Rick Simpson Oil: Carcinogenic?

Hey guys! So, I've read these forums for some time, but I haven't seen this addressed. I am actually worried about people attempting Rick Simpson's "Phoenix Tears" cannabis extraction, and hope this serves as something of a warning as well.

In Rick Simpson's instructions for producing his famous "Phoenix Tears" cannabis extract oil - particularly his popular YouTube video - He recommends "pure Naphtha" as the solvent of choice as well as a large polycarbonate bucket (and plastic 'Culligan' water jugs).

Perhaps he doesn't know, and if not I'm sure many who have followed his instructions are similarly ignorant, but Naphtha will quickly degrade - and leach - plastic. In fact despite the title of his video, "How to Make Rick Simpson's Medicinal Hemp Oil Safely", this is probably one of the most dangerous ways to attempt a cannabis extraction.

As someone with cancer in my immediate family, I am facinated with recent scientific research proving the efficacy of cannabinoids in treating carcinogenic tumors, but am upset that "Rick Simpson Oil" has taken the spotlight considering it has the potential to be carcinogenic itself. Has he responded to this before?

I cringe everytime I watch that video.

Right?!

And I feel like his method/message is front-and-center in the debate about cannabinoids' efficacy in treating cancer. It feels like intentional disinformation.

I also found a study that found a huge amount of residual naphtha in the final product, and of course they didn't use plastic containers (in which case they would have uncovered a mess of other impurities): http://www.cannabis-med.org/data/pdf/en_2013_01_1.pdf

When I searched for this again, Google brought up the official Rick Simpson Facebook page where they respond to this study: https://www.facebook.com/298774923502987/posts/520655367981607 The reaction is aggressive, and instead of admitting the dangers inherent in using industrial solvents (not to mention in conjunction with polycarbonate), they accuse the scientists of ignorance and claim that 'pure' Naphtha wouldn't generate these problems. It all seems really shady - especially when news comment sections are flooded with obviously fake profiles soliciting cannabis oil as a cancer cure and linking a shady email address.

It makes me really upset when there has been concrete evidence of cannabinoids' efficacy in fighting cancerous tumors, but "Rick Simpson" gets the spotlight.

Excuse me, but I was under the impression that he is using medical alcohol that will eventually evaporate, but we are planing to use C2H5OH. Any comments?

Wow, as one who this issue doesn't affect (medically), I have heard the hoopla, Seems Mr. Simpson is doing good and believes in it. As an organic farmer who's just a father and a rookie, why wouldn't they use Glass and food grade solvent if they were so intent on natures way? First I've heard of his methodry and frankly, puzzled if its true.

raichiss said:

Right?!

And I feel like his method/message is front-and-center in the debate about cannabinoids' efficacy in treating cancer. It feels like intentional disinformation.

I also found a study that found a huge amount of residual naphtha in the final product, and of course they didn't use plastic containers (in which case they would have uncovered a mess of other impurities): http://www.cannabis-med.org/data/pdf/en_2013_01_1.pdf

When I searched for this again, Google brought up the official Rick Simpson Facebook page where they respond to this study: https://www.facebook.com/298774923502987/posts/520655367981607 The reaction is aggressive, and instead of admitting the dangers inherent in using industrial solvents (not to mention in conjunction with polycarbonate), they accuse the scientists of ignorance and claim that 'pure' Naphtha wouldn't generate these problems. It all seems really shady - especially when news comment sections are flooded with obviously fake profiles soliciting cannabis oil as a cancer cure and linking a shady email address.

It makes me really upset when there has been concrete evidence of cannabinoids' efficacy in fighting cancerous tumors, but "Rick Simpson" gets the spotlight.

Click to expand...

Thanks for the link to that study!
I also had major concerns about the use of such toxic solvents in concentrate production. I've done a bit of research and I cannot find any reason why people are using such volatile solvents other than the higher yields... which just mean in most cases are various waxes oils and chlorophyll that you don't want or need in medicine. Think about coldwater hash.. the lower temp means a less volatile solvent, still effective for stripping trichomes, but not stripping anything else.

I for one would like to see a study that uses pure butane, pure Ethanol, pure water(cold water and or ice) and CO2 and analysis of any impurities left from these processes.

Side note: the study noted using a GC to test for THC.. It is a fact that a Gas Chromatograph cannot accurately measure cannabanoid levels/

I just finished making oil using Isopropanol, but next time I will try to make Cannabis paste using THIS procedure.
Check it out and let's talk about it..

Ivone said:

I just finished making oil using Isopropanol, but next time I will try to make Cannabis paste using THIS procedure.
Check it out and let's talk about it..

Click to expand...

actually be better than oil? or safer?

This guy is a whack job. Weak meds. RSO doesn't work? Biggest crock of BS I ever heard. WTF is wrong with people. Steering sick people away from good meds by having them dilute it? Holy fuck man...Makes no sense at all..

My god people. .don't listen to this idiot. Look online for the truth.

Yea people that are actually invested in this industry make fun of rick.. seriously..
He's a moron that infuriates most.

LMAO.... this guy makes fun of RS? lol Because he has a weak solution of the best natural meds, Man could ever use? The reason why he has to explain himself is because its shit work. Shit work always needs explaining, good work speaks volumes. Proof is all over the Net.
I thought Rick was a little old school but with great info.
I've Never seen this fuckwad before lol. He definitely takes the cake and it looks like she ate it.

Fowl language is the feeble minds futile attempt to express itself forcefully... wise words

No its just shit...

He's changed his methods numerous times from the community lashing out. He used to use acetone then naptha. Both are incredibly dirty, but he says it doesn't matter. No reason to purge either.. after somehow still being able to get around with both feet in his mouth

He now refluxes (enclosed boil) in alcohol, either Iso or etoh. Producing a gross black sludge with most of the cannabinoids degraded into less active forms while destroying terpenes. Not only this but the oil is extremely diluted with compounds void of any medical affect

Here's my latest batch of Iso hash..
Only difference is his methods..

I have been an oil maker now for several years and except for the cost benefit I see no reason to use either naptha or isopropyl alcohol as a solvent to make Cannabis oil. Stainless steel and everclear are the only way to ensure as little contaminant as possible remains in the final product. Cancer patients have enough problems without poisoning them with harsh chemicals that cannot be completely extracted from the medicine.

Iso has different properties that many prefer over etoh, similar to people preferring an alkane extraction.

But iso and etoh are both completely clean and due to the properties evap much easier than butane which is dirty. Assuming the etoh doesn't contain any sugars and things

qwizoking said:

Iso has different properties that many prefer over etoh, similar to people preferring an alkane extraction.

But iso and etoh are both completely clean and due to the properties evap much easier than butane which is dirty. Assuming the etoh doesn't contain any sugars and things

Click to expand...

Please provide a citation for your claim that isopropyl is safe as a solvent for internal ingestion and can be completely removed.

Its not safe for ingestion?
We aren't making a tincture with it, we're extracting with it. Don't be blinded by ignorance, chloroform is often used to extract....
Of course it can be completely removed, its the higher weight portions in butane, (the "mystery oil") that won't purge. There is none in iso, its an efficient hydration of propene that doesn't result in anything undesirable.
Due to the properties of the solvent, the oil extracted has different properties as well. A significantly lower iodine number, resulting in a lack of that film you see with bho, making it hard to purge.

But being that its a fluid. With a lower boiling point and high vapor pressure it will evaporate

I'm talking about making it for medication for ingesting //not burning..
There's a huge difference.

Go figure I learned to make something as a kid that would save my life as an adult ... Proof is in the Meds and the simple fact I'm still here. lol
Thankfully so, due to the WWW and all its glorious anecdotal info. I'm alive today.
Thanks Rick and many more who convinced me to do it.

All I have to say is this.
It worked for me. It has worked for many others.
Does it work for everybody? is it made correctly, taken correctly? who knows?!

I ate it for over a year. 1.5 grams a day.
I shrunk a 4 cm, stage 3, recurrent colon cancer tumor to NOTHING .......and walked out of my oncologists office a healthy person!

Instead of letting them rip my guts out, give me a bag, chemo, radiation until I died a miserable death, as millions have always done.
All at the hands of our screwed up medical system.

I'm talking about making it for medication for ingesting //not burning..
There's a huge difference.


No there's not?
You want a pure product in both cases consisting of the cannabinoids, terpenes, esters etc

Yea proof is in the meds.. rso still contains a small portion of what we are after. Imagine what would happen if everyone was taking medical quality "medicine"
Anyway can only help those willing to listen..