The Louisiana medical marijuana program offers a variety of cannabis products for patients with a registered medical marijuana card to choose from.
Among the most popular cannabis products is Rick Simpson Oil, a time-tested product that delivers a potent extraction of cannabinoids in a very small dosage.
Favored by patients with severe chronic pain, cancer, and HIV/AIDS, RSO is sought after for its intense pain-relieving effects, seizure reduction or prevention, anti-nausea properties, and more.
In this article, we’ll take a look at what Rick Simpson Oil is, how it works, and how medical marijuana patients use RSO to find relief!
What Is Rick Simpson Oil?
RSO Is One of the First Cannabinoid Extractions
Rick Simpson oil is a type of cannabis extract that was created by Rick Simpson.
Simpson was a Canadian engineer in 1997 when he suffered a fall that left him with long-term symptoms including tinnitus and dizziness.
In pursuit of relief from the reported constant ringing in his ears and dizzy spells, Simpson came across a documentary that suggested cannabis could help reduce these symptoms.
With the disapproval of both his doctor and peers, Simpson decided to try cannabis for his symptoms, and enjoyed many benefits.
In 2003, Simpson was diagnosed with skin cancer, and upon investigating the potential medicinal benefits from cannabis, decided to create a THC extract that could be applied topically (to the skin).
Within a week of using the extract, his skin cancer disappeared. Simpson immediately began offering it to patients with cancer in Canada, giving many the relief they were looking for.
Rick Simpson was eventually the subject of many legal problems, including multiple searches and even faced arrest, though he continues to provide RSO to patients in need to this day.
What’s in Rick Simpson Oil?
RSO is a cannabis extract, which means it is just isolated parts from the cannabis plant.
There are several ways to make RSO, though the most common method is through alcohol or ethanol extraction.
Similarly to the process of making edibles, RSO is made by soaking cannabis flower in a solution that absorbs the compounds from the plant, and then filtering and reducing the solution down to only contain the naturally occurring compounds.
RSO can be made at home or purchased at the dispensary, and is usually a thick, dark brown or black oil. The taste of RSO is described as unpleasant, though only a small dose is required to provide an effective dosage.
How Do Medical Marijuana Patients Use Rick Simpson Oil?
RSO Can Be Taken Topically, Sublingually and as an Edible
RSO is pretty versatile, and although Simpson originally created it for topical use, it’s often taken under the tongue, or sublingually.
Typically, patients will apply one drop of RSO from a dropper directly under the tongue, anywhere from 1 to 5 times daily for 3 months, though different medical marijuana treatment plans may require different dosing frequency or amounts.
RSO is packed with compounds from the cannabis plant, including large amounts of THC and a substantial number of terpenes and other cannabinoids.
RSO can have anywhere from 60% - 90% or more THC, making the effective dosage size similar to other concentrates at about half a grain of rice.
When applied topically, RSO doesn’t produce any psychoactive effects, though when taken orally, the effects are substantial.
There are two ways to take RSO orally: sublingually & as an edible.
A sublingual dosage of RSO can be taken by applying a drop under the tongue and letting it dissolve over the course of 15 to 30 seconds.
An edible dosage of RSO is taken by immediately swallowing the RSO, where it will be processed by the liver and produce more intense and longer lasting effects.
The Effects of Rick Simpson Oil
Since Rick Simpson Oil is a very potent extract, the benefits as far as pain relief can be quite significant.
Patients can expect extensive physical effects because RSO is usually made using indica-dominant cannabis strains, which promote physical relief.
RSO can have similar effects to other concentrates, though when taken orally, the effects may be more significant and longer lasting. This is incredibly useful for chronic patients with severe symptoms who require the most effective dose of cannabis for long-term pain relief.
RSO is commonly dosed every 8 hours, while the effects typically last somewhere between 4 to 6 hours.
Sleepiness, drowsiness, spaciness, and relaxation are all reported effects from RSO, and as a potent cannabis product, it’s advised to plan your dosage around a convenient time, as performing any physically or mentally strenuous activities will be a challenge after dosing RSO.
Get Your Louisiana Medical Marijuana Certification
The Louisiana medical marijuana program is open and available to patients diagnosed with any condition on the state’s approved list. You can even get your medical marijuana certification online from the comfort of your own home!
Consult with one of our compassionate physicians who can help walk you through the process of getting your medical marijuana card today.
Beat the lines and get your medical marijuana certification in Louisiana today, and you can even get certified for medical marijuana online for ease of use and convenience.
For questions about Louisiana’s medical marijuana program, or how to become a medical marijuana patient in Louisiana, consult with one of our trusted doctors and book an online medical marijuana appointment today!
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
At Louisiana Marijuana Card, our mission is helping everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
Call us at (833) 253-2943, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
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