The man behind the method
In 2003, a Canadian engineer named Rick Simpson came across research suggesting that concentrated cannabis extract could be used as a topical remedy. He was working in a hospital boiler room when an accident left him with persistent symptoms. After years of looking for alternatives, he experimented on himself.
Using a simple process — soaking cannabis in food-grade solvent, then slowly evaporating the solvent away — Simpson produced a thick, dark, full-spectrum oil. He began sharing it freely, refusing to commercialise the method. Word spread.
What makes RSO different
RSO is not the same as ordinary cannabis oil. Three things set it apart:
- Full spectrum. Nothing is removed. The full profile of cannabinoids, terpenes and waxes is kept intact — what enthusiasts call the entourage effect.
- Concentration. A finished RSO is dense, viscous, and dramatically concentrated. A drop is a drop, not a teaspoon.
- Patience. Done correctly, the extraction is slow, low-heat, and unhurried. Speed kills character.
The Simpson protocol, our way
Twenty years on, Rick Simpson's open-source recipe remains a quiet north star. We follow it faithfully but have refined it for consistency:
- Whole, dried plant material is selected and gently broken down.
- It rests in a clean, food-grade solvent in a sealed environment, allowing oils and terpenes to migrate.
- The solvent is slowly evaporated under low heat. No fans, no shortcuts.
- The resulting raw concentrate is rested, then drawn into amber glass and sealed.
How people use it
Traditionally, RSO is taken sublingually — a small drop placed under the tongue and held. Many people work up slowly, starting with a tiny amount and adjusting at their own pace. Our cream is a topical alternative for people who prefer something they can apply directly.
As with anything potent, what works for one person may not work for another. We recommend going slow, paying attention, and choosing a sizing that fits how you'll actually use it.
A note on legality
Cannabis laws differ widely between jurisdictions. It is your responsibility to confirm that products you purchase are legal where you live. We ship discreetly and our packaging is plain, but we cannot make guarantees that customs in every country will permit it.
The future of RSO
Two decades of grassroots experimentation later, RSO is no longer a fringe topic — it's a foundation that inspires modern wellness brands worldwide. For us, the story is still being written. We're building a long-term apothecary that treats this plant with the patience it has always asked for.