Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) in Sitka City and Borough: The Complete Guide by OilWell Cannabis

For the hardworking fishermen battling chronic pain from decades on Sitka Sound, the veterans seeking relief from PTSD in our remote island community, the cancer patients traveling to Juneau or Anchorage for treatment, and anyone who’s been let down by conventional medicine—we see you. We’re OilWell Cannabis, and we’ve spent years perfecting a modern, legal, evidence-informed approach to Rick Simpson Oil that respects the tradition while solving the problems that limited the original formula. Whether you’re in downtown Sitka, out in Halibut Point, or anywhere across Baranof Island, this guide is for you.

Understanding Rick Simpson Oil: The Tradition Behind the Name

Who Was Rick Simpson and Why His Story Matters to Sitka

Rick Simpson wasn’t a doctor or scientist—he was a power engineer from Nova Scotia, a blue-collar tradesman whose journey into cannabis medicine began when the medical system failed him. In 1997, a workplace scaffolding accident left him with persistent tinnitus, dizziness, and post-concussion symptoms that his doctors couldn’t fix. The medications they prescribed either didn’t help or made things worse. When he asked his physician about cannabis, the door was slammed shut.

Sound familiar? Here in Sitka, where we have just one small hospital and specialists are a plane ride away, many of us know what it’s like when institutional medicine runs out of answers. Whether it’s a deckhand with a chronic back injury from pulling nets, a cannery worker with repetitive strain injuries, or someone facing a serious diagnosis and being told to “wait and see,” the experience of being failed by conventional care is universal.

Simpson’s breakthrough moment came in 2003 when he claims three bumps on his arm—diagnosed as basal cell carcinoma—disappeared after he applied concentrated cannabis oil and covered them with bandages. Important context: This is Simpson’s personal testimony, not medically verified evidence. No biopsy confirmation, no peer-reviewed documentation, no independent medical observation. But this moment became the catalyst for a global movement.

The 60-Gram Protocol: What Sitka Residents Need to Know

Simpson developed a specific treatment schedule that became legendary in cannabis circles: consume 60 grams of oil over approximately 90 days. The titration schedule started with a dose the size of half a grain of rice, three times daily, then doubled every four days until reaching 1 gram per day divided into three doses.

For our Sitka community, where many people work physical jobs requiring full mental clarity, the psychoactive effects of this protocol present real practical challenges. Simpson claimed patients develop tolerance within 3-4 weeks, but during that early phase, the impairment risk is significant—especially for anyone operating boats, heavy equipment, or vehicles on our winding island roads.

Critical safety considerations for Sitka:

• No clinical validation: This protocol was never tested in controlled trials. No randomized studies, no cohort data, no documented case series.
• Extremely high THC exposure: At peak dosing (1 gram/day of traditional RSO containing 60-90% THC), patients consumed 600-900mg of delta-9 THC daily—far exceeding anything studied clinically. For perspective, FDA-approved dronabinol is typically dosed at 2.5-20mg per day.
• Real risks: At those doses, documented risks include severe intoxication, anxiety, panic, tachycardia, hypotension, and cannabis use disorder [1][13][14][15]. For someone in Sitka’s isolated environment, a severe adverse reaction could be dangerous.
• Product variability: Traditional RSO had no standardization. Every batch differed based on starting plant material, growing conditions, and extraction technique.

What Traditional RSO Actually Was

Simpson’s original product was defined by his method, not lab specs. He used high-THC indica strains, extracted with naphtha or 99% isopropyl alcohol in a bucket, filtered through cheesecloth, and evaporated the solvent in a rice cooker. The result was a nearly black, tar-like oil with a strong cannabis odor and possible solvent residuals.

The extraction problem: Naphtha contains benzene, toluene, and other carcinogens. Isopropyl alcohol isn’t food-grade either. Without lab testing—which didn’t exist in the illegal market—there was no way to verify complete solvent removal. For Sitka residents who might be considering DIY extraction (a tempting option given our remote location), this is a serious safety concern. Alaska’s fire risk is real, and solvent-based extraction in a home kitchen or garage is extremely hazardous.

Cannabinoid profile: Traditional RSO was 60-90% delta-9 THC with whatever minor cannabinoids happened to be in the plant. No ratio control, no measurement, no consistency. Terpene content: Essentially zero—the solvent and heat destroyed them all.

Simpson’s Claims vs. What the Science Actually Shows

Simpson claimed RSO could cure cancer and treat dozens of conditions. He maintained that pharmaceutical companies and government agencies were suppressing this knowledge. While we respect his advocacy passion, we must be honest with Sitka’s community about what the evidence actually demonstrates.

What the preclinical literature shows:

• In vitro and animal studies show THC and CBD can induce apoptosis (cell death), inhibit tumor proliferation, and reduce angiogenesis in certain cancer cell lines .
• Animal models show some tumor growth inhibition .

What it does NOT show:

• No human clinical trial has proven RSO cures cancer.
• The gap between lab/animal results and human outcomes is vast.
• Small human trials in glioblastoma have been exploratory and inconclusive .

Institutional positions matter:

• National Cancer Institute: Acknowledges anticancer research but does NOT endorse cannabis as cancer treatment .
• FDA: Has not approved any cannabis plant product for cancer. Only Epidiolex (CBD for seizures) and synthetic THC analogues for chemo nausea/AIDS wasting are approved [1].
• Health Canada: Never approved RSO for cancer.
• NCCIH: Strongest evidence is for epilepsy, chemo nausea, and HIV/AIDS appetite—not cancer cure [1].

What Simpson got right: He drew attention to cannabinoids as serious biomedical research when the world ignored them. He helped create the conditions for the legal cannabis industry that exists today. His advocacy was historically significant.

What he overstated: Cancer cure claims exceed the evidence. Encouraging patients to use RSO instead of proven oncologic therapies carries genuine harm potential. In Sitka, where cancer patients already face travel burdens for treatment at SEARHC or in Juneau, delaying or forgoing proven care could be catastrophic.

The Modern Evolution: OilWell’s Formulated RSO

Why We Built Something Different for Sitka

Traditional RSO was crude, variable, and risky. Sitka deserves better. Our community faces unique challenges: remoteness, limited healthcare access, harsh maritime work conditions, and the mental health toll of long, dark winters. We needed a product that respects Rick Simpson’s vision while solving the problems that made his original approach unreliable.

Five deliberate divergences:

1. Multi-cannabinoid approach: Traditional RSO was single-strain, THC-dominant. Our formula includes seven defined cannabinoids (CBD, CBG, delta-8 THC, THCa, delta-9 THC, CBN, CBC) because the entourage-effect literature suggests broader therapeutic potential [20][29]. For Sitka’s chronic pain sufferers, this means multiple anti-inflammatory pathways instead of just one.

2. Terpene preservation: Traditional RSO had none. We include live terpenes at 5% with a specific seven-terpene profile (limonene, myrcene, caryophyllene, pinene, linalool, humulene, terpinolene) because terpene bioactivity is plausible and contributes to the sensory experience that makes consistent use more likely [20]-[29].

3. THCa preservation: Traditional RSO was fully decarboxylated. We include 1,500mg THCa as a distinct ingredient, preserving the non-psychoactive acidic precursor which shows promise for anti-inflammatory activity via COX-2 inhibition and neuroprotection via PPARγ agonism [12]. This is crucial for Sitka workers who need daytime relief without impairment.

4. Reduced delta-9 THC dominance: Traditional RSO was 60-90% delta-9 THC. Our sublingual formula contains only 90mg total delta-9 THC (3mg/mL), dramatically reducing psychoactive burden while maintaining therapeutic potential through other cannabinoids.

5. Format innovation: Simpson had one crude oil. We offer both sublingual oil and vape cartridges, each with formulation-specific cannabinoid ratios acknowledging that different delivery routes have different pharmacokinetic profiles [14].

The THCa Legal Framework: Why This Works for Alaska

The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived products containing less than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight. This federal framework is the foundation of our product’s legality—including here in Alaska.

Our sublingual oil contains only 90mg of delta-9 THC in the entire 30mL bottle—well under the 0.3% threshold. All cannabinoids are hemp-derived. The product is legal under federal law and in Alaska.

The game-changer: THCa is the acidic, non-psychoactive precursor to delta-9 THC. It’s not delta-9 at the point of sale, making it Farm Bill compliant. The customer controls whether it stays that way.

Three usage options for Sitka residents:

1. Raw (no heat): All 1,500mg stays as THCa—completely non-psychoactive. Perfect for daytime use on the fishing boat, at the cannery, or driving the ferry route with zero impairment.

2. Home decarboxylation: Heat the oil at 260°F for 45-60 minutes in an oven-safe glass container. This converts 1,500mg THCa into approximately 1,315mg delta-9 THC. Combined with the existing 90mg delta-9 THC, you get ~1,405mg total delta-9 THC—comparable to traditional illegal RSO, but 100% legally because you activated it yourself after purchase.

3. Vape cartridge: Vaping at 400-450°F instantly converts THCa to delta-9 THC with each puff. This is our fastest-onset option for breakthrough pain or panic attacks during Sitka’s long ferry rides or when weather delays your travel for medical appointments.

Important legal notice for Alaska customers: THCa converts to delta-9 THC when heated. You are responsible for understanding and complying with Alaska law regarding cannabinoid products. We ship with complete documentation, Certificates of Analysis, and receipts. International and Alaska customers accept all customs and legal responsibility.

Open-Source Formulas: Our Promise to Sitka

Rick Simpson gave his oil away for free. We honor that ethos by publishing our complete formulas publicly—every cannabinoid, every milligram, every percentage. If you can’t afford our products, you can source the ingredients and make your own.

Why this matters for Sitka: Our remote location and high cost of living mean affordability is a real concern. We don’t want to shut anyone out. The formulas below are your recipe if you need it.

The formulas aren’t our only gift. We also published the original CBD golden paste recipe that saved Bentley’s life—a formula that helped a paralyzed dog walk again. For Sitka’s pet owners facing similar heartbreak with their companions, this is free, proven, and ready to use:

CBD Golden Paste Recipe for Pets

(The formula that started everything)

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup organic turmeric powder
• 1 cup water
• 1/3 cup unrefined organic coconut oil
• 1-2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper (critical for absorption)
• CBD oil (dosage depends on pet size; consult your Sitka veterinarian)

Instructions:

1. Mix turmeric and water in a saucepan over low heat, stirring continuously for 7-10 minutes until thick paste forms. Add water if too thick.
2. Add coconut oil and black pepper. Stir until thoroughly mixed.
3. Cool and store in a jar with lid. Refrigerate for up to two weeks.
4. Add CBD oil to paste before serving. Start with low dose and increase gradually.

Serving: Mix a small amount with pet’s food once or twice daily. Monitor changes and consult your Sitka veterinarian with concerns.

This recipe—published free years before our RSO formulas—shows our pattern isn’t marketing. It’s who we are.

OilWell’s Story: From McAllen to Sitka

Our founder, Colin Valencia, grew up in McAllen, Texas—one of the most economically challenged border regions in America. He saw friends killed and imprisoned. He left home at sixteen. He chose cannabis over darker paths, learning the plant intimately while operating in the shadows before transitioning to legal business.

Colin later worked as a software engineer for Baylor College of Medicine in Houston’s Texas Medical Center. That combination—deep cannabis knowledge plus medical-grade technical precision—defines our approach.

But our real origin story starts with Bentley. Bentley was more than a pet; he was family. When veterinarians said euthanasia was the only humane option for his paralyzed back legs, Colin refused. A rescue worker’s question changed everything: “You’ve moved how many tons of weed and you’ve never heard of CBD?”

Colin created CBD golden paste. Bentley got up and brought him his ball to play. From paralysis to play—this wasn’t placebo. Dogs don’t respond to placebo. This was real cannabinoid medicine doing what pharmaceuticals couldn’t.

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

• Neurodegeneration → CBG’s neuroprotective properties and THCa’s PPARγ agonism for brain cell protection
• Dementia → CBC’s role in neurogenesis
• Glaucoma → THC’s CB1 agonism for intraocular pressure
• Arthritis → Multi-pathway anti-inflammatory approach using CBD, CBG, THCa, and beta-caryophyllene

Single cannabinoids weren’t enough. Bentley’s evolving conditions required multi-cannabinoid synergy. That decade of real-world formulation testing—on a patient Colin loved more than anything—became the foundation of our RSO formula.

Colin also knows pharmaceutical dependence personally. He struggled with PTSD and benzodiazepine addiction. He quit Xanax cold turkey using the same cannabinoid knowledge that saved Bentley. Our Peace Gummies formula was created during midnight experiments while fighting benzo withdrawal. Colin personally uses our vape form for insomnia and severe PTSD. This isn’t theoretical—he lived what Sitka’s veterans and trauma survivors live.

Our Commitment to Sitka: Evidence Over Hype

We’ve been featured seven times on ABC13 Houston, America’s fourth-largest TV market, between 2019-2023. Five different reporters sought us out for topics spanning business, law, medicine, community health, and politics. When Texas banned Delta-8 overnight, we proactively removed products and warned other operators before enforcement began. When COVID hit, we gave away $35,000 in product to encourage vaccination and coordinated with Houston’s city government—no political strings attached.

But our most important media moment was revealing Colin’s personal marijuana conviction history during President Biden’s pardon announcement. That context transforms everything: we don’t just sell products, we advocate from lived experience.

Our 2019 quote still guides everything we do:
“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.”

How Sitka Residents Access Our Products

Same-Day Delivery? Not in Sitka—yet. But here’s what we can do:

Nationwide Shipping to Alaska:

• USPS Priority Mail (2-3 business days to Anchorage, then forwarded to Sitka)
• FedEx/UPS Ground (3-5 business days)
• Temperature-stable packaging crucial for Alaska’s summer heat and winter cold
• Discreet packaging with no cannabis branding visible
• Tracking provided for all orders
• Signature-required option available for added security

International Shipping: For Sitka residents with family in Canada or other countries where hemp products are legal, we ship worldwide with full COA documentation. The THCa legal framework makes this possible—our product meets Farm Bill standards at point of sale.

Free Delivery to the Texas Medical Center: While this doesn’t directly benefit Sitka, it demonstrates our commitment to accessibility. If we can serve the world’s largest medical complex (10+ million patient visits annually) with free delivery, we can certainly get products to Sitka’s harbor.

Ordering is simple: Visit oilwellcbd.com, verify you’re 21+, and place your order. We accept all major payment methods. Questions? Call (832) 416-2816 or email [email protected].

Condition-Specific Context for Sitka’s Community

Important disclaimer: These are educational contexts based on research cited in our GENERAL KNOWLEDGE section, not medical prescriptions. Our products are not FDA-approved to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your healthcare provider—whether that’s at SEARHC, your Sitka physician, or your specialist in Juneau/Anchorage—before using cannabinoid products, especially if you have medical conditions, take medications, are pregnant or nursing, or have health concerns. Do not operate boats, vehicles, or machinery while under the influence of psychoactive cannabinoids.

Chronic Pain (Fishing Injuries, Arthritis, Neuropathy):

• Daytime: 0.3-0.5mL raw sublingual oil. Provides anti-inflammatory cannabinoid exposure without psychoactive impairment—critical for operating boats or working the docks.
• Nighttime: 0.5-1.0mL decarboxylated sublingual oil. Combines pain relief with CBN sleep support after long days on the water.
• Breakthrough pain: Vape as needed for rapid onset during acute flares.
• Evidence: CBD pain evidence [4], delta-9 THC pain evidence [13], beta-caryophyllene CB2 agonism [24], THCa COX-2 inhibition [12]

Cancer Supportive Care (During Treatment in Juneau/Anchorage):

• Pre-chemo: 0.5-1.0mL sublingual ~1 hour before treatment
• Acute breakthrough nausea: 2-3 vape puffs for immediate relief (1-2 minute onset) during ferry travel or while waiting for appointments
• Post-chemo: 0.5mL sublingual every 6 hours as needed
• Sleep support: 1.0-2.0mL sublingual before bed delivers 25-50mg CBN
• Evidence: Delta-8 antiemetic [9], delta-9 THC nausea evidence [1][13], CBD anxiolytic buffering [3]

PTSD & Anxiety (Veterans, Isolation, Seasonal Affective Disorder):

• Daytime functional relief: 0.3mL raw sublingual. CBD and CBG address anxiety pathways without impairment.
• Nighttime: 1.0mL sublingual—full cannabinoid profile including CBN for sleep architecture during Sitka’s dark winter months.
• Evidence: CBD anxiety evidence [3], CBG pharmacology [7][8], limonene entourage effect [20]

Sleep Disorders (Midnight Sun, Winter Darkness Adjustment):

• Before bed: 1.0-2.0mL sublingual oil
• 2.0mL delivers 50mg CBN—the dosage level investigated in 2024 sleep literature
• 1.0mL delivers 25mg CBN—above the 20mg threshold associated with reduced sleep disturbance
• Evidence: CBN sleep evidence [16][17], cannabis and sleep review [17]

General Titration Principle for All Sitka Users: Start low, go slow. Begin with 0.25-0.5mL sublingual and assess effects over 2-3 hours before increasing. Individual responses vary based on body weight, metabolism, tolerance, concurrent medications (important given limited Sitka pharmacy options), and other factors.

Our Product Formulas: Complete Transparency

RSO Sublingual Oil — $129.99

• Live Terpenes: 5% (limonene, myrcene, caryophyllene, pinene, linalool, humulene, terpinolene)
• Base: Organic MCT oil
• Duration: 4-6 hours
• Onset: 15-45 minutes sublingual
• Dosing: 0.1mL increments via graduated dropper
• Bottle: 30mL (approximately 40-60 doses depending on serving size)

RSO Vape Cartridge — $49.99

• Format: 1g cartridge
• Compatibility: 510-thread universal batteries (available locally in Sitka or shipped with your order)
• Onset: 1-2 minutes (fastest relief)
• Duration: 2-4 hours
• Best for: Breakthrough pain, acute nausea, panic attacks, situations requiring immediate relief

When to Use Each Format in Sitka’s Context

Terpene Profile: The Sitka Sensory Experience

Both products share our seven-terpene profile:

• Limonene (citrus-bright): Mood elevation during Sitka’s gray winters
• Myrcene: Relaxation after physical labor
• Caryophyllene (pepper/spice): CB2 activation for inflammation—crucial for fishing injuries
• Pinene (forest-fresh): Clarity and respiratory openness, reminiscent of our Tongass National Forest surroundings
• Linalool (lavender): Calm during stressful periods
• Humulene (earthy, woody): Anti-inflammatory support
• Terpinolene (piney, fruity): Complex aromatics that make the experience enjoyable

How Our Formulas Connect to Real Science

Every cannabinoid and terpene we include has a cited evidence profile in our GENERAL KNOWLEDGE section. We don’t cherry-pick studies or exaggerate claims. We anchor every compound to peer-reviewed research with clear evidence strength labeling.

When we say CBG may help with neuroprotection, we cite the pharmacology reviews [7][8]. When we mention delta-8 THC’s antiemetic potential, we reference the clinical literature [9]. When we discuss THCa’s anti-inflammatory mechanisms, we point to the COX-2 research [12].

This matters because Sitka’s community deserves honesty, not hype. When you’re miles from advanced medical care, making informed decisions based on real evidence isn’t just important—it can be life-changing.

Final Thoughts for Sitka

We can’t be physically present in Sitka City and Borough. We’re based in Houston, Texas, in the Montrose neighborhood at 810 Richmond Avenue. But through modern shipping, transparent formulas, and a commitment to education over salesmanship, we can serve this remarkable community that has faced its share of challenges—from Russian colonial history to the transfer ceremony, from fishing industry fluctuations to the isolation that defines island life.

Our PANDEM1C SEO technology reaches 14 million locations across six continents. But what matters isn’t the reach—it’s that when someone in Sitka searches “RSO for chronic pain” or “legal cannabis oil Alaska” or “THCa decarboxylation,” they find information that is complete, honest, and actionable.

Contact us:

• Phone: (832) 416-2816
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://oilwellcbd.com/
• Instagram: @oilwellcbd

Business hours (Alaska Time conversion):

• Monday-Thursday: 6:00 AM – 3:00 PM AKST
• Friday-Saturday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM AKST
• Sunday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM AKST

We ship to Sitka. We publish our formulas. We answer our phone. And we never forget that behind every order is a person—maybe a veteran dealing with PTSD in the darkness of January, maybe a cancer patient seeking relief during treatment, maybe a fisherman whose body is breaking down from years of hard work—looking for something that might help when conventional medicine hasn’t been enough.

That’s why we do this. That’s why we’re here for Sitka.