The Ultimate Guide to Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) in the United States: Modern Formulas from Texas

Welcome. We are OilWell Cannabis, a Houston-based, Farm Bill-compliant hemp company. This guide is for you—whether you’re in New York City seeking pain relief, a veteran in Florida managing PTSD, a cancer patient in California exploring supportive care, or simply a curious resident of Ohio looking for honest education. Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) is one of the most searched terms in cannabis, and our mission is to provide the most comprehensive, evidence-based, and location-aware resource available in the United States.

Part 1: Understanding Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) and Its Evolution

Who Was Rick Simpson? Separating Fact from Folklore

Rick Simpson, born in 1949 in Amherst, Nova Scotia, was not a doctor or scientist. He was a blue-collar worker whose journey into cannabis advocacy began after a 1997 workplace injury left him with debilitating post-concussion symptoms. Finding little relief from conventional medications and dismissed by his doctor when he asked about cannabis, Simpson turned to the plant himself.

His advocacy ignited in 2003, when he claimed that a concentrated cannabis oil he made eradicated basal cell carcinoma spots on his skin. This personal testimony, documented in his 2012 book Phoenix Tears and the 2005 documentary Run From The Cure, became the catalyst for a global movement. Simpson began giving away his oil for free, helping people with cancer, chronic pain, and other conditions, while facing legal raids and eventually leaving Canada.

Important Context for U.S. Readers: Simpson’s story is historically significant but not clinical evidence. In the United States, where healthcare decisions are deeply personal and often costly, his narrative of self-advocacy resonates. However, it’s crucial to distinguish between powerful personal testimony and the rigorous, peer-reviewed science that should guide medical decisions today.

The Traditional RSO Protocol: A 90-Day, High-Dose Approach

Simpson’s treatment protocol was intense: consume 60 grams of oil over 90 days, starting with a dose the size of half a grain of rice and escalating to ~1 gram per day.

• Estimated THC Exposure: This protocol could deliver 600-900mg of delta-9 THC daily. For context, the FDA-approved synthetic THC, dronabinol, is typically dosed between 2.5 and 20mg per day.
• Administration: Primarily oral/sublingual, sometimes topical for skin issues.
• The Reality: This protocol was never validated in controlled clinical trials. It used crude, unstandardized material and involved THC exposure levels far beyond anything safely studied.

What Traditional RSO Actually Was (And Its Limitations)

The product Simpson made had specific characteristics that highlight why modern formulations have evolved:

• Source: A single, high-THC indica strain.
• Extraction Solvent: Naphtha (petroleum-based) or 99% isopropyl alcohol—neither food-grade.
• Appearance: Nearly black, thick, tar-like.
• Cannabinoid Profile: Fully decarboxylated, THC-dominant (estimated 60-90%), with unpredictable minor cannabinoid ratios.
• Terpenes: Destroyed by the high-heat solvent evaporation process.
• Testing & Standardization: None. Every batch was different, with no contaminant screening.

The residual solvent risk from naphtha—which may contain benzene, toluene, and other carcinogens—is one of the most critical safety lessons from this era.

Simpson’s Claims vs. The Modern Evidence Record

Simpson consistently claimed RSO could cure cancer and many diseases. It is our responsibility to evaluate this against the current science.

What the Preclinical Literature Shows:

• In vitro and animal studies show THC and CBD can induce cancer cell death and inhibit tumor growth in certain models. This is legitimate, ongoing science.

What the Preclinical Literature Does NOT Show:

• These findings have not translated into proven human cancer cures. No human clinical trial has demonstrated RSO cures cancer.

Institutional Positions in the United States:

• The U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI) acknowledges cannabinoid anticancer research in labs but does not endorse cannabis as a cancer treatment.
• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any cannabis plant product for cancer treatment. Approved cannabinoid drugs are for specific, non-cancer indications (e.g., Epidiolex for seizures).
• The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) identifies the strongest evidence for cannabinoids in rare epilepsies, chemotherapy-induced nausea, and HIV/AIDS-related appetite loss.

The Balanced Legacy:
Simpson was right to draw serious attention to cannabinoid therapy. He was wrong, and potentially harmful, in encouraging patients to use unproven, high-dose THC oil instead of proven cancer therapies. In the U.S., with its world-class oncology centers from MD Anderson in Houston to Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York, this distinction isn’t academic—it’s a matter of patient safety.

Traditional RSO vs. OilWell’s Modern Formulated RSO

Part 2: OilWell Cannabis – A Houston-Born Philosophy Rooted in Real Need

Our story doesn’t start in a boardroom. It starts with a paralyzed dog named Bentley on the brink of euthanasia in Houston, Texas. Our founder, Colin Valencia, a software engineer with roots in the challenging McAllen-Reynosa border region and experience at Baylor College of Medicine, refused to give up. Told by a rescuer, “You’ve moved how many tons of weed and you’ve never heard of CBD?” he created a CBD golden paste that did what pharmaceuticals couldn’t: Bentley got up and lived another ten years.

During Bentley’s decade, Colin formulated for his every age-related condition—neurodegeneration, glaucoma, arthritis. He learned that single cannabinoids weren’t enough. This real-world R&D, driven by love, became the foundation of our multi-cannabinoid approach.

Colin also knows pharmaceutical dependence personally, having used his cannabinoid knowledge to quit Xanax cold turkey during his struggle with PTSD and benzo addiction. This isn’t theoretical for us. It’s lived experience.

The Four Pillars of OilWell’s RSO Philosophy

1. Accessibility Over Gatekeeping: No medical card is required in the United States. Anyone 21+ can purchase. We ship nationwide from our Houston hub.
2. Patient-Controlled Potency: Our RSO contains THCa. You decide: use it raw for non-psychoactive benefits, or decarboxylate it at home to activate its full psychoactive potential. You control your experience.
3. Open-Source Formulas: We publish our complete formulas. If you can’t afford our product, you can see exactly what’s in it and make your own. This honors Simpson’s free-distribution ethos for the modern age.
4. Evidence-Informed, Not Evidence-Overstating: We anchor our formulas to the peer-reviewed science detailed in this guide. We tell you what’s well-supported, what’s emerging, and what’s overstated.

Farm Bill Compliance: The Legal Framework for the United States

The 2018 U.S. Farm Bill federally legalized hemp-derived products containing less than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight. This is our foundation.

• Our 30mL RSO Sublingual Oil contains only 90mg of delta-9 THC in the entire bottle—well under the 0.3% threshold.
• The 1,500mg of THCa is legally distinct. It is the non-psychoactive acidic precursor. You can legally purchase, possess, and ship it across the United States.
• The Decarboxylation Choice: At home, you can heat the oil (~260°F for 45-60 mins) to convert that THCa into ~1,315mg of delta-9 THC. Combined with the existing 90mg, you control access to ~1,405mg of total delta-9 THC—legally. This is the paradigm shift: legal purchase, customer-controlled activation.

Important Legal Notice: It is the buyer’s responsibility to understand and comply with their state and local laws. While federally compliant, some states have restrictions on hemp-derived cannabinoids. We provide full documentation, Certificates of Analysis (COAs), and receipts with every order.

Part 3: The OilWell RSO Formulas – Precision, Transparency, Choice

We offer RSO in two distinct formats, each designed for different needs and lifestyles across the United States.

RSO Sublingual Oil – $129.99 | The Sustained, Precise Workhorse

• Size: 30mL bottle (1 fl oz)
• Total Cannabinoids: 16,590mg (553mg per mL)
• Open-Source Formula:
  • CBD: 4,500mg
  • CBG: 3,000mg
  • Delta-8 THC: 6,000mg
  • THCa: 1,500mg
  • Delta-9 THC: 90mg
  • CBN: 750mg
  • CBC: 750mg
• Live Terpenes (5%): Limonene, Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Pinene, Linalool, Humulene, Terpinolene.
• Base: Organic MCT Oil
• Onset: 15-45 minutes | Duration: 4-6 hours
• Perfect For: Sustained relief, precise dosing with the graduated dropper, nighttime use, daytime non-psychoactive use (when used raw).

RSO Vape Cartridge – $49.99 | The Fast-Acting Companion

• Size: 1-gram cartridge (510-thread)
• Cannabinoid Profile: A percentage-based blend of CBD, CBG, Delta-8 THC, THCa, CBN, and CBC.
• Live Terpenes: 5%+
• Key Feature: The vaping temperature (~400-450°F) instantly decarboxylates THCa into delta-9 THC with each puff.
• Onset: 1-2 minutes | Duration: 2-4 hours
• Perfect For: Acute breakthrough pain, sudden nausea, panic, or when portability and discretion are key.

When to Use Each Format: A U.S. Lifestyle Guide

The Science in the Bottle: Connecting Our Formula to the Evidence

Every compound in our formula is chosen with reference to the scientific literature. Here’s the connection:

• CBD (4,500mg): The most evidence-developed cannabinoid here. Human studies support its use for certain seizure disorders, and research suggests anxiolytic and analgesic potential, though more trials are needed for broad pain claims.
• CBG (3,000mg): A promising minor cannabinoid with interesting preclinical data for neuroprotection and inflammation. Human clinical validation is still emerging.
• Delta-8 THC (6,000mg): A psychoactive THC analogue with similar but less potent effects than delta-9 THC. It has real pharmacological activity and should be respected, not dismissed as “just mild.”
• THCa (1,500mg): The non-psychoactive precursor. Preclinical work suggests anti-inflammatory properties via COX-2 inhibition. Its key feature here is patient-controlled potency.
• Delta-9 THC (90mg): Has the strongest human evidence among psychoactive cannabinoids for nausea (chemotherapy) and pain, but also carries the clearest risks for impairment, anxiety, and dependency at high doses. We include a low, compliant amount.
• CBN (750mg): Popularly marketed for sleep, but the human clinical evidence for this is surprisingly weak. We include it at a meaningful dose (25mg per 1mL) for those who wish to explore its potential.
• CBC (750mg): An intriguing minor cannabinoid with distinct pharmacology, explored in preclinical studies for its potential role in pain and inflammation.

Our Terpene Profile is designed for both aroma and potential entourage effect. Beta-Caryophyllene, for example, is a terpene that also acts as a CB2 receptor agonist—a unique bridge between flavor and function.

Part 4: Responsible Use Context for the U.S. Market

FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider before use, especially if you have a medical condition, are pregnant/nursing, or take other medications. Do not operate vehicles or machinery under the influence. Keep out of reach of children. You must be 21 years or older to purchase.

The following contexts are educational guides based on cannabinoid research and our formulation, not medical advice.

For Chemotherapy-Related Nausea:

• Evidence Context: Delta-9 THC is FDA-approved for this (in synthetic form). Delta-8 THC also shows antiemetic potential.
• Practical Guide: 0.5mL of sublingual oil ~1 hour before treatment may help. For acute breakthrough nausea, 2-3 puffs from the vape can provide relief in minutes. Always coordinate with your oncology team.

For Chronic Pain (Arthritis, Neuropathy):

• Evidence Context: Cannabis products show promise for short-term pain relief, but side effects (dizziness, sedation) are common. CBD and THCa have anti-inflammatory pathways.
• Practical Guide: Daytime: 0.3-0.5mL of raw (non-decarbed) oil for anti-inflammatory support without impairment. Nighttime: 0.5-1.0mL of decarbed oil for combined pain and sleep support.

For Sleep Support:

• Evidence Context: The sleep-cannabis literature is mixed. CBN’s reputation for sedation outpaces its clinical proof.
• Practical Guide: 1.0-2.0mL of sublingual oil before bed. At 2.0mL, this delivers 50mg of CBN—a dose level explored in modern sleep research.

For Anxiety & Stress:

• Evidence Context: CBD shows an anxiolytic signal in human studies. Limonene and linalool terpenes are also researched for mood.
• Practical Guide: For daytime functional support, 0.3mL of raw oil provides CBD and CBG without psychoactivity.

General Dosing Principle for the United States: START LOW, GO SLOW. Begin with 0.25mL of sublingual oil. Wait 2-3 hours. Assess your response. Individual biology, diet, metabolism, and medication interactions vary widely.

Part 5: How to Get OilWell RSO in the United States

Houston, Texas: Same-Day Local Delivery

We operate from the heart of Houston’s Montrose neighborhood (810 Richmond Ave). Our same-day delivery system serves the greater Houston area, with FREE delivery to the entire Texas Medical Center—the world’s largest medical complex.

Nationwide Shipping to All 50 States

We ship via USPS, FedEx, and UPS to every state where Farm Bill-compliant products are legal.

• Discreet, secure packaging.
• Real-time tracking provided.
• All packages include required federal documentation and Certificates of Analysis.

International Shipping

We ship internationally from Houston to countries where hemp-derived products with less than 0.3% delta-9 THC are permitted. We provide full customs documentation. The customer is responsible for verifying local legality.

Media Recognition: Trust Built Over Years

Our credibility isn’t self-proclaimed. ABC13 Houston (KTRK), the ABC affiliate for America’s fourth-largest city, has featured our founder Colin Valencia as the go-to cannabis authority in seven comprehensive news segments from 2019 to 2023. These segments covered:

• The CBD business boom in Texas.
• Delta-8 THC legality and pharmacology.
• Our community initiative donating ~$35,000 in product for COVID-19 vaccinations.
• Colin’s personal perspective on President Biden’s marijuana pardons.
  This sustained, independent media recognition across business, law, and community health is a testament to the authority and trust we’ve built.

Conclusion: A New Standard for RSO, Built in Texas for the World

Rick Simpson sparked a movement with passion and personal conviction. We honor that by building upon it with precision, transparency, and scientific integrity. From our origin saving a dog in Houston to serving veterans, chronic pain patients, and curious individuals across the United States, our mission remains: to provide the most thoughtful, effective, and accessible cannabinoid formulas possible.

We are OilWell Cannabis. Not snake oil salesmen, not hope peddlers—educators and formulators. We give you the best possible information and the best possible product, so you can make the right choice for yourself.

Explore the full, detailed RSO guide, place an order, or view our Certificates of Analysis at our website.