Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) in the United States: The Complete Guide by OilWell Cannabis

If you’re searching for Rick Simpson Oil in the United States, you’ve likely encountered a confusing maze of outdated information, unverified claims, and products that bear little resemblance to what Rick Simpson actually made. We get it — we’ve been there. Our founder, Colin Valencia, started OilWell Cannabis right here in Houston, Texas, after watching his dog Bentley go from paralyzed and facing euthanasia to walking again thanks to a cannabinoid formula he developed. That journey taught us something fundamental: real cannabis medicine isn’t about hype. It’s about precise formulation, honest education, and giving people control over their own healing.

This guide is written specifically for you — whether you’re a cancer patient in California exploring supportive care options, a veteran with PTSD in Florida seeking alternatives to pharmaceuticals, a chronic pain sufferer in Ohio tired of opioid cycles, or simply cannabis-curious in a state where access has been limited. We understand the unique challenges of navigating cannabinoid medicine in America’s patchwork legal landscape, and we’re here to provide the most thorough, evidence-based RSO education available anywhere.

Who Was Rick Simpson and What Is Traditional RSO?

Rick Simpson was a power engineer from Amherst, Nova Scotia — not a doctor, not a scientist, but a blue-collar tradesman whose life changed in 1997 after a workplace scaffolding accident left him with persistent head trauma symptoms. When conventional medications failed him and his doctor refused to discuss cannabis, Simpson took matters into his own hands. He learned about a 1974 NIH-funded study at the Medical College of Virginia where THC reportedly slowed tumor growth in mice, and in 2003, he claimed that applying concentrated cannabis oil to basal cell carcinoma lesions on his arm made them disappear in four days. No biopsy confirmation exists, no independent medical verification was published — but that personal experience launched a global movement.

The traditional RSO protocol Simpson promoted is straightforward in concept but grueling in practice: consume 60 grams of concentrated cannabis oil over approximately 90 days. The titration starts with a dose the size of half a grain of rice, taken three times daily, doubling every four days until reaching 1 gram per day. That 1-gram daily dose delivers roughly 600-900 mg of delta-9 THC — a quantity that dwarfs the 2.5-20 mg typical of FDA-approved synthetic THC medications. Simpson gave this oil away for free to cancer patients and others throughout Nova Scotia until RCMP raids in 2005 and 2009 forced him to leave Canada entirely. His 2005 documentary Run From The Cure became the distribution vehicle that made RSO a household name in cannabis communities worldwide.

The Hard Truth About Traditional RSO

We respect Rick Simpson’s historical significance — he drew attention to cannabinoids when the world was ignoring them — but we owe you honesty about what his product actually was:

• No standardization: Every batch differed based on strain, growing conditions, and extraction variables. No lab testing, no Certificates of Analysis, no cannabinoid quantification.
• Toxic solvents: Simpson used naphtha (petroleum-based lighter fluid) or 99% isopropyl alcohol — neither food-grade. Naphtha can contain benzene and toluene, known carcinogens. Residual solvent contamination was impossible to verify without lab equipment.
• No terpenes: The high-heat extraction process destroyed virtually all terpenes, eliminating any potential entourage effect.
• Extreme THC doses: 600-900 mg of delta-9 THC daily carries real risks — severe intoxication, anxiety, tachycardia, hypotension, and cannabis use disorder. These aren’t hypothetical; they’re well-documented in peer-reviewed literature [13][14][15].
• No clinical validation: Not a single randomized controlled trial supports the 60-gram protocol for any cancer type or condition.

What Simpson got right: He helped create the conditions for the legal cannabis industry we have today. He believed medicine should be accessible, not gatekept. He gave his oil away for free and taught people to make it themselves. Those principles still matter.

Where OilWell RSO Fits in the American Cannabinoid Landscape

Traditional RSO was a product of prohibition — crude, unstandardized, and legally risky. OilWell RSO is what becomes possible when you combine the compassion behind Simpson’s mission with modern extraction science, Farm Bill compliance, and the multi-cannabinoid research that emerged after Simpson’s time. We built this for the United States market because we live here, we understand the legal maze, and we know what American patients actually need.

Our Four Core Principles

1. Accessibility Over Gatekeeping
No medical card required. If you’re 21 or older, you can purchase OilWell RSO — whether you’re in Texas, Tennessee, or Tacoma. We ship nationwide to all 50 states where hemp products are legal, and we offer same-day delivery across Houston’s sprawling metro area, from the Texas Medical Center (free delivery to the world’s largest medical complex) to the suburban rings of Katy, Sugar Land, and The Woodlands. For the rest of America, USPS Priority Mail gets it to your door in 2-3 business days in discreet, temperature-stable packaging.

2. Patient-Controlled Potency
Traditional RSO was always psychoactive — you had no choice. Our formula contains 1,500 mg of THCa in its raw, non-psychoactive form. Use it as-is for daytime anti-inflammatory relief with zero impairment, or decarboxylate it at home (260°F for 45-60 minutes) to convert that THCa into approximately 1,315 mg of delta-9 THC. Combined with the existing 90 mg delta-9 THC and 6,000 mg delta-8 THC, you get full-potency psychoactive medicine — legally, because the conversion happens after you purchase it. That’s the THCa legal framework that makes our product possible under the 2018 Farm Bill.

3. Open-Source Formulas
Rick Simpson gave his oil away for free. We publish our complete formulas publicly — every milligram, every percentage — because if you can’t afford our products, you deserve the recipe to make your own. That’s not marketing; it’s our moral foundation. It started when we published the CBD golden paste recipe that saved Bentley’s life, and it continues with the exact specifications you’ll find later in this guide.

4. Evidence-Informed, Not Evidence-Overstating
We operate in the Texas Medical Center shadow — we know what real medicine looks like. Every cannabinoid and terpene in our formula is backed by peer-reviewed literature we cite, with clear distinctions between what’s proven, what’s promising, and what’s overstated. We won’t sell you hope. We’ll give you the best possible information so you can decide what’s right for you.

The THCa Legal Framework: Why This Works in the United States

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

This matters deeply in the US context because state laws vary dramatically. While some states have robust medical programs, others maintain strict prohibition. Our THCa-forward design creates a legal pathway for Americans in restrictive states to access clinical-strength cannabinoid medicine without crossing legal lines. You purchase a hemp product; you control the activation. That’s the innovation that makes OilWell RSO accessible from California to Kentucky to New York.

Important legal notice: THCa converts to delta-9 THC when heated. You are responsible for understanding your state’s laws regarding cannabinoid products. We provide full documentation, COAs, and receipts with every shipment. International customers accept all customs and legal responsibility.

The OilWell RSO Formulas: Complete Transparency

We’re publishing everything. Here’s exactly what’s in our products, why each ingredient is there, and what the science says about it.

RSO Sublingual Oil — 30 mL (553 mg/mL)

Live Terpenes: 5% (limonene, myrcene, caryophyllene, pinene, linalool, humulene, terpinolene)
Carrier: Organic MCT oil
Onset: 15-45 minutes sublingually
Duration: 4-6 hours
Bioavailability: 13-19%
Price: $129.99

RSO Vape Cartridge — 1 Gram

Live Terpenes: 5%+
Onset: 1-2 minutes (fastest cannabinoid delivery available)
Duration: 2-4 hours
Bioavailability: 10-35%
Compatibility: 510-thread universal battery
Price: $49.99

The Terpene Profile: Why It Matters

Traditional RSO had no terpenes — they were destroyed by heat and solvent. We include a defined seven-terpene profile at 5% because the entourage effect literature suggests these compounds may modulate cannabinoid activity, even if human clinical proof remains limited [20][29]:

• Limonene: Citrus-bright aroma, potential mood elevation and stress relief [21]
• Myrcene: Earthy notes, often associated with relaxation (though human evidence is limited) [23]
• Caryophyllene: The standout — a selective CB2 agonist that may amplify anti-inflammatory effects [24]
• Pinene: Forest-fresh scent, potentially counters THC-related cognitive fog (preclinical) [25]
• Linalool: Floral lavender tones, anxiolytic potential [26]
• Humulene: Woody earthiness, anti-inflammatory interest [27]
• Terpinolene: Complex piney-fruity aroma, least studied but adds sensory depth [28]

Important: We don’t overstate terpene effects. They make the experience more enjoyable and may contribute therapeutically, but claims that they’re “clinically proven” in cannabis formulations are ahead of the evidence. We tell you this because we’re playing the long game — your trust matters more than a quick sale.

The Science Behind Each Compound: What We Know for Sure

We hold ourselves to the same evidence standards we apply to the entire field. Here’s the honest breakdown.

CBD: The Most Evidence-Backed Cannabinoid

Human clinical evidence for CBD is strongest for seizure disorders — the FDA approved Epidiolex for specific rare epilepsies because the data is robust [1][2]. For anxiety, a 2024 meta-analysis of 316 participants across eight studies found a statistically significant anxiolytic signal, but the authors stress the sample is limited and more trials are needed before broad claims are justified [3]. Pain research shows promise but remains heterogeneous [4]. Sleep studies are methodologically weak [5]. Liver enzyme elevation is a documented safety concern, especially with concentrated oral products [6]. Bottom line: CBD is valuable but not a panacea. Its best evidence is in epilepsy, with emerging support for anxiety and pain that requires more research.

CBG: Promising but Preclinical

CBG is the biosynthetic precursor to THC and CBD, with pharmacology distinct from both. It interacts with cannabinoid receptors, alpha-2 adrenoceptors, and 5-HT1A pathways — mechanistically fascinating but lacking human trials [7][8]. Reviews discuss potential relevance for neurologic disorders and inflammatory bowel disease, but these are hypotheses, not proven therapies [7]. Commercial CBG products are already being sold while the evidence base is thin, which means marketing frequently outruns science [7]. Bottom line: CBG is a serious research target, but we include it as promising, not proven.

Delta-8 THC: Real Pharmacology, Real Questions

Delta-8 THC is a partial CB1 agonist with cannabimimetic activity. It’s less potent than delta-9 THC but pharmacologically active [9]. A 2023 scoping review found the evidence base dominated by animal studies, product chemistry, and public health concerns rather than robust human trials [10]. Manufacturing quality is a major issue — commercial interest is tied to easier synthesis, which raises questions about byproducts and lab testing [11]. Bottom line: Delta-8 is psychoactive and therapeutically relevant, but its safety profile is less characterized than delta-9’s.

Delta-9 THC: Proven but Potent

Delta-9 THC has the strongest human evidence among psychoactive cannabinoids. NCCIH acknowledges its relevance for chemo-related nausea, HIV/AIDS appetite loss, and some pain/MS symptoms [1]. However, a 2025 systematic review of high-concentration THC products found consistent links to psychosis, schizophrenia, and cannabis use disorder, plus anxiety and depression signals [15]. Pain benefits exist but come with dizziness, sedation, and nausea [13]. Bottom line: Delta-9 is therapeutically legitimate but carries the clearest intoxication and psychiatric risks. Our formula keeps it at 90 mg total — enough for entourage benefits without the 600-900 mg daily exposure Simpson recommended.

CBN: The Sleep Cannabinoid With Weak Evidence

CBN is marketed as a sleep aid, but the evidence doesn’t support the hype. A 2021 review screened 99 human-study abstracts and found no clinical trials using validated sleep measures that could substantiate strong claims [16]. The 2024 sleep literature update concluded that cannabinoid sleep research still doesn’t match real-world use [17]. We include 750 mg (25-50 mg per serving) because that’s the dosage level investigated in recent studies, and our customers report benefits, but we’re transparent: the science is still catching up.

CBC: Emerging Neurogenic Potential

CBC has distinct pharmacodynamics and may support neurogenesis [18][19]. Animal studies show anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects, but human data is scarce [19]. Like CBG, it’s commercially interesting because it’s underexplored, which means claims often exceed evidence [18]. Bottom line: CBC is credible but clinically immature — exactly the kind of forward-thinking compound we include for those willing to explore beyond the basics.

THCa: The Legal Innovation

THCa is non-psychoactive in its acidic form but converts to delta-9 THC when heated [12]. In vitro and rodent studies suggest anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and antineoplastic potential, but these aren’t established human outcomes [12]. Its greatest value is legal accessibility — you can purchase it nationwide, then decide whether to activate it. Bottom line: THCa’s significance is legal and chemical. It gives you options Simpson never had.

Terpenes: The Sensory Dimension

Terpenes are the aromatic compounds that give cannabis its smell and taste. While the entourage effect is plausible [20][29], human clinical proof is limited. Limonene has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential [21], but its oxidation products can be allergens [22]. Myrcene’s sedative reputation lacks human confirmation [23]. Caryophyllene is unique as a CB2 agonist [24], making it scientifically compelling. Pinene and linalool show preclinical brain-health signals [25][26], but trials are lacking. Humulene and terpinolene are early-stage [27][28]. Bottom line: Terpenes enhance the experience and may contribute therapeutically, but specific clinical claims are premature.

Practical Usage Guidance for American Consumers

Condition-Specific Contexts (Evidence-Informed, Not Prescriptive)

For Chemotherapy Support:

• Pre-treatment: 0.5-1.0 mL sublingual oil (277-553 mg cannabinoids) about 1 hour before chemo. Delta-8’s antiemetic properties [9] and delta-9’s nausea control [1][13] can help.
• Breakthrough nausea: 2-3 vape puffs for 1-2 minute onset relief.
• Post-treatment: 0.5 mL every 6 hours as needed.
• Sleep: 1-2 mL at bedtime delivers 25-50 mg CBN, the dosage studied in recent sleep literature [16][17].

For Chronic Pain (Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, Neuropathy):

• Daytime: 0.3-0.5 mL raw sublingual oil for anti-inflammatory effects without impairment. CBD [4], CBG [7], and THCa [12] work through multiple pathways.
• Nighttime: 0.5-1.0 mL decarboxylated oil for full-spectrum relief plus CBN for sleep architecture.
• Breakthrough pain: Vape as needed for rapid onset.

For Sleep Disorders:

• 1-2 mL sublingual oil 30 minutes before bed. At 2 mL, you get 50 mg CBN — the level investigated in 2024 research [16][17]. The delta-8 and delta-9 contribute to sedation, while myrcene and linalool may enhance relaxation (though human evidence is limited) [23][26].

For Anxiety and Stress:

• Daytime: 0.3 mL raw sublingual oil. CBD’s anxiolytic effects [3] and CBG’s pharmacology [7] address anxiety pathways without psychoactivity.
• Nighttime: 1.0 mL for full cannabinoid profile with CBN to calm racing thoughts.

The Golden Rule: Start Low, Go Slow

American consumers come in all tolerances — from CBD novices in Idaho to experienced users in Colorado. Always begin with 0.25-0.5 mL sublingual oil and assess effects over 2-3 hours before increasing. Individual response varies by weight, metabolism, concurrent medications, and genetics. This is especially critical if you’re on benzodiazepenes, SSRIs, or other drugs with potential interactions [1].

Safety Considerations for US Consumers

Impairment Risk: Activated delta-9 THC and delta-8 THC will impair your ability to drive or operate machinery. Do not use psychoactive doses before driving. The raw THCa option exists precisely for Americans who need daytime relief without compromising work or family responsibilities.

Drug Testing: Delta-8 THC and activated delta-9 THC will trigger positive results on standard drug screens. If your employer tests (common in healthcare, transportation, and federal contracting), use the raw THCa formulation only.

Liver Health: High-dose CBD can elevate liver enzymes, especially when combined with alcohol or other hepatotoxic medications [6]. If you have liver disease or drink regularly, consult your physician and start with lower doses.

Pregnancy and Nursing: Cannabinoids cross the placenta and appear in breast milk. The CDC and NIH advise against cannabis use during pregnancy due to potential impacts on fetal brain development [1]. We follow that guidance.

Mental Health: High-concentration THC products are associated with increased psychosis and schizophrenia risk, particularly in vulnerable individuals [15]. If you have a personal or family history of psychotic disorders, approach psychoactive dosing with extreme caution and medical supervision.

Geriatric Considerations: Older Americans are the fastest-growing demographic for cannabis use, often for pain and sleep. However, impaired balance and sedation increase fall risk. Start with the lowest possible dose and consider the raw THCa option for daytime use.

The American Healthcare Context

We know many of you are navigating a broken system — insurance gaps, medication costs, limited access to specialists, and doctors who dismiss cannabis. The opioid crisis has hit every state, from rural West Virginia to urban Ohio. Veterans dealing with PTSD and chronic pain face VA system restrictions. Cancer patients at MD Anderson or Memorial Sloan Kettering are told about integrative medicine but given few legal options.

This is why we publish our formulas and ship nationwide. We’re not here to replace your oncologist, pain specialist, or psychiatrist. We’re here to give you another tool — one you can research, discuss with your care team, and access legally. If you’re a provider reading this, we welcome your questions. Our COAs are public, our formulas are open-source, and our founder’s contact information is below.

How OilWell RSO Compares: US Market Analysis

vs. State Medical Program RSO (e.g., Texas TCUP)

For the 10,000 Texans actively using medical cannabis versus Florida’s 700,000 patients , the access gap is stark. OilWell serves everyone else — the chronic pain patients who don’t qualify, the veterans who can’t get a card, the cancer patients who need options now.

vs. Hemp CBD RSO (e.g., Lazarus Naturals)

You get 16x the cannabinoid content plus the ability to activate psychoactive potency. For Americans serious about therapeutic cannabis, the value equation is clear.

vs. Traditional Illegal RSO

We covered this extensively in the traditional vs. modern comparison table, but the key point for US consumers: traditional RSO was toxic, unstandardized, and legally dangerous. Our product is solvent-free, lab-tested, precisely dosed, and Farm Bill compliant. You don’t have to choose between safety and potency — you get both.

Our Story: Why We Built This for America

Colin Valencia didn’t start in a boardroom. He started in McAllen, Texas — one of the most economically challenged and dangerous border regions in America. He learned early that survival requires hustle, but integrity requires choices. When friends were killed or imprisoned in the border violence, he chose cannabis over darker paths. When Bentley was paralyzed and vets said euthanasia was the only option, he chose to formulate. When he was trapped in Xanax addiction from PTSD, he chose cannabinoids over pharmaceuticals — quitting cold turkey using the same knowledge that kept Bentley alive for ten years.

That lived experience is why American veterans trust us. Why chronic pain patients in opioid-ravaged states trust us. Why cancer caregivers trust us. We’ve been in the desperation, the failed treatments, the hopelessness. We built OilWell because we needed products that didn’t exist — products that are standardized, legal, and actually effective.

Our seven ABC13 features from 2019 to 2023 aren’t PR wins; they’re earned credibility. When Houston’s top news station needed to explain Delta-8 legality, they called Colin. When Biden announced marijuana pardons, they interviewed Colin about his own conviction history. When the Delta-8 ban dropped overnight, Colin was on camera having already removed products and warned other operators. When COVID hit, we gave away $35,000 in product to encourage vaccination. This is what American cannabis business should look like — community-first, ethically grounded, and unafraid to tell the truth.

How to Get OilWell RSO in the United States

Houston Same-Day Delivery

For Houstonians, we’re local. We deliver to:

• Texas Medical Center (MD Anderson, Memorial Hermann, Methodist, Texas Children’s): FREE — 2-4 hours
• Inner Loop (Downtown, Montrose, Heights, River Oaks): $5 — 2-4 hours
• Beltway 8 (Bellaire, Memorial, Spring Branch): $10 — 3-5 hours
• Greater Houston (Katy, Sugar Land, Woodlands, Pearland): $15 — 4-6 hours
• Extended Region (Galveston, Baytown, Conroe): $20-25 — same-day if ordered by 2 PM

Free delivery to the Texas Medical Center — over 10 million patient visits annually — is our commitment to the sickest Americans who need options most.

Nationwide Shipping

We ship to all 50 states where Farm Bill products are legal via:

• USPS Priority Mail: 2-3 business days, tracking included
• FedEx/UPS Ground: 3-5 business days
• Discreet packaging: No cannabis branding visible
• Temperature-stable: Summer heat won’t degrade your product
• Signature-required option: Available for security

International Access

We’ve shipped to multiple continents. Because our product is <0.3% delta-9 THC at sale, it meets hemp definitions in many jurisdictions. International customers receive full documentation, COAs, and customs paperwork. You verify legality in your country; we handle the logistics.

Contact us: (832) 416-2816 | [email protected]

Final Thoughts: Our Promise to You

We started this company when a paralyzed dog got up and brought his ball. That moment taught us that cannabinoids work — not as magic bullets, but as precise tools that can do things pharmaceuticals can’t. We’ve spent ten years formulating, testing, and refining because American patients deserve better than the black market’s uncertainty and the pharmaceutical industry’s indifference.

We’re not here to tell you RSO cures cancer. The National Cancer Institute doesn’t support that claim , and neither do we. We are here to tell you that our seven-cannabinoid, seven-terpene formula offers the most comprehensive, legal, and precisely dosed RSO available in the United States today. That our open-source philosophy means you’ll never be locked out by price. That our media record proves we’ve earned trust, not bought it.

If you’re dealing with chronic pain in West Virginia, PTSD in Texas, chemo side effects in New York, or insomnia in Oregon — we see you. We’ve been there. And we’re here to help, with science, transparency, and products that honor both Rick Simpson’s original vision and the modern standards Americans deserve.

Order now at OilWellCBD.com or call (832) 416-2816

Legal Disclaimers and Safety Notices

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary. 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 liver disease. Do not operate vehicles or machinery while under the influence of psychoactive cannabinoids. Keep out of reach of children. Buyer is responsible for verifying local laws regarding cannabinoid possession and use. OilWell Cannabis assumes no legal responsibility for customer’s decarboxylation decisions or product use. Product contains less than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight and is Farm Bill compliant. Void where prohibited by law.

Age requirement: 21+ years old to purchase. All products are hemp-derived. Certificates of Analysis (COAs) available on request.