The Legacy of
Rick Simpson
The controversial Canadian activist who brought cannabis oil into the global conversation on medical marijuana.
Who is Rick Simpson?
Rick Simpson is a Canadian cannabis activist best known for popularizing a concentrated cannabis oil he calls "Rick Simpson Oil" (RSO). In the early 2000s, after being diagnosed with skin cancer, Simpson claimed he successfully treated it using a homemade cannabis oil extract. He began sharing his story and method widely, becoming a prominent — and polarizing — figure in the medical cannabis movement.
The Origin Story
According to Simpson, in 2003 he was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma (a form of skin cancer). After researching cannabis as a potential treatment, he created a concentrated oil using a solvent extraction method and applied it topically to the cancerous spots on his arm and face. He has stated that within days the growths disappeared.
Simpson began producing the oil and distributing it for free to people with serious illnesses, eventually creating the "Phoenix Tears" website and documentary to spread his message globally. He encouraged patients to make the oil themselves and use it to treat cancer and other conditions.
Rick Simpson Oil (RSO)
RSO is a thick, dark cannabis concentrate typically made using a solvent (originally naphtha or isopropyl alcohol). It is high in THC and contains other cannabinoids and plant compounds. Simpson's original method involves soaking cannabis in solvent, straining, and then evaporating the solvent to leave behind the concentrated oil.
The oil is usually taken orally (often in small doses, gradually increased) or applied topically. Simpson has claimed it can treat or cure cancer, though these claims have not been substantiated by rigorous clinical trials.
Global Impact & Phoenix Tears
Simpson's work, particularly the 2008 documentary Run From the Cure (later associated with "Phoenix Tears"), reached millions of people worldwide. It played a significant role in shifting public conversation around cannabis as medicine, especially for serious illnesses like cancer.
His advocacy helped popularize the idea of high-dose THC oil as a treatment option and inspired countless patients to explore cannabis. Many credit him with accelerating the medical cannabis movement in countries where it was still heavily stigmatized.
Controversy and Scientific Scrutiny
Simpson's claims have been highly controversial. While anecdotal reports exist of people finding relief using RSO, there is currently no robust clinical evidence proving that RSO cures cancer or other serious diseases. Major cancer organizations and medical authorities have warned against relying on cannabis oil as a replacement for proven treatments.
Simpson has also faced legal issues in Canada related to his cannabis activities. Critics argue that promoting unproven treatments can be dangerous if it leads patients to delay or abandon conventional medical care.
Lasting Legacy
Regardless of the scientific debate, Rick Simpson's legacy is significant. He helped bring the conversation about cannabis as medicine into the mainstream at a time when it was still largely taboo. His story inspired a generation of patients, activists, and entrepreneurs in the cannabis space.
Today, while many in the medical community remain skeptical of his specific claims, the broader acceptance of cannabis for symptom management (pain, nausea, appetite) owes something to the visibility he helped create. RSO and similar high-THC oils remain popular among some patients, even as the industry has professionalized and moved toward more standardized, tested products.
