Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S. And although squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) isn’t the most common variant of skin cancer, it still affects an estimated 1,000,000+ people per year, according to the American Cancer Society.
However, SCC can be cured if it’s found and treated early, and new research suggests cannabinoid-rich cannabis extracts, such as Rick Simpson Oil (RSO), can kill cancer cells in the head and neck (where SCC is most likely to develop), providing a less-invasive treatment than traditional options.
In this article, we discuss the research behind RSO and cannabis for squamous cell carcinoma and talk about how you can use it to get the best results
What is RSO?
Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) is a highly concentrated form of cannabis extract known for its high THC content and potential therapeutic benefits. RSO was developed by Rick Simpson, a Canadian medical cannabis advocate who used the extract to treat his skin cancer.
Unlike some cannabis concentrates, RSO is a full-spectrum extract, meaning it retains all the naturally-occurring cannabinoids, terpenes, and plant compounds, maximizing the potential therapeutic effects you receive.
Due to its high THC concentration, RSO is known for its potent psychoactive effects and is primarily used for medicinal purposes, particularly cancer treatment.
What is Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a type of cancer that starts as a growth of cells on the skin. SCC starts from cells called squamous cells, which make up the middle and outer layers of the skin.
While SCC is usually not life-threatening, it may grow large or spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. The growth of the cancer can cause serious complications.
Most SCCs are caused by too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV radiation comes either from sunlight or from tanning beds or lamps. Protecting your skin from UV light can reduce the risk of SCC and other forms of skin cancer.
SCCs can be anywhere on the skin. In people who sunburn easily, the cancer is usually found on areas of skin that have had a lot of sun, such as the head and neck. In people with black and brown skin, squamous cell carcinomas are more likely to develop on skin that isn’t exposed to sun, such as the genitals.
While a variety of non-invasive treatments can be used for small cancers, treatments for larger skin cancers can be more invasive and include surgeries, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.
Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) has emerged as a natural alternative for people who do not want to undergo these traditional treatments due to the risks posed by some of them.
To learn more about the risk factors of squamous cell carcinoma, how to prevent it, and how it’s treated, see the Mayo Clinic’s article.
Can RSO Treat Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
Yes, research and anecdotal evidence suggests Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) can treat Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC).
A variety of studies have indicated that THC, CBD, and the other cannabinoids that RSO contains an abundance of have anti-cancer properties. Many of these studies look at SCC, specifically.
However, scientific research is just part of the story. Many of these studies have confirmed what we’ve already known for years as the official Rick Simpson Oil provider: recovery from cancer can be achieved without chemotherapy and radiation.
Our countless testimonials and reviews are proof of this; RSO has helped thousands of our customers recover from cancer, even in situations where chemotherapy, radiation, and other traditional treatments have failed.
Research Behind RSO for Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Many studies have investigated the benefits of the cannabis plant, particularly cannabinoids such as THC and CBD, for the treatment of SCC.
Given that RSO contains 100+ cannabinoids, including THC (in high concentrations) and CBD, it shares the benefits.
Here’s a look at the research:
Research On Cannabinoids for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
A 2022 research review found that cannabinoids, including THC and CBD, have anti-tumor effects on squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) [1].
Traditional chemotherapy treatments come with severe side effects, while cannabinoids possess cancer-inhibiting properties with fewer risks.
A 2023 study analyzed the effects of 24 cannabis extracts on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and found that CBD-rich extracts were the most effective in inducing cancer cell death [2].
The strongest results came from CBD combined with CBC or THC in a 2:1 ratio. CBD, CBC, and THC are all naturally present in full-spectrum RSO.
A 2021 case report documented a geriatric patient with Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Situ (SCCIS) who applied THC-rich oil topically for four weeks instead of undergoing surgery or chemotherapy [3].
At a 14-month follow-up, the lesion had regressed to a benign state, and three years later, no recurrence was observed. Since RSO is THC-rich, this case supports its potential use for topical SCC treatment.
Research On Correlation Between Cannabis Use and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
A population-based study found that long-term cannabis use was linked to a significantly lower risk of developing head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).
After adjusting for tobacco and alcohol use, individuals who used cannabis for 10–20 years had a 62% reduced risk compared to non-users [4].
These findings suggest that cannabinoids may have protective effects against HNSCC, likely due to their anti-inflammatory and tumor-suppressing properties. Because RSO contains high concentrations of THC and CBD, it may offer similar protective benefits.
Types of RSO Products
Here are the best RSO delivery methods for cancer:
- RSO Syringes: RSO syringes are our number one recommendation for many cancer patients. RSO syringes contain full-spectrum Rick Simpson Oil in its purest, most concentrated form. They allow for precise dosing and versatile use, including oral ingestion, sublingual absorption, topical application, or infusion into food. Because of their potency, users typically start with a small dose and gradually increase as needed.
- RSO Tinctures: RSO tinctures are a liquid form of Rick Simpson Oil mixed with a carrier oil, making them easier to dose and absorb. They are typically taken sublingually (under the tongue) for faster effects or mixed into food and beverages for a more gradual onset. RSO tinctures offer a discreet and convenient way to experience full-spectrum cannabis benefits.
- RSO Gummies: RSO gummies provide a flavorful and easy way to consume RSO. Each gummy contains a pre-measured dose, allowing for controlled intake and a more enjoyable alternative to raw RSO. Gummies take longer to kick in due to digestion but offer long-lasting effects.
- RSO Suppositories: RSO suppositories are designed for rectal or vaginal use, allowing for rapid absorption of cannabinoids without the psychoactive intensity of oral ingestion. This method bypasses digestion, delivering high bioavailability and targeted therapeutic effects. RSO suppositories are commonly used for pain relief, cancer symptom management, and gastrointestinal conditions.
- RSO Capsules: RSO capsules offer a pre-measured, tasteless way to consume Rick Simpson Oil without dealing with its thick consistency. The capsules are swallowed like a regular supplement, providing slow-release effects as they are digested. They are ideal for users seeking precise dosing and long-lasting therapeutic benefits.
How to Use RSO for Squamous Cell Carcinoma
If you’re using RSO for squamous cell carcinoma, follow these directions to see the best results:
Dosage
To treat cancer naturally with RSO, follow the Rick Simpson protocol. This is an experimental treatment used by cancer patients in which the goal is to ingest 60 grams of RSO in 90 days.
Here’s the protocol (written as if you’re using RSO syringes/oil, but the same principles apply to other types of RSO products):
- Week 1: Start with 3 doses daily, about half the size of a short grain of rice.
- Week 2-5: Double your intake every 4 days.
- Week 5-12: You should now be able to consume 1 gram per day. Ingest 1 gram per day until your 60 gram supply is done.
For more information, see our Rick Simpson Oil protocol page and RSO dosage guide.
Timing
We recommend splitting your fully daily dose of RSO into three equal parts and then taking it a few hours before you go to bed, as soon as you wake up the next morning, and then four hours after that second dose.
Continue taking it every four hours for the first four days, at which point you should have reached 1 gram of RSO per day. Once you’re here, you can split your daily dose up as many times as you need to throughout the day.
Effect Onset & Duration
RSO’s effect onset and duration times will depend on how you take it. If you take it via an oral syringe or edible, RSO will take 45 minutes to 1 hour to kick in. If you take it sublingually, RSO will kick in within just 10-15 minutes.
Conclusion: Is RSO A Natural Remedy for Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
While squamous cell carcinoma isn’t deadly and you have a high chance of successful recovery if you treat it early, there is a lot to improve in terms of the side effects of traditional treatment.
And that’s what Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) offers: an improvement. This natural cannabis-based treatment is just as effective (and in some cases, more effective) than traditional treatments, and with many fewer side effects.
RSO for Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions our customers frequently ask us about RSO for squamous cell carcinoma.
Can Topical RSO Get You High?
No, topical RSO cannot get you high because it does not reach your bloodstream as ingested or inhaled cannabis doses. Instead, it interacts with localized cannabinoid receptors in the skin and muscles, providing targeted treatment without producing psychoactive effects.
Can You Absorb RSO Through Your Skin?
RSO can be absorbed through the skin, but it does not enter the bloodstream, meaning it won’t cause intoxication. The cannabinoids in RSO bind to receptors in your skin and underlying tissues, making it effective for topical cancer treatment and pain relief.
How Do You Use RSO Topicals?
To use RSO topicals, apply a small amount directly to the affected area and massage it into the skin. RSO topicals are commonly used for cancer, joint pain, sore muscles, and arthritis.
Is RSO the Strongest Cannabis Extract?
RSO is considered one of the strongest cannabis extracts due to its high THC concentration and full-spectrum cannabinoid profile. Unlike THC distillate, which isolates a single compound, RSO retains all the natural cannabinoids, terpenes, and plant compounds, making it potent and effective for therapeutic use.
Sources
[1] Ramer, R., Wendt, F., Wittig, F., Schäfer, M., Boeckmann, L., Emmert, S., & Hinz, B. (2022). Impact of Cannabinoid Compounds on Skin Cancer. Cancers, 14(7), 1769. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14071769
[2] Blal, K., Besser, E., Procaccia, S., Schwob, O., Lerenthal, Y., Abu Tair, J., Meiri, D., & Benny, O. (2023). The Effect of Cannabis Plant Extracts on Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma and the Quest for Cannabis-Based Personalized Therapy. Cancers, 15(2), 497. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15020497
[3] Sisley, S., Rodriguez, C., & Marcu, J. (2021, July 21). Case Report: Squamous Cell Carcinoma and THC-Rich Cannabinoid Oil. AJEM. https://www.endocannabinoidmedicine.com/academicarticle/squamous-cell-carcinoma-and-thc-rich-cannabinoid-oil/
[4] Liang, C., McClean, M. D., Marsit, C., Christensen, B., Peters, E., Nelson, H. H., & Kelsey, K. T. (2009). A population-based case-control study of marijuana use and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer prevention research (Philadelphia, Pa.), 2(8), 759–768. https://doi.org/10.1158/1940-6207.CAPR-09-0048
