Posted on 09/14/202209/14/2022 by Steven M Smith — Leave a comment

Defense Bill Amendment Removed CBD and Hemp From Prohibition 3 Years AGO

Defense Bill Amendment Removed DOD CBD – Hemp Prohibition 3 Years Ago

Washington, DC—Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee,

secured the amendment to the annual national defense bill that would ensure that the U.S. Department of Defense

may not prohibit the possession, use, or consumption of hemp products — in compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local law — by servicemembers, back 3 years ago.

S he joined Rep. Jerry Nadler (NY-10), Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, in introducing H.R.3884, the Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment, and Expungement (MORE) Act.

The bill was passed by the committee in November 2019. The bill outlined sweeping reforms, including decriminalizing marijuana, expunging prior convictions, authorizing a tax on its sale which would be reinvested in communities that have been harmed by the federal marijuana prohibition, and ensuring minority communities are equitably engaged in the cannabis economy.

This would apply to hemp that meets the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 definition (amended by the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018).

The Gabbard amendment was included in the final version of the bill which passed, 295-125, and now goes to the Senate for consideration.

“There is great research being done around hemp, resulting in new products coming to market that are proven to help with ailments like insomnia, inflammation, chronic pain, epilepsy, Traumatic Brain Injury, Post-Traumatic Stress and more. Hemp products provide a form of treatment that serves as an alternative option for those who would rather pursue natural remedies rather than prescription drugs.

This amendment passed with strong bipartisan support, ensuring our servicemembers have access to the same over-the-counter products that Americans all across the country benefit from today,” said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard.

The 2018 Farm Bill, known as the Agricultural Improvement Act, legalized hemp, defined as cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) and derivatives of cannabis with extremely low concentrations of the psychoactive compound delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (no more than 0.3 percent THC on a dry weight basis). Currently, many over-the-counter products are sold that meet these parameters.

December 2018 – The Farm Bill Legalized Hemp

Background: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has long called for sensible marijuana policies as part of her ongoing commitment to common sense criminal justice reform.

She introduced bipartisan legislation with Rep. Don Young (AK-at large) — the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act (H.R. 1588) and the Marijuana Data Collection Act (H.R. 1587). H.R. 1588 would remove marijuana from the federal controlled substances list. H.R. 1587 would direct the National Academy of Sciences to study the effects of state legalized medicinal and adult-use marijuana programs from a variety of perspectives, including state revenues, public health, substance abuse and opioids, criminal justice, and employment.

She has called for closing the gaps between federal and state law to resolve current contradictions and provide legally abiding marijuana businesses with clear access to financial services.

She joined several of her colleagues to introduce the bipartisan Secure and Fair Enforcement Banking Act (H.R.1595) in March 2019, which was passed by the House in September 2019. The bill would help prevent federal banking regulators from penalizing depository institutions for providing banking services to a legitimate marijuana-related business.

She joined Rep. Jerry Nadler (NY-10), Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, in introducing H.R.3884, the Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment, and Expungement (MORE) Act.

She is a cosponsor of H.R.1456, the Marijuana Justice Act, to reform unjust federal marijuana laws and empower minority communities that have been disproportionately impacted by the failed War on Drugs. And, to protect veterans engaged in the state-legalized cannabis industry, Rep. Gabbard sent a letter to VA Secretary Robert Wilkie in June 2019 to demand a correction of the VA’s denial of loan guarantee benefits to these veterans.

About Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is serving her fourth term in the United States House representing Hawai‘i’s Second District, and serves on the House Armed Services and Financial Services Committees. She previously served on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Homeland Security Committee.

She was elected to the Honolulu City Council in 2010, and prior to that at age 21, was elected to the Hawaii State Legislature in 2002, becoming the youngest person ever elected in the state.

Tulsi Gabbard has served in the Hawaii Army National Guard for over 17 years, is a veteran of two Middle East deployments, and continues to serve as a Major.

Forward Looking Prospects Show Possibility of Legalization Looms Positive for 2022

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Posted on 09/11/202209/14/2022 by Steven M Smith — Leave a comment

CBD Advertising, How Cannabis Legalization Has a Roadmap to Follow

It’s not every day that a product manages to grasp the attention of a global consumer market within such a short space of time.

However, cannabidiol – or “CBD” as most people call it – has contributed to a surge of enthusiasm in the medical market.

Perhaps one of the most frequently discussed cannabinoids, CBD controls an industry of its own and is on-track to harvest a generous $16.32 billion in the United States by 2026.

CBD Advertising, How Cannabis Legalization Has a Roadmap to Follow

Demand for effective CBD marketing is on the rise and there is no wonder why. So far, scientists have successfully isolated 113 of the leafy green plant’s active chemical compounds.

Formerly, the cannabis community firmly focused its attention on the plant’s psychoactive constituent TH-Cbd (tetrahydro-cannabinol) — but now, thanks to a swelling smorgasbord of scientific evidence pointing to the therapeutic potential of cannabis and hemp’s non-psychoactive chemical compound CBD, the market is constantly evolving.

CBD is enticing a diverse group of consumers from all ages — and even pets.

(((The Green Rush (2012–present) is an ongoing global economic event that began on December 6, 2012, when cannabis was legalized in the US state of Washington; Colorado‘s legalization took effect four days later.^[1]^[2] While still illegal federally in the United States,^[3] the actions of these two state governments signaled the opening of a market projected to be worth US$48+ billion globally by 2027.^[4] As of 2019 the cannabis industry had created over 250,000 jobs.^[5] However, cannabis companies have been a mixed investment success, with many experiencing plunging stock prices, massive layoffs, and failure to meet investor expectations.^[6])))

If you are cashing in on the “Green Rush”

Mand are wondering how to market CBD products effectively and legally, then you will need to use an effective strategy.

Before you kick-start an online business selling CBD oil and alternative products, understand the rules behind marketing CBD oil so you can align your business with statewide laws.

What is CBD?

CBD Molecule

CANNABIDIOL

A substance that does not induce feelings of psychoactivity, cannabidiol, or “CBD” as it is most commonly known, can be extracted from either the hemp or marijuana plants.

The vast majority of products featured in CBD advertising strategies will be extracted from industrial hemp.

CBD falls into two main product segments: food grade, and therapeutic grade.

Based on a reports, therapeutic grade CBD constitutes the vast majority of market share, with this segment accounting for 59.90% of the market in 2018.

A Running History of CBD’s Legal Status As more people start to learn about CBD’s non-psychoactive properties and discover that it could actually present consumers of all ages with an opportunity to amplify their health/wellness routines, minus the high, the Internet is becoming suffused with cannabinoid-rich content.

Before you start creating content for your CBD marketing campaign, take into account the following facts about CBD’s legal status:

How will CBD fit into OUR Growing Needs

1. Recently, legalization has swept across much of the U.S.

Up until a few years ago, marijuana and hemp were illegal across the entire United States on both the federal and state levels.

However, public and political perception of marijuana is most certainly evolving. Thanks to a number of ballot and voter-approved initiatives, marijuana has been legalized in some form in a total of 33 U.S. states and the District of Columbia.

However, it is still federally illegal. While some states have legalized marijuana merely for medical purposes, others have gone as far as to legalize it on a recreational scale.

Soaring demand for cannabis-containing products is putting pressure on businesses to properly navigate the complex patchwork of regulations associated with the nascent industry.

2. 2019: Farm Bill and FDA hearings.

In December of last year, President Donald Trump signed the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill, PL 115-334) (the “2018 Farm Bill”) into effect, which removed hemp from the Controlled Substances Act and maintains FDA’s authority to regulate certain hemp-containing products.

Despite the fact that commercial hemp cultivation was legalized throughout the U.S. following the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, there has been much confusion regarding whether or not hemp-derived CBD products can legally be marketed and sold.

The FDA must treat hemp-derived CBD-containing products just like any other regulated product. However the agency has vowed to explore various regulatory pathways that will safeguard the health of patients and the general public.

3. Is CBD legal now?

Pay attention to reputable sources that publish the most recent updates regarding the legality of CBD in the U.S., such as this one. Obtain advice from an attorney. The cannabinoid’s legal status is dependent not only on federal law but also on the state in which you reside.

Why CBD Marketing is So Important

The CBD marketing craze is well and truly upon us. Everywhere you look online, whether it is in the form of a CBD-focused advert that grasps your attention on Facebook, a search engine optimized CBD advertising campaign that points to an online store via Google, or a captivating Instagram story with a ‘Swipe-up’ link directing visitors to a website, the surge in CBD marketing is hard to ignore.

1. Finding new customers.

According to a study conducted by High Yield Insights, approximately 40% of U.S. consumers aged 21 and above claim that they would consider trying CBD. This figure will grow and so, finding customers by tapping into the power of CBD marketing is essential. Customers want your help and so, you need to be the one to give it to them!

2. Differentiating your brand.

The CBD space is well and truly bursting at the seams, with more companies being established on a daily basis. This does not mean that you should give up on your dreams of earning money with CBD marketing but rather, learn how to stand out and differentiate your brand from the rest.

This is possible by providing your audience with constant education. Engage with your audience by creating compelling video content, carry out industry surveys and don’t be afraid to show consumers how they can benefit from your services. You might also consider focusing on a particular niche.

3. Retaining customers.

CBD marketing can help you attract recurring customers. Affiliate marketing is a great way of building high retention rates, but only the big brands tend to attract affiliates, proving the importance of building brand awareness. Featuring legitimate customer testimonials on your website that make statements in compliance with all laws will boost your reputation and keep customers returning for more. Send out newsletters, offer discounts for recurring customers and encourage them to invite a friend in return for a free product if you want to achieve better overall engagement and increase the likelihood of customers returning.

Conducting surveys will make you aware of customer needs/wants and will alert you about areas where you might be failing to satisfy customers. You may also want to focus on problem-solving, providing ongoing support and of course, staying in touch with your customer base!

What Can’t You Say With CBD Advertising?

While it might be tempting to boast about CBD’s medicinal properties to the whole world via online CBD marketing, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve of this. Avoid the following to sidestep potential repercussions.

1. Health and Medical claims. You might have read claims online hailing CBD as a miracle cannabinoid that can be used to combat a wide scope of medical conditions, diseases and ailments, such as epilepsy, cancer, arthritis, insomnia and chronic pain. It is imperative that you hold off on making any health or medical claims.

The FDA certainly does not approve of this and will take your marketing campaign offline before you can say “CBD!”. “Deceptive marketing of unproven treatments raises significant public health concerns, as it may keep some patients from accessing appropriate, recognized therapies to treat serious and even fatal diseases,” reads an official statement from the former commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Scott Gottlieb, M.D.

2. Untested assumptions. Although it is possible to spotlight the potential medical benefits of integrating CBD into a daily health and wellness routine, it is not possible to legally advise customers about treating their specific medical condition, disease or ailment with CBD.

Only a doctor can do this, so don’t make the mistake of assuming that just because you read it somewhere, it is true. Every single thing you say (including consumer reviews, testimonials, social media posts, marketing, and claims made on any forum where the consumer may see the product) when trying to lure in buyers with an online CBD marketing campaign must be backed up by reputable sources and cited where/when necessary. Claims must always be substantiated, credible and authentic and avoid making disease or health claims. Anything that cannot be proven simply cannot be used in your marketing material, so just remember this.

3. Anything that has not been approved by the FDA. According to the FDA, all CBD products must comply with the applicable laws, including the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act). The FDA has taken the position that it is not lawful to add CBD to food, dietary supplements, and pet foods. This rule applies, even if the product is defined as containing the hemp plant. Because of this, you must practice caution when conducting CBD marketing efforts. For example, cannabinoids cannot currently be sold as dietary supplements, nor can they be added to FDA-approved ingredients and sold legally.

CBD Advertising Restrictions in 2019 Despite being legalized following President Donald Trump’s signing of the 2018 Farm Bill in December 2018, advertising options are currently limited. The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the Controlled Substances Act and was integrated into the 2018 United States Farm Bill, which was effectuated in December 2018. When the federal government changes its stance on marijuana, likely so too will the rules for CBD r creation. Unfortunately for ‘cannapreneurs’, Google and Facebook – two of the world’s dominating ad-buying platforms – have not yet permitted advertising for marijuana-derived CBD, but hemp-derived CBD products are now being considered. Make yourself aware of the following CBD advertising restrictions in 2019 to avoid potential pitfalls:

1. Facebook. You cannot advertise cannabis-derived CBD on Facebook. Then again, if your focus is primarily the hemp-derived product, you’re in luck. As of June 26, 2019, Facebook announced it would be lifting its ban on CBD products, meaning that advertisers can now publish ads promoting topical hemp products via the social networking platform.

The great thing about this is that advertisers have the privilege of including a direct link to a landing page, from which consumers can promote products and link directly to their website. However, this is subject to change and may not last forever; Facebook has always forbidden CBD ads due to the cannabis plant’s illegal status and previously, CBD-focused ads were blocked outright.

2. Google Ads (Adwords). If you decide to run a Google AdWords advertisement promoting CBD products, you run the risk of your ad being taken down and will possibly be penalized from publishing future advertisements, even if they are not CBD marketing ads.

On a more positive note, Google recently asked a number of companies in the CBD space to participate in a trial run for CBD advertising on its platform. The results are yet to be revealed.

3. Twitter. Unfortunately for CBD marketers, you won’t be able to run ads on Twitter. Why, you ask?

Because Twitter does not permit advertising for illicit substances, not to mention herbal drugs, thus eliminating CBD completely. This is not to say that you have to stop using Twitter for marketing efforts however, since this platform’s advertisement policy is only applicable for products that are being promoted by means of paid advertising. Examples of some effective ways in which you can reap the rewards of Twitter include posting information about new products and linking back to your website, publishing informative and relevant information that will be well-received by the cannabis community, as well as building brand awareness with frequent posting and engagement. Refrain from making any health or disease claims about CBD, because this could cost you your account and possible FDA enforcement.

4. Instagram. The policies put into place by Instagram regarding CBD advertising are fairly similar to the rules laid out by Twitter. However, Instagram users are not penalized as often as Twitter users when advertising CBD oil and related products, since Instagram does not seem to monitor CBD marketing quite as much as Twitter does. Nonetheless, you shouldn’t put all your eggs in one basket with Instagram; the app can permanently shut down your account if you try to specifically sell a product. Instead, focus on educating your audience by linking back to your blog or resharing content from other CBD-focused Instagram pages. Stay on top of your Instagram game by posting exciting and relevant images that reflect your CBD marketing campaign and brand. You can also use Instagram to publish videos. What’s more, the social media platform enables users with a business profile to include direct web links via the ‘Story’ feature, as well as on their profile bio.

The Key to Marketing a CBD Company: Brand CBD might just be a cannabinoid, but it’s not just any old cannabinoid.

This unique naturally-occurring chemical compound has victoriously leaped over hurdles that skeptics once thought were impossible to overcome. It has successfully broken through barriers and filtered its way into the mainstream market, where branding is critical for staying afloat.

6 Strategies to Market CBD Online Estimated retail sales of CBD consumer products could reach $16 billion by the year 2025. This is according to industry analysts from Cowen Research. Tapping into this consumer market requires a great deal of diligence, consistency and patience. By marketing hemp-derived CBD effectively with the following methods, you can master the art of learning how to sell CBD online.

1. Focus on SEO. Perhaps one of the most organic ways to build your brand on the Internet is by paying close attention to search engine optimization, better known as SEO. Although this method can be somewhat difficult to execute, the cost is usually a lot lower than it is for alternative methods of advertising. Hiring an SEO expert to help is often the best way to ensure your money and time are well spent. Additionally, you need not fret about breaking the CBD marketing rules. However, please be aware SEO “keywords” will be considered as marketing and advertising materials if the FDA is investigating any health or disease claims. Practicing proper SEO will ensure that you are seen as a trusted thought leader in the nascent industry and will enable web visitors to find your site based on what they are searching online.

2. Grow content. Content creation can fit in seamlessly with your SEO plan, due to the fact that SEO focuses on the implementation of suitable high-volume keywords and phrases throughout blog posts, articles, product descriptions and web content. Get in the habit of sharing your content on social media platforms and watch the traffic grow! Carefully curated content will bolster your credibility as an authoritative and influential leader in the CBD industry.

3. Attend trade shows. Word of mouth marketing has always been (and continues to be) one of the most powerful forms of marketing.

Consider attending industry trade shows for an opportunity to meet with other industry players face-to-face, as well as to assess the competition. Not only this, but at trade shows like the CBD Expo Tour, you can also demonstrate what your brand has to offer and get people on your side. By doing so, there’s a possibility of attracting a new audience and potentially, investment for your CBD advertising strategy.

4. Build an affiliate network. Affiliate marketers are valuable people who can help to inform the world about your product, without you having to lift a finger.

According to industry data, affiliate marketing expenditure will inflate by 10% over the next few years. Worth a whopping $12 billion, affiliate marketing accounts for 15% of all digital media revenue and back in 2017, web users clicked on affiliate marketing links over five billion times!

If that wasn’t enough to blow your mind, consider the fact that global affiliate marketing transactions surpassed $170 million during the same year! Some trusted affiliate networks include ShareASale, CannAffiliate and Clickbank.

Adrian PetersAdrian Peterson

5. Use influencer marketing. Aim to include as many marketing tactics in your CBD campaign as possible.

The more diverse your marketing campaign, the better the chance of attracting your target market and turning over a rather healthy profit from CBD marketing.

Influencer marketing is a fantastic way of doing this and it is one of the fastest-growing segments in the marketing world today, with 17% of companies claiming to spend more than half of their marketing budget on influencers.

This year, 65% of influencer marketing budgets are predicted to inflate. Of course, an influencer that is compensated in any way must follow FTC guidelines and conspicuously disclose their connection to the brand being promoted.

6. Utilize email marketing. Another marketing method that should not be ignored is email marketing. Although this is one of the oldest forms of online marketing, it maintains its efficacy at attracting customers from all corners and all walks of life. Sending coupons and deals to your existing newsletter subscribers/customers is a fantastic way to get the word out about products and improve customer relationships and retention.

Keep Your Eyes and Ears Open

The nascent CBD industry may present you, the marketer, with some challenges; regulators are still smoothing things out. Nonetheless, the results can be incredibly rewarding if you learn to stay abreast of federal, state, and local laws pertaining to hemp-derived CBD marketing and selling CBD-containing products online. Focus on the following:

1. CBD legal changes. It’s no secret that cannabis consumption is becoming normalized. More than 94 million people in the U.S. have admitted to using it at least once and with legislation spreading like wildfire, this figure is increasing by the day. Nonetheless, hemp-derived CBD marketing poses some challenges due to market volatility. Often, this is triggered by the hazy status surrounding CBD legality. Local, state and federal laws are shifting constantly, so stay alert.

2. Advertising restrictions. The information contained in this article is accurate at the time of writing. Ho is subject to change, depending on whether or not advertisers decide to amend their rules in the foreseeable future.

3. Cannabis news. Remember to pay close attention to any news about the cannabis space, both marijuana and hemp, since there’s a good chance it will have an impact on CBD. Some of the best cannabis news resources include: High Times, Canna Law Blog, and Marijuana Business Daily. Subscribe to RSS feeds and email newsletters – just as a customer would do on your website/blog/online store, once it is up and running – so as to ensure you never miss a trick.

What Advertisers Need To Do Next

For newbie marketers who want to capitalize on the profit potential associated with the CBD market, there are certain steps worth taking to get one step ahead of the competition. Some of the best CBD oil marketing strategies include:

1. Keyword research. Before a customer lands on the homepage for your online CBD store, they will have typed a keyword or query relating to the product they want into a search engine like Google. Be the website that Google ranks on the first page by conducting proper keyword research! You can integrate keywords into titles, meta tags, picture descriptions, video descriptions and more.

2. Search Engine Optimization (SEO). With your chosen keywords and phrases, integrate them into an SEO-optimized site that is targeted to your niche market. Submit your website to directories, create meta tags and always include strategically-placed search phrases on pages for the maximum return on your SEO-optimized CBD marketing strategy.

3. Content marketing. Whether you decide to outsource your content marketing to an expert in the industry – this is a highly recommended time-saving strategy that ensures quality content and rules out plagiarism – or write the content yourself, you should not ignore the potential of curating keyword-friendly, informative content that keeps people returning for more.

4. Link building. The link-building marketing technique never gets old. Guest posting on authority sites in return for a link back to your website will enable your site to climb higher on the search engine rankings. In addition to getting inbound links, don’t forget to create outbound links from your website/blog that point to authority sites in the cannabis and hemp markets if you want to attract extra traffic. Please note, linked content can be considered part of your advertising materials.

Linking to articles, scientific studies, and testimonials does not shield or remove you from the claims that are made on the linked content. Commercial use of scientific publications to promote the product’s sale, including simple references to scientific studies or general research, discussing potential health benefits may still be considered to be drug claims made about the product.

5. Analytics. There is nothing quite as motivating as monitoring your progress with a CBD marketing campaign and noticing that the results are improving as time progresses.

Various types of software can be utilized to view site analytics, including:

Optimizely, SEMrush, and Kissmetrics.

Attitudes about cannabis are changing on a global scale and by getting in at the ground floor now with CBD marketing, you can establish yourself as a well-respected brand before the market gets overly saturated. Feed your industry knowledge by reading the news on a daily basis.

This will enable you to make a mark on the industry at large, as well as establish trust and loyalty among your customer base.

Conclusion In spite of the fact that the major social networking platforms do not currently allow CBD advertising, there are ways to sidestep this predicament.

Combined, social media and content marketing provides the perfect opportunity for CBD marketers to educate their audience and build brand awareness, without using aggressive selling techniques that could get your account banned.

For the best chance of success at making money from the “Green Rush”, perform adequate research prior to launching a CBD marketing campaign to better understand the limitations associated with the CBD industry, federally, in each state, and online.

Ahead of your brand launch, make sure all claims you make are authentic, substantiated and are accompanied by credible scientific support.

Thank you for consideration.

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Making your own RSO at home is not difficult, and the process isn’t all that different from making cannabutter or other kinds of infused cannabis oil. Rick Simpson recommends using indica cannabis strains for best results, although you can use any strain, especially if a particular one works best for your medical condition.

APRIL 2021

Who is Rick Simpson and Why is His Medical Marijuana Oil Special?

Rick Simpson Oil, more commonly known as RSO, is one of the first examples of modern medical marijuana extracts. It was first introduced in the early 2000s and thanks to its powerful potency and therapeutic effects, it has since become a staple for many medical marijuana patients. To better understand RSO, its use and its benefits, let’s first learn about the man behind the medicine: Rick Simpson.

WHO IS RICK SIMPSON?

Rick Simpson is best known as a medical marijuana cultivator and activist. Before he became a pioneer in the medical marijuana community, Simpson was an engineer working in Nova Scotia, Canada. It’s here that a work-related injury changed his life forever.

In the late 1990s, Simpson was removing asbestos from a poorly ventilated hospital boiler room when he collapsed from toxic fumes and knocked himself unconscious. Simpson was given immediate medical attention, however, he continued to suffer from dizziness and ringing in his ears (also known as tinnitus) for years following the incident.

Rick Simpson is best known as a medical marijuana cultivator and activist.

Traditional pharmaceuticals and pain prescriptions failed to provide Simpson with the relief he so desperately needed. He started to research alternative forms of treatment and soon began growing and using marijuana. Finally, he was able to manage his symptoms—all from a plant in his garden no less!

Some years later, in 2003, Simpson was diagnosed with a form of skin cancer known as basal cell carcinoma. This led him to further explore marijuana as medicine. Simpson read a study from The Journal of the National Cancer Institute in which Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC (the main psychoactive cannabinoid in marijuana) was found to kill cancer cells in mice. Inspired, he extracted oil from his plants and methodically applied it to his skin. As the story goes, the cancerous growths on his arm disappeared in less than a week. From this point on, Simpson was a true believer in the medicinal benefits of marijuana and was determined to share his discovery with the world.

Notably, as a testament to his character and passion, Simpson chose not to patent his oil or his method of extraction. Instead, he encouraged RSO to be accessible to all who needed it.

2022 Will Be CBD’s Skin Care Year To Watch

WHAT IS RSO AND HOW IS IT MADE?

It’s up for debate but RSO can be defined as a full-spectrum extract—at least this is the case for Calypso. The buzzword ‘full-spectrum’ refers to full-spectrum cannabis oil (FSCO) or full-extract cannabis oil (FECO) in which all the compounds of the marijuana plant (e.g., flavonoids, phenols, fatty acids, terpenes, and cannabinoids) are maintained during extraction.

More research is needed, but there is reason to believe full-spectrum extracts can provide more therapeutic effects for patients. Specifically, experts note what’s called “The Entourage Effect” or the theory that marijuana compounds work together, and when taken together, produce a better effect than when taken alone. In other words, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

Of course, it’s the method of extraction that determines if compounds can be stabilized and maintained. Ethanol, low heat, and patience can yield full-spectrum extracts. Other types of solvents like alcohol or butane can be used to extract RSO, however, at Calypso, we choose to follow best practices and use food-grade ethanol.

Ethanol, low heat, and patience can yield full-spectrum extracts.

RSO can be extracted from any marijuana strain, though Indica-dominant strains (strains often associated with calming effects), as well as strains with high levels of THC, are desired. Depending on what strain is used, the color and consistency of RSO can differ. Some marijuana strains produce a light amber color with a gooey consistency, while others produce a dark, thick consistency like molasses. Nevertheless, the end product is a highly potent oil (>60% THC), which is why it’s recommended for patients with conditions that require a high dose of THC or for those who have a high tolerance to THC.

HOW IS RSO CONSUMED?

RSO can be consumed in a multitude of ways, making it a versatile choice for patients with different conditions. In general, however, RSO is often applied as a topical or ingested orally. As such, Calypso provides two options for patients: (1) capsules and (2) syringes.

Capsules offer more precise dosing, while syringes can be used to squeeze oil under your tongue (sublingual), onto your skin (topical), as well as into foods or liquids (oral). Oral consumption results in slower onset, but long-lasting relief, compared to other methods.

RSO is often applied as a topical or ingested orally.

Keep in mind, as a full-spectrum extract, RSO can be pungent and sometimes bitter to some patients! Luckily, its taste is easily masked with food or drinks. Good ‘fatty’ snacks like peanut butter, avocados, or yogurt are ideal options and can help increase your body’s absorption rate. Another idea is to freeze individual doses on a piece of parchment paper, then dilute the oil in your morning coffee or tea.

WHAT ABOUT DOSING?

As mentioned earlier, Rick Simpson was transparent about his extraction method for RSO as well as his treatment experience. This led him to develop and share a regimen for others to follow based on his findings. Simpson recommends patients ‘start slow’ and allow the body to build up a tolerance to THC, then acclimate to its effects

Don’t want to cook?

Rick Simpson Oil recipe

This recipe will produce the full 60 grams of oil for a 90-day treatment regimen. If you’re looking for a smaller treatment course, you can easily divide the recipe into smaller amounts. For example, one ounce of cannabis will produce 3-4 grams of RSO.

Ingredients: 1 pound of dried cannabis material (indica strain)

2 gallons of solvent—Rick recommends 99% isopropyl alcohol, but you can also use wood grain alcohol

5-gallon bucket Deep bowl Wooden spoon for stirring Cheesecloth Rice cooker Plastic catheter tip syringe (60mL)

Place dry cannabis material into the 5-gallon bucket and pour in the solvent until the plant matter is covered.

Stir and crush the plant material with your wooden spoon while adding the solvent to your mixture. Continue stirring the mixture for about three minutes while the THC dissolves into the solvent.

This will dissolve about 80% of the THC into the solvent. Drain the solvent from the plant material into your bowl using the cheesecloth.

Place the plant material back in the bucket and add more solvent. Continue stirring for another three minutes.

Drain the solvent from your plant material into your bowl using the cheesecloth and discard the remaining plant material.

Transfer your solvent to your rice cooker until it is about ¾ full and turn on your rice cooker.