5 percent with a specific seven-terpene profile.
• THCa as a separate ingredient. Traditional RSO fully decarboxylated everything. OilWell’s sublingual formula includes THCa at 1,500 mg as a distinct ingredient, preserving the acidic precursor because the THCa literature suggests potentially relevant non-psychoactive bioactivity.
• Reduced delta-9 THC dominance. Traditional RSO was overwhelmingly delta-9 THC. OilWell’s formula uses delta-9 THC at only 90 mg while incorporating delta-8 THC at 6,000 mg and distributing the remaining cannabinoid content across CBD, CBG, CBN, and CBC.
• Product format innovation. Simpson envisioned only one format: an oral oil administered from a syringe. OilWell offers both a 30 mL sublingual oil and a 1-gram vape cartridge.

Solvent safety and extraction evolution

Traditional RSO production used naphtha or isopropyl alcohol—neither of which is food-grade. Modern cannabis extraction overwhelmingly uses food-grade ethanol or supercritical carbon dioxide (CO₂). This is one of the most straightforward improvements that the modern regulated cannabis industry has made over the traditional RSO production model.

For Randolph County residents, this safety improvement matters. Our community has seen its share of industrial accidents and understands the importance of proper safety protocols. Using food-grade solvents and testing for residues isn’t just corporate talk—it’s about protecting your health.

The decarboxylation question

Traditional RSO was fully decarboxylated. The heat involved in evaporating solvent from the rice cooker was sufficient to convert essentially all THCa in the extract into delta-9 THC.

OilWell’s sublingual formula deliberately preserves THCa at 1,500 mg as a separate ingredient. This creates three distinct usage options:

Option 1—Raw, no heat. All 1,500 milligrams stays as THCa—completely non-psychoactive. Compatible with work, driving, and daytime use with zero impairment.

Option 2—Fully activated, home decarboxylation. Heating the oil at 260°F (125°C) for 45 to 60 minutes converts 1,500 milligrams of THCa into approximately 1,315 milligrams of delta-9 THC. Combined with the existing 90 milligrams, this yields approximately 1,405 milligrams of total delta-9 THC—giving the product psychoactive potency comparable to traditional illegal RSO.

Option 3—Vape, auto-decarboxylation. The vape cartridge vaporizes at 400 to 450°F, which instantly converts THCa to delta-9 THC with each inhalation.

This design puts the potency decision entirely in the customer’s hands—aligning with Rick Simpson’s principle that patients should control their own medicine.

Terpene loss in traditional RSO

Terpenes are volatile aromatic compounds with relatively low boiling points. The traditional RSO production process destroyed terpenes in two ways: first, by dissolving them into the solvent wash, and second, by evaporating them off during the high-heat solvent-removal phase.

OilWell’s formulas specify live terpenes at 5 percent with a defined seven-terpene profile: limonene, myrcene, caryophyllene, pinene, linalool, humulene, and terpinolene.

Evidence standards then and now

Rick Simpson operated in a pre-legalization, pre-lab-testing era. When he began making and distributing oil in the early 2000s, cannabis was illegal in Canada and throughout most of the world. There was no regulatory framework for cannabis products, no standardized testing infrastructure, no legal pathway for clinical research on cannabis oil protocols, and no peer-reviewed journals dedicated to cannabis therapeutics.

This document takes a fundamentally different approach. The GENERAL KNOWLEDGE section applies a formal evidence hierarchy: human clinical evidence first, then systematic reviews and meta-analyses, then institutional summaries, then preclinical and mechanistic literature. Every compound-level claim is tied to specific peer-reviewed sources with evidence strength clearly labeled.

Simpson’s protocol vs. modern dosing considerations

Simpson’s 60-gram/90-day protocol was designed around a crude, single-strain, THC-dominant extract with no standardized potency. A direct comparison between Simpson’s dosing recommendations and dosing with a modern, standardized, multi-cannabinoid formulation is not straightforward.

OilWell’s sublingual formula delivers 553 mg of total active cannabinoids per mL across seven defined compounds. Simpson’s oil was approximately 60 to 90 percent delta-9 THC. OilWell’s formula contains only 90 mg of delta-9 THC in the entire 30 mL bottle.

Future dosing guidance for OilWell products should be developed independently of Simpson’s protocol, informed by the per-compound evidence in the GENERAL KNOWLEDGE section and by responsible titration principles.

References for this 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.

RS3. Simpson R. Instructions and dosing information published on phoenixtears.ca.

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

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.

RS6. National Cancer Institute. Cannabis and Cannabinoids (PDQ)—Health Professional Version. NIH/NCI. Updated 2024.

ABOUT OILWELL CANNABIS AND THE OILWELL RSO FORMULA

The origin of OilWell Cannabis

OilWell Cannabis was founded by Colin Valencia in Houston, Texas. Colin grew up in McAllen, Texas—right across the river from Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico. The McAllen-Reynosa area, known as the Borderplex, is one of the most economically challenged and dangerous regions along the U.S.-Mexico border. McAllen is a city of contrasts—vibrant culture and a thriving retail sector, yet deeply affected by poverty and limited opportunities. Reynosa is an industrial hub plagued by violence and cartel activity.

Colin’s childhood in McAllen was marked by exposure to both opportunities and challenges. Early on, he learned to hustle, taking on risky work transporting items across the border. Those early experiences exposed him to complexities and dangers. A lot of his best friends have been killed or are in prison because of associated dangers. He has faced every form of violence imaginable. By sixteen, he had to leave home for good.

Despite the dangers, Colin did not fall into the darkest paths available to him. Instead, he focused on cannabis, seeing it as a safer and more beneficial alternative. He grew up in the traditional cannabis world long before legalization, learning the plant intimately while operating in the shadows. Over time, he transitioned from those early, risky ventures to creating a legal, legitimate business.

Colin later became a formally trained software engineer and did custom development work for Baylor College of Medicine, one of the most prestigious medical institutions in the Texas Medical Center. That combination—deep cannabis plant knowledge plus medical-grade technical precision—defines OilWell’s approach.

Bentley’s story—the foundation of everything

The company’s origin story begins with a dog named Bentley. Bentley was more than just a pet—he was family. When Bentley fell seriously ill, veterinarians delivered the verdict no pet owner wants to hear: euthanasia was the only humane option. Bentley was paralyzed in his back legs. They said the pain medications would destroy his internal organs.

But giving up on Bentley was not an option. In a desperate search for alternatives, Colin stumbled upon CBD through a question that changed everything. A rescue worker named Jessica asked: “You’ve moved how many tons of weed and you’ve never heard of CBD?”

Colin had cannabis experience—but it was recreational. He had never explored therapeutic applications. Determined to save Bentley, he learned to create CBD golden paste—a specialized cannabinoid formula for pets. It was not a cure, but it was hope. And that hope delivered something veterinary medicine said was impossible: Bentley got up. He walked over to Colin and brought him his ball to play. From paralyzed and facing euthanasia to fetching his ball. Dogs do not respond to placebo. This was cannabinoid medicine doing what pharmaceuticals could not.

Bentley lived another ten years, passing naturally at age twenty. During those years, Colin developed specialized cannabis formulas for every age-related condition:

• Neurodegeneration led him to understand CBG’s neuroprotective properties and THCa’s PPARγ agonism for brain cell protection.
• Dementia led him to CBC’s role in neurogenesis.
• Glaucoma led him to THC’s CB1 agonism for intraocular pressure reduction.
• Crippling arthritis led him to develop multi-pathway anti-inflammatory approaches using CBD, CBG, THCa, and beta-caryophyllene.

Single cannabinoids were not enough. Bentley’s evolving conditions required multi-cannabinoid synergy. Pharmaceutical precision mattered—Bentley’s life depended on formula accuracy, not guesswork.

For Randolph County pet owners: We know how much our animals mean to us. Whether it’s a hunting dog, a farm dog, or a beloved family companion, Bentley’s story demonstrates that cannabinoid medicine can offer options when conventional veterinary care has run out. We’ve published the exact CBD golden paste recipe that saved Bentley so you can make it yourself if needed.

Colin’s personal battle—PTSD and benzodiazepine addiction

Colin also knows pharmaceutical dependence personally. He struggled with PTSD and benzodiazepine addiction. When he decided to break free from Xanax, he did it cold turkey—a feat notoriously difficult and dangerous—using the cannabinoid knowledge he developed keeping Bentley alive.

The Peace Gummies formula was created during midnight experiments while fighting through benzo withdrawal. To ensure quick relief, OilWell also offers the Peace Gummies formula in a vape form, which Colin personally uses to manage his insomnia and severe PTSD.

Over time, the therapeutic benefits of cannabis became the core of his work. He has developed formulas that doctors use for conditions like Crohn’s disease, IBS, ulcerative colitis, PTSD, benzo addiction, and insomnia. His focus has always been on making cannabis accessible and effective for everyone, including vegans, diabetics, and those with specific health needs.

ABC13 media recognition—seven features, four years

ABC13 KTRK Houston—Houston’s number-one news source—featured Colin and OilWell Cannabis in seven comprehensive news segments spanning 2019 to 2023, covering Texas marijuana law, Delta-8 legal analysis, COVID-19 community health leadership, criminal justice reform, and cannabis business pioneering. Colin was repeatedly selected as the primary industry expert for cannabis policy and product coverage in America’s fourth-largest city.

From September 2019 through April 2023, five different ABC13 reporters sought Colin out: Tom Abrahams, Steve Campion, Shelley Childers, Nick Natario, and KTRK staff writers. No other Houston cannabis operator appears with that frequency or across that breadth of subject matter.

For Randolph County readers: This mainstream media validation from a major-market ABC affiliate establishes credibility that transcends geography. When we say we’re experts, it’s not marketing—it’s been independently verified by editorial journalists over four years.

The September 2019 foundational quote

From the first ABC13 feature: “I’m not trying to sell people snake oil. I’m not trying to sell people hope, but there’s enough research out there that people just need to know and try and have the best possible version to base their opinions off of to give it a fair shot as to whether it’s right or wrong for them.”

This quote from 2019 is the seed of everything OilWell would become. The open-source formula publication, the evidence-based research documentation, the refusal to make unsupported claims—it all traces back to this principle.

Current operations—Houston base, nationwide reach

Today, OilWell Cannabis operates from Montrose, Houston, Texas (810 Richmond Avenue, Houston, TX 77006). The company has been operating since 2019, generates approximately one million dollars in annual revenue, maintains a near-5.0 Google rating, and is Texas DSHS licensed.

All artwork, formulations, and packaging are created in-house in Houston, using only OilWell’s own recipes and ideas. We bring Houston grit and a builder’s mindset, but our posture stays simple: make products with intent, answer directly, and never pretend cannabis is right for everyone.

For Randolph County customers: While we’re based in Houston, we ship nationwide. Your order arrives in discreet packaging with no cannabis branding visible. We understand the importance of privacy in close-knit communities.

The OilWell RSO philosophy—four core principles

OilWell’s RSO is not traditional Rick Simpson Oil. It is a formulated, multi-cannabinoid product informed by the RSO tradition but departing from it in deliberate, evidence-motivated ways.

1. Accessibility over gatekeeping. No medical card is required. Anyone age twenty-one or older can purchase. OilWell ships nationwide across the United States and internationally. For Randolph County residents who don’t have a local dispensary—or don’t want to drive two hours to Carbondale or St. Louis—this accessibility matters.

2. Patient-controlled potency. THCa is sold in its acidic, non-psychoactive form. You decide whether to use it raw for non-psychoactive benefits or to decarboxylate it into delta-9 THC for full psychoactive potency. For Randolph County residents who work early shifts at the farms in Percy, drive trucks through Chester, or operate machinery in Sparta, the ability to use a non-psychoactive option during the day is crucial.

3. Open-source formulas. We publish our complete formulas publicly—every cannabinoid, every milligram amount, every percentage—so that anyone who cannot afford the product can source ingredients and make their own version. Simpson gave his oil away for free; we adapted that ethos for the modern marketplace.

4. Evidence-informed, not evidence-overstating. The GENERAL KNOWLEDGE section represents our commitment to honest education about what science actually says. We distinguish between what is well-supported, what is emerging, and what is overstated.

Farm Bill compliance and the THCa legal framework for Illinois/Randolph County

The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp and hemp-derived products containing less than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC by dry weight at the federal level. This legal framework is the foundation of OilWell’s RSO product design.

Illinois state context: Illinois legalized recreational cannabis in 2020 through the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. However, Randolph County is rural and has limited dispensary access. The nearest recreational dispensaries are in Collinsville (about 45 miles from Chester) or in Missouri across the river. For many Randolph County residents, accessing legal cannabis requires significant travel.

OilWell’s RSO Sublingual Oil contains only 90 milligrams of delta-9 THC in the entire 30 mL bottle—3 milligrams per milliliter—well under the 0.3 percent threshold. All cannabinoids are hemp-derived. The product is legal under federal law and in Illinois.

Illinois-specific legal notice: While Illinois has legalized recreational cannabis, our product is Farm Bill compliant and does not require a medical card. However, Illinois residents should be aware that local ordinances may affect where you can use cannabis products. We recommend using your OilWell RSO in the privacy of your home, just as you would any medication.

THCa is the acidic, non-psychoactive precursor to delta-9 THC. The practical significance: you can decarboxylate THCa into delta-9 THC at home by heating the oil at 260°F (125°C) for 45 to 60 minutes. This converts 1,500 milligrams of THCa into approximately 1,315 milligrams of delta-9 THC. Combined with the existing 90 milligrams, this produces approximately 1,405 milligrams of total delta-9 THC—giving the product psychoactive potency comparable to traditional illegal RSO, entirely at your discretion after purchase.

This means the same product can function as a non-psychoactive anti-inflammatory (used raw) or as a full-potency psychoactive cannabinoid product (after home decarboxylation). You control the decision.

Important legal notice for Randolph County: THCa converts to delta-9 THC when heated. Customers are responsible for understanding and complying with Illinois laws regarding cannabinoid products. OilWell ships with full documentation, Certificates of Analysis, and receipts. The product is legal to possess and use in Illinois under both state recreational cannabis law and federal Farm Bill provisions.

Open-source formulas—why we publish everything

We publish our complete RSO formulas—every cannabinoid, every milligram amount, every percentage—publicly. If you cannot afford OilWell’s products ($129.99 for sublingual oil, $49.99 for vape cartridge), you can see exactly what the formula contains, source the individual cannabinoid distillates and isolates, and make your own version.

This is a direct echo of Rick Simpson’s original ethos. Simpson gave his oil away for free and taught people how to make it. He never patented his method. We adapted that ethos for the modern marketplace: we sell a professionally manufactured, lab-tested, standardized product, and we publish the recipe.

The original open-source formula—CBD golden paste for pets

We published this recipe first, before the RSO formulas, because Bentley’s story is our foundation:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup organic turmeric powder
• 1 cup water
• 1/3 cup coconut oil (unrefined, organic)
• 1 to 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper (important for absorption)
• CBD oil (dosage depends on size and needs; consult veterinarian)

Instructions:

1. Mix turmeric and water in saucepan over low heat, stirring continuously until thick paste forms (7-10 minutes).
2. Add coconut oil and pepper, stir until thoroughly mixed.
3. Cool and store in refrigerator for up to two weeks.
4. Add CBD oil to paste before giving to pet, adjusting dosage by weight and need.

Serving suggestion: Mix small amount with pet’s food once or twice daily. Monitor for changes and consult veterinarian if concerns arise.

This recipe—published years before our RSO formulas—demonstrates that the pattern is consistent. We give away the formulas that matter, whether for pets or people.

The decarboxylation choice—patient-controlled potency

Traditional RSO was always fully decarboxylated, leaving patients with no choice about psychoactivity.

Our sublingual formula contains 1,500 milligrams of THCa in its acidic, non-psychoactive form, creating three distinct usage options:

Option 1—Raw, no heat. All 1,500 milligrams stays as THCa—completely non-psychoactive. For Randolph County residents who work at the grain elevators in Chester, drive school buses in Sparta, or operate equipment on farms near Baldwin, this allows daytime use with zero impairment.

Option 2—Fully activated, home decarboxylation. Heating at 260°F for 45-60 minutes converts THCa to delta-9 THC, yielding approximately 1,405 mg total delta-9 THC. For nighttime use, severe pain, or when you need the full psychoactive experience.

Option 3—Vape, auto-decarboxylation. The RSO Vape Cartridge vaporizes at 400-450°F, instantly converting THCa with each puff. Fastest relief for breakthrough symptoms.

The conversion chemistry: 1 mg THCa = 0.877 mg delta-9 THC after decarboxylation, reflecting the loss of a CO₂ molecule.

Solvent-free production

Our RSO is not an extraction product in the traditional sense. It is a formulated blend of individual cannabinoid distillates and isolates combined at specific ratios in a controlled production environment. No naphtha. No isopropyl alcohol. No butane. No extraction solvents in the finished product.

We use organic MCT oil as the carrier base—a food-grade lipid that facilitates sublingual absorption and provides a neutral taste profile, a significant improvement over the tar-like consistency of traditional RSO.

Third-party lab testing covers cannabinoid potency, terpene profile, and safety panels including pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, and microbial contaminants. Certificates of Analysis (COAs) are available on request.

The broader OilWell product portfolio

Beyond RSO, we produce:

Asshole Peach—our most popular product, particularly favored by veterans for PTSD and pain relief. A carefully formulated experience providing euphoric, long-lasting sensation.

Peace Gummies—developed directly from Colin’s own experience with PTSD and benzodiazepine addiction. Helped him quit Xanax cold turkey. Also available in vape form for quick relief.

Custom creations—we design tailored products for specific cannabinoid ratios, delivery formats, or unique health circumstances, including formulations for vegans, diabetics, and those with specific dietary needs.

Two product formats—complete specs

RSO Sublingual Oil—$129.99

• 30 mL bottle (1 fl oz)
• 16,590 mg total cannabinoids (553 mg per mL)
• Seven cannabinoids: CBD 4,500 mg, CBG 3,000 mg, delta-8 THC 6,000 mg, THCa 1,500 mg, delta-9 THC 90 mg, CBN 750 mg, CBC 750 mg
• Live terpenes at 5%
• Organic MCT oil base
• Graduated dropper for precise dosing in 0.1 mL increments
• Onset: 15-45 minutes
• Peak effects: 1-2 hours
• Duration: 4-6 hours
• Bioavailability: 13-19%
• Approximately 40-60 doses per bottle

RSO Vape Cartridge—$49.99

• 1-gram cartridge
• 900 mg+ total cannabinoids
• Same six-cannabinoid ratio (no separate delta-9 THC—auto-decarbs when vaped)
• Live terpenes at 5%+
• 510-thread universal battery compatibility
• Onset: 1-2 minutes (fastest method)
• Peak effects: 10-15 minutes
• Duration: 2-4 hours
• Bioavailability: 10-35%

When to use each format

Use case	Recommended format	Rationale
Fast relief (acute pain, nausea, panic)	Vape	1-2 minute onset
Sustained relief (chronic pain, sleep)	Sublingual	4-6 hour duration
Maximum bioavailability	Sublingual	13-19% absorption
Portability and discretion	Vape	Compact, no measuring
Precise dosing control	Sublingual	Graduated dropper
Daytime non-psychoactive use	Sublingual (raw)	THCa stays inactive
Nighttime psychoactive use	Sublingual (decarbed) or Vape	Activated THCa + delta-8

Competitive comparison—OilWell RSO vs. alternatives

OilWell RSO vs. Illinois dispensary RSO (e.g., beyond/hello Collinsville)

Dimension	Illinois dispensary RSO	OilWell RSO
Cannabinoid profile	THC-dominant, typically 70-90% THC	7 cannabinoids at specific ratios
CBG content	Minimal or none	3,000 mg
CBN content	Minimal or none	750 mg
Patient-controlled potency	No—always psychoactive	Yes—THCa non-psychoactive until heated
Access requirements	Must travel to dispensary (45+ miles)	Ships directly to your Randolph County address
Price	$60-80 per gram	$129.99 for 30mL (16,590 mg total)
Need medical card	No (recreational)	No (Farm Bill compliant)
Travel required	Yes—to Collinsville or beyond	No—delivered to your door

OilWell RSO vs. hemp CBD RSO (e.g., Lazarus Naturals)

Dimension	Lazarus Naturals RSO (10 mL, 1,000 mg)	OilWell RSO (30 mL, 16,590 mg)
Total cannabinoids	1,000 mg	16,590 mg
CBD content	~950 mg	4,500 mg
CBG content	15.5 mg	3,000 mg
Delta-8 THC	0 mg	6,000 mg
THCa (convertible)	Minimal	1,500 mg
Psychoactive option	No	Yes—via decarboxylation
Approximate price	$40-50	$129.99

Condition-specific usage context for Randolph County residents

Important disclaimer: These contexts are informed by cannabinoid research and our formulation rationale. They are not medical prescriptions, not FDA-approved treatment protocols, and not a substitute for professional medical care. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using cannabinoid products, especially if you have a medical condition, are taking medications, are pregnant or nursing, or have any health concerns. Do not operate vehicles or machinery while under the influence of psychoactive cannabinoids.

Chemotherapy-related nausea and appetite support

• Pre-chemo: 0.5 to 1.0 mL sublingual approximately 1 hour before treatment
• Acute breakthrough nausea: 2 to 3 vape puffs for immediate relief
• Post-chemo: 0.5 mL sublingual every 6 hours as needed
• Sleep support: 1.0 to 2.0 mL sublingual before bed (delivers 25-50 mg CBN)

Chronic pain (fibromyalgia, arthritis from farm work, neuropathy)

• Daytime: 0.3 to 0.5 mL raw sublingual—provides anti-inflammatory effects without impairment
• Nighttime: 0.5 to 1.0 mL decarboxylated sublingual—combines pain relief with CBN sleep support
• Breakthrough pain: Vape as needed for rapid onset
• Evidence: CBD pain evidence, delta-9 THC pain evidence, caryophyllene CB2 agonism, THCa COX-2 inhibition

Sleep support

• Before bed: 1.0 to 2.0 mL sublingual
• At 2.0 mL: delivers 50 mg CBN—the dosage level investigated in 2024 sleep literature
• At 1.0 mL: delivers 25 mg CBN—above threshold for reduced sleep disturbance

Anxiety and stress (including PTSD for our veterans)

• Daytime functional relief: 0.3 mL raw sublingual—CBD and CBG address anxiety without impairment
• Nighttime: 1.0 mL sublingual—full profile including CBN for sleep architecture
• Evidence: CBD anxiety evidence, CBG pharmacology, limonene entourage effect

General titration principle: Start low, go slow. Begin with 0.25 to 0.5 mL sublingual and assess effects over 2-3 hours before increasing.

Delivery to Randolph County, Illinois

We ship nationwide across the United States, including to every address in Randolph County—from the river towns of Kaskaskia and Prairie du Rocher to the agricultural communities near Steeleville and Sparta, to the county seat of Chester.

Shipping details for Illinois:

• USPS Priority Mail (2-3 business days): $9.99
• FedEx/UPS Ground (3-5 business days): $12.99
• Discreet packaging with no cannabis branding
• Tracking provided for all orders
• Temperature-stable packaging for summer shipments
• Signature-required option available

For Randolph County customers: We understand that privacy matters in a community where everyone knows their neighbor. Your order arrives in an unmarked box. The return address shows “OilWell Industries” with no cannabis reference. Your bank statement shows a discreet transaction descriptor.

International shipping: OilWell ships internationally. While Randolph County residents are in Illinois, we note that our international customers receive full documentation, Certificates of Analysis, and receipts for customs. The THCa legal framework makes this possible.

Important for Illinois customers: Illinois law allows adults 21+ to possess up to 30 grams of cannabis flower or equivalent in concentrate form. Our 30mL bottle contains approximately 16.6 grams of cannabinoids after decarboxylation—well within legal limits for personal possession. However, cannabis should not be transported across state lines into Missouri or Iowa where laws differ.

How the OilWell formulas connect to the evidence

Every cannabinoid in OilWell’s formula—CBD, CBG, delta-8 THC, THCa, delta-9 THC, CBN, and CBC—has its own evidence profile in the GENERAL KNOWLEDGE section. Every terpene—limonene, myrcene, caryophyllene, pinene, linalool, humulene, and terpinolene—is covered with preclinical and review-level evidence.

We do not exempt ourselves from the same evidence standards applied to the broader field. Where we make specific research claims about individual cannabinoids or terpenes, this document provides the source evaluation context—the same peer-reviewed citations, the same evidence-tier assessments, and the same cautious interpretation framework.

OilWell Cannabis is more than a brand—it is a promise to our customers that we will always strive to deliver the best, most thoughtful cannabis products available. We are not here to follow trends. We are here to set them. And as we continue to grow, our focus remains on maintaining the same level of integrity, creativity, and commitment that has defined us from the day Bentley got up, walked across the room, and brought his ball to play.

MEDIA RECOGNITION AND COMMUNITY IMPACT

Colin Valencia—Houston’s go-to cannabis authority

Between September 2019 and April 2023, ABC13 Houston featured Colin Valencia and OilWell Cannabis in seven distinct news segments. Five different reporters sought Colin out across those years. No other Houston cannabis operator appears with that frequency or across that breadth of subject matter.

What follows is a complete, chronological record of each feature—every quote preserved exactly as published, every contextual detail documented.

Feature 1: Texas CBD businesses booming as industry continues to evolve—September 15, 2019

Reporter: Tom Abrahams
Published: Sunday, September 15, 2019

“It’s a lot of educating people, but not over-promising people. I’m not trying to sell people snake oil. I’m not trying to sell people hope, but there’s enough research out there that people just need to know and try and have the best possible version to base their opinions off of to give it a fair shot as to whether it’s right or wrong for them.”
— Colin Valencia

This 2019 quote is the origin point of OilWell’s philosophy. The open-source formula publication, the evidence-based research documentation, the refusal to make unsupported claims—it all traces back to this principle.

Feature 2: Entrepreneur creates direct-to-consumer business ahead of marijuana decriminalization efforts—March 22, 2021

Reporter: Tom Abrahams
Published: Monday, March 22, 2021

“People think that everyone just wants to get high and it’s about giggling and things like that, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But that’s a different version of therapy, and people are looking for things to help them with real pain. Pain comes in a lot of different forms.”
— Colin Valencia

This feature established Colin’s role as an ecosystem builder who helped other entrepreneurs like Jonathan Pina enter the legal cannabis space.

Feature 3: What is Delta 8 THC and why is it considered legal weed in Texas—May 24, 2021

Reporter: Steve Campion
Published: Monday, May 24, 2021

Steve Campion (ABC13): “Why would someone want to smoke that?”
Colin Valencia: “I don’t give a sh** if it’s wrong to say you’ll get high off it. Maybe you want to get high.”

This exchange became Colin’s most iconic media moment—radical honesty on mainstream television. The piece balanced Colin’s unapologetic stance with medical caution and regulatory advocacy.

Feature 4: Houston CBD shop giving away free products to those who get COVID vaccine—August 20, 2021

Reporter: KTRK Staff
Published: Friday, August 20, 2021

“We just want Houston to be as healthy as possible. We’re not doctors. We’re not experts on this . We don’t have any political agenda. Come and participate if it’s right and safe for you and your loved ones!”
— OilWell Instagram post

OilWell gave away approximately $35,000 in product (1,000 caviar pre-rolls) to encourage COVID-19 vaccination—a community health initiative with no political strings attached.

Feature 5: Texas ban over once legal hemp product Delta 8 raises questions over legality—October 19, 2021

Reporter: Shelley Childers
Published: Tuesday, October 19, 2021

“It’s going to be a surprise to a lot of people.”
“It was a prime seller and a prime interest of customers, and they really enjoyed the benefits of it.”
“So those people are now, because they didn’t know, shipping Schedule 1 narcotics, and people are receiving it.”
“It’s disappointing, but I’m not going to lose my customers and business are going to want our expertise on how to continue thriving in the industry.”
— Colin Valencia

This feature captured a defining moment. Colin proactively removed all Delta-8 products before enforcement began and warned other operators who were unknowingly shipping Schedule I narcotics.

Feature 6: Biden marijuana pardon—experts weigh in on why Texas won’t see impact—October 7, 2022

Reporter: Nick Natario
Published: Friday, October 7, 2022

“You face challenges with housing, loans, and banking, I mean with about everything.”
“I would love to see people not get hurt for this anymore.”
— Colin Valencia

This feature revealed Colin’s personal marijuana conviction history, adding profound weight to every prior quote. The article opened with OilWell’s CBD vending machine debut and closed with the political context: 300,000 state arrests vs. 6,500 federal pardons.

Feature 7: Marijuana industry getting creative as Texas laws continue to change—April 21, 2023

Reporter: Nick Natario
Published: Friday, April 21, 2023

“I want it to be legalized. I’m just saying that’s a very hyped conversation. If you really look at what’s here now, there’s nothing you could show me that I could accomplish with what literally we have right now.”
“Right now is actually a pretty – like Renaissance – pretty important time that should be enjoyed now.”
— Colin Valencia

The most recent feature, published the day after 4/20, completes a four-year arc. Natario showed Valencia growing hemp and explained the “Renaissance” framing—the present as opportunity rather than waiting.

Complete index of all Colin Valencia quotes across all ABC13 features

Chronological order:

1. “I’m not trying to sell people snake oil. I’m not trying to sell people hope, but there’s enough research out there that people just need to know and try and have the best possible version to base their opinions off of to give it a fair shot as to whether it’s right or wrong for them.” (Sept 2019)

2. “People think that everyone just wants to get high and it’s about giggling and things like that, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But that’s a different version of therapy, and people are looking for things to help them with real pain. Pain comes in a lot of different forms.” (Mar 2021)

3. “I don’t give a sh** if it’s wrong to say you’ll get high off it. Maybe you want to get high.” (May 2021)

4. “We just want Houston to be as healthy as possible. We’re not doctors. We’re not experts on this . We don’t have any political agenda. Come and participate if it’s right and safe for you and your loved ones!” (Aug 2021)

5. “[We’re] trying to get the city behind me to help as many people as we can. I really want to help things.” (Aug 2021)

6. “It’s going to be a surprise to a lot of people.” (Oct 2021)

7. “It was a prime seller and a prime interest of customers, and they really enjoyed the benefits of it.” (Oct 2021)

8. “So those people are now, because they didn’t know, shipping Schedule 1 narcotics, and people are receiving it.” (Oct 2021)

9. “It’s disappointing, but I’m not going to lose my customers and business are going to want our expertise on how to continue thriving in the industry.” (Oct 2021)

10. “You face challenges with housing, loans, and banking, I mean with about everything.” (Oct 2022)

11. “I would love to see people not get hurt for this anymore.” (Oct 2022)

12. “I want it to be legalized. I’m just saying that’s a very hyped conversation. If you really look at what’s here now, there’s nothing you could show me that I could accomplish with what literally we have right now.” (Apr 2023)

13. “Right now is actually a pretty – like Renaissance – pretty important time that should be enjoyed now.” (Apr 2023)

The through-line—what the media record reveals

Consistency across years. Colin appeared on ABC13 in 2019, 2021 (four times), 2022, and 2023. Through every shift in Texas cannabis law, ABC13 returned to Colin as a primary source.

Breadth of expertise. The features span business reporting, consumer health education, product investigation, legal analysis, political commentary, and community health advocacy.

Community action. The COVID vaccine giveaway—$35,000 in product, coordination with city government, no political strings—is documented evidence of community-first philosophy.

Personal stakes. The October 2022 revelation that Colin has a personal marijuana conviction history transforms the entire media record. Every quote carries additional weight when you understand the person saying it has personally experienced cannabis criminalization.

Evolution of language. From “local wholesaler” in 2019 to “industry authority” in 2021 to “Renaissance” framing in 2023, the media record tracks the growth of both the business and its founder’s public role.

These features are independently produced, editorially controlled news segments from a major-market ABC affiliate that repeatedly identified Colin Valencia as the most credible voice in Houston’s legal cannabis industry. That is recognition that cannot be purchased—it can only be earned.

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

Research method and evidence weighting

This section prioritizes sources in the following order: human clinical evidence, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, NIH and other institutional summaries, then mechanistic or preclinical literature when human data are sparse. That weighting matters because the evidence base is not evenly distributed. Of the compounds listed, CBD and delta-9 THC have the strongest human literature; delta-8 THC, THCa, CBG, CBN, CBC, and most terpenes are still much more dependent on reviews, animal work, in vitro pharmacology, or early translational literature.

Institutional baseline from NIH and related sources

• NCCIH states that the strongest established cannabinoid evidence is for certain rare epilepsies, chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting, and appetite or weight-loss indications associated with HIV/AIDS. It also notes only modest evidence for chronic pain and multiple-sclerosis-related symptoms.
• NCCIH emphasizes that the FDA has not approved the cannabis plant itself for medical use, although purified CBD and synthetic THC-like drugs have specific approvals.
• Safety concerns repeatedly highlighted include impairment, motor vehicle crash risk, cannabis use disorder, pregnancy-related concerns, accidental pediatric exposure, contamination or labeling inaccuracy, and THC-vape lung-injury concerns.
• NCCIH specifically warns that over-the-counter CBD products may differ from their labels and that CBD itself has been associated with decreased alertness, gastrointestinal effects, liver-related adverse effects, and drug interactions.

Cannabinoids

CBD

• Evidence profile: strongest human evidence, especially when studied as purified product.
• Best supported: purified CBD has the most credible human evidence in seizure disorders.
• Anxiety: a 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis covering 316 participants reported statistically significant anxiolytic signal, but authors stressed clinical sample remains limited.
• Pain: a 2024 systematic review concluded pain literature is promising but heterogeneous, with trial quality limiting confidence.
• Sleep: a 2023 insomnia review found literature remains methodologically weak.
• Safety: a 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis found real signal for liver enzyme elevation and possible drug-induced liver injury.
• Bottom line: CBD is the most evidence-developed nonintoxicating cannabinoid, but strong evidence is concentrated in a few specific indications.

CBG

• Evidence profile: mostly review-level and preclinical; human evidence remains sparse.
• Pharmacology: CBG is the biosynthetic precursor to several major cannabinoids with distinct pharmacology.
• Potential areas: neurologic disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, antibacterial activity—but primarily preclinical.
• Caution: CBG is being sold commercially while evidence base remains thin.
• Bottom line: CBG is a promising minor cannabinoid with limited clinical validation.

Delta-8 THC

• Evidence profile: pharmacologically relevant, psychoactive, much less clinically characterized than delta-9 THC.
• Comparative pharmacology: a 2022 review concluded delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC have broadly similar behavior; delta-8 appears less potent.
• Public-health literature: a 2023 scoping review found evidence base dominated by animal studies and public-health concerns rather than strong human trials.
• Manufacturing context: commercial interest tied to greater stability and easier synthesis.
• Bottom line: delta-8 THC should be treated as psychoactive THC analogue with real pharmacologic activity but incomplete human safety characterization.

THCa

• Evidence profile: important chemically and formulation-wise, but low on direct human therapeutic evidence.
• What it is: acidic precursor of THC; may represent large share of THC-related content in raw plant material.
• Psychoactivity: THCa itself does not produce psychoactive effects, but distinction only holds if molecule stays acidic and is not decarboxylated.
• Research status: in vitro and rodent literature suggest anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, and antineoplastic possibilities—not equivalent to established human outcomes.
• Bottom line: THCa is best understood as highly relevant precursor molecule whose interpretation depends heavily on route, temperature, processing, and storage.

Delta-9 THC

• Evidence profile: strongest human evidence of psychoactive cannabinoids, but also clearest adverse-effect burden.
• Institutionally best supported: chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting, appetite and weight loss in HIV/AIDS, some multiple-sclerosis- and pain-related outcomes.
• Pain evidence: a 2022 systematic review found high-THC products may provide short-term pain benefit but increase dizziness, sedation, nausea, and discontinuation.
• Pharmacokinetics: inhaled THC produces effects within seconds to minutes, peaks in 15-30 minutes; oral THC has later onset and longer duration.
• Mental-health risk: a 2025 systematic review found consistent unfavorable associations with psychosis/schizophrenia outcomes and cannabis use disorder.
• Broader safety: anxiety/panic at high doses, tachycardia, blood-pressure changes, dependency, withdrawal, pregnancy concerns, accidental pediatric exposure.
• Bottom line: delta-9 THC has legitimate therapeutic relevance but carries clearest intoxication, psychiatric, and dose-related safety liabilities.

CBN

• Evidence profile: weak human evidence; marketing has moved ahead of data.
• Marketing vs. evidence: widely marketed for sleep, but clinical support is far thinner than market suggests.
• Sleep research: a 2021 narrative review screened 99 human-study abstracts and found no clinical trials using validated sleep questionnaires or polysomnography.
• Broader sleep literature: 2024 updated review concluded overall cannabinoid sleep research still doesn’t match scale of real-world use.
• Chemical context: THC can degrade toward CBN under certain conditions.
• Bottom line: CBN is clearest example where cultural reputation is stronger than current clinical evidence base.

CBC

• Evidence profile: emerging, intriguing, overwhelmingly preclinical or review-based.
• Pharmacology: 2024 focused review describes distinct pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, receptor behavior; highlights antinociceptive, antibacterial, anti-seizure areas.
• Older literature: anti-inflammatory effects, reduced gut hypermobility, modest rodent analgesic activity, possible neurobiological/antiproliferative relevance—but not strong evidence for patient-facing claims.
• Safety caveat: over-the-counter CBC products being sold despite little evidence establishing clinical efficacy or safety.
• Bottom line: CBC belongs in category of scientifically credible minor cannabinoids deserving more research, not in category of already-validated clinical actives.

Terpenes

Terpene claims need even stricter interpretation than cannabinoid claims. Much literature comes from isolated compounds, essential oils, non-cannabis plants, or preclinical models. Robust proof of clinically meaningful entourage effects in humans remains limited.

Limonene

• Evidence profile: largely review and preclinical, with useful safety literature.
• Potential activity: 2021 review describes multifunctional properties—antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, gastroprotective, immune-modulatory—but most claims from nonhuman/non-cannabis literature.
• Safety note: limonene oxidation products, especially hydroperoxides, are clinically relevant contact allergens.
• Bottom line: biologically active and widely discussed, but cannabis-specific therapeutic claims should stay conservative.

Myrcene

• Evidence profile: mostly preclinical, very limited human evidence.
• Research summary: 2021 review describes anxiolytic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic properties but explicitly states human studies lacking.
• Interpretation caution: often invoked as proven sedative terpene explaining couch-lock—stronger claim than evidence supports.
• Bottom line: plausible bioactive terpene, but compound-specific clinical claims about mood, pain, or sedation remain far ahead of definitive proof.

Caryophyllene

• Evidence profile: among most mechanistically interesting because of direct cannabinoid-system relevance, but still mostly preclinical.
• Why it stands out: 2021 review describes beta-caryophyllene as selective CB2 receptor agonist—unusual and especially relevant pharmacologically.
• Research themes: anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, gastroprotective—but human clinical confirmation limited.
• Bottom line: arguably strongest candidate for terpene with cannabinoid-system significance, but should not be described as clinically proven.

Pinene

• Evidence profile: promising preclinical literature, weak human confirmation.
• Brain-health framing: 2021 review found antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective signals justifying future study, but emphasized lack of well-designed clinical trials.
• Interpretation caution: claims that pinene reliably improves memory, sharpens attention, or counterbalances THC cognitive effects remain hypotheses rather than settled facts.
• Bottom line: deserves scientific attention, but strong cognition-related claims should be presented as exploratory.

Linalool

• Evidence profile: substantial preclinical interest, limited direct clinical confirmation.
• Research summary: repeatedly discussed in relation to stress, mood, brain-health pharmacology; 2021 brain-health review found enough signal to justify continued investigation while emphasizing lack of robust trials.
• Additional literature: separate review discusses possible antidepressant mechanisms, but remains translational rather than definitive.
• Safety note: oxidized linalool hydroperoxides recognized allergens.
• Bottom line: scientifically credible bioactive terpene, but current evidence supports cautious phrasing rather than firm promises.

Humulene

• Evidence profile: translationally interesting, but early.
• Scoping-review findings: 2024 review analyzed 340 articles, found broad preclinical evidence for anti-inflammatory effects, with some rodent work suggesting cannabimimetic properties.
• Interpretation caution: findings valuable for hypothesis generation but do not establish consistent human efficacy.
• Bottom line: one of more interesting terpene research targets, but far from clinically settled.

Terpinolene

• Evidence profile: among least clinically characterized terpenes.
• Systematic-review findings: 2021 review screened 2,449 records, included 57 studies, concluded evidence base dominated by in silico, in vitro, and animal studies.
• Interpretation caution: even recent entourage reviews frame terpene benefits as exploratory.
• Bottom line: biologically interesting but especially underdeveloped clinically.

Research limits and interpretation

• Evidence base is highly uneven. CBD and delta-9 THC support most detailed human-facing statements; rest require more caution.
• Whole-cannabis extract data, purified-molecule data, semisynthetic cannabinoid data, and terpene-only data are not interchangeable.
• Minor cannabinoids and terpenes are commercially interesting precisely because they’re underexplored, but claims often become inflated.
• Product quality matters as much as molecule identity—labeling inaccuracies, contamination, synthesis byproducts, dose variability materially affect interpretation.
• For THCa, chemistry is destiny: storage and heating can change exposure profile by converting acidic cannabinoids into neutral cannabinoids.

Common overstatements to avoid

Overstatement: CBN is clinically proven sleep cannabinoid.
More accurate: specific sleep evidence for CBN remains weak and dated, with no strong validated-trial base.

Overstatement: myrcene is proven human sedative that reliably explains couch-lock.
More accurate: myrcene has plausible preclinical bioactivity, but direct human proof is limited.

Overstatement: terpenes in general have proven entourage effects in patients.
More accurate: entourage hypotheses are influential and worth studying, but robust clinical proof remains limited.

Overstatement: THCa is always nonpsychoactive.
More accurate: THCa itself is not THC, but heating can convert THCa into THC.

Overstatement: delta-8 THC is safe because it is hemp-derived.
More accurate: delta-8 THC is psychoactive, pharmacologically close to delta-9 THC, and often entangled with manufacturing and testing concerns.

Practical takeaways for Randolph County customers

• Most evidence-developed actives: CBD and delta-9 THC
• Delta-8 THC is not trivial or purely mild ingredient; it is psychoactive cannabinoid with less robust safety/efficacy characterization
• THCa meaningfully changes with processing
• CBG, CBN, CBC: scientifically credible but clinically immature
• Terpene claims should be careful—aroma/flavor relevance is certain; compound-specific therapeutic claims should be conservative

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.

3. Han K, Wang JY, Wang PY, Peng YC. Therapeutic potential of cannabidiol CBD in anxiety disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychiatry Res. 2024;339:116049.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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RSO SUBLINGUAL OIL FORMULA

Cannabinoid	Amount
CBD	4,500mg
CBG	3,000mg
Delta-8 THC	6,000mg
THCa	1,500mg
Delta-9 THC	90mg
CBN	750mg
CBC	750mg
Total Cannabinoids	16,590mg

• Live Terpenes: 5%
• Format: 30mL bottle
• Active cannabinoids per mL: 553mg
• Price: $129.99

RSO VAPE CARTRIDGE FORMULA

Cannabinoid	Percentage
CBD	30%
CBG	20%
Delta-8 THC	15%
THCa	10%
CBN	10%
CBC	10%

• Live Terpenes: 5%+
• Format: 1 Gram cartridge
• Price: $49.99

TERPENE PROFILE (Both Products)

• Limonene (citrus-bright)
• Myrcene
• Caryophyllene (β-caryophyllene—pepper/spice)
• Pinene (forest-fresh)
• Linalool (floral, lavender)
• Humulene (earthy, woody)
• Terpinolene (piney, fruity, sparkling)

Final words for Randolph County:

We know that trust is earned, not given. In a community where your word is your bond and handshake deals still matter, we offer you something rare in the cannabis industry: complete transparency. Every formula, every research citation, every personal story—we’ve held nothing back.

If you’re a cancer patient at Memorial Hospital in Chester, a veteran with PTSD in Sparta, a farmer with chronic pain in Percy, or a caregiver in Red Bud searching for options—we see you. We understand the desperation that comes when conventional medicine falls short. We also understand the hope that comes from knowing there might be another path.

Our promise to Randolph County is the same promise Colin made on ABC13 in 2019: we’re not selling snake oil or false hope. We’re offering the best possible version of cannabinoid medicine, grounded in real science, backed by real media credentials, and proven through real experience—from Bentley’s miracle recovery to Colin’s own benzo withdrawal to the thousands of customers we’ve served since 2019.

You can order with confidence, knowing that if you can’t afford our products, we’ll give you the recipe to make your own. You can use our products knowing we publish every lab test and every research citation. You can trust that we’re building something different—something that honors the legacy of Rick Simpson while correcting his mistakes, something that brings medical-grade precision to plant-based medicine.

From our Houston family to yours in Randolph County, we’re here to help. Call us at (832) 416-2816, email [email protected], or visit oilwellcbd.com to place your order. We’ll get it to your door in Randolph County—whether that’s on the river in Kaskaskia, in the hills near Baldwin, or in the heart of Chester.

Welcome to the OilWell family. Welcome to honest cannabis medicine.