Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is a plant with powerful compounds called cannabinoids that are thought to offer a wide range of health benefits. When consumed, these compounds interact with receptors in the body that are already part of our natural system.
People all over the world turn to cannabis not just recreationally, but also for therapeutic reasons—particularly for relief from cancer symptoms, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and appetite loss.
The Ongoing Debate Around Cannabis
There’s no denying that cannabinoids have become a popular alternative therapy in many countries. And yes, growing research supports their potential to ease cancer-related discomfort and improve quality of life for patients undergoing chemo. But that doesn’t mean the plant comes without its fair share of controversy.
In fact, cannabis remains illegal or restricted in many places due to its possible side effects, which include things like a heightened risk of schizophrenia, lung damage from smoking, and complications with fertility and pregnancy. That’s why it’s always best to use cannabis under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional who can help guide you on the proper dosage and method of use.
Since smoking cannabis can harm the lungs, many people prefer cannabis oil—a more potent and lung-friendly alternative. This oil is widely known thanks to Rick Simpson, a man who famously claimed to have treated his skin cancer using homemade cannabis oil. You can read more about his story online.
How to Make Cannabis Oil at Home: The Rick Simpson Method
Note: One ounce of dried cannabis will typically produce between 3 to 4 grams of oil. However, the actual yield can vary depending on the cannabis strain.
⚠️ Important Safety Note:
The process involves boiling off a solvent, which releases highly flammable fumes. Always prepare the oil in a well-ventilated area away from flames, sparks, or heat sources. Keep a fan running to help direct the fumes away.
🧪 What You’ll Need:
- 1 ounce of dried cannabis
- 2 large plastic buckets
- Around 2 gallons of solvent (e.g., isopropyl alcohol, ether, or butane)
- A coffee filter
- A rice cooker (it should hold more than ½ gallon of liquid)
- A plastic syringe (for storage and dosing)
- Stainless steel containers
- A coffee warmer or food dehydrator
- A wooden stick (untreated)
🔧 Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Soak the Cannabis
Place the dried cannabis in one of the buckets. Pour in enough solvent to completely cover the plant. Use the wooden stick to mash and stir the plant for about 3 minutes—this helps dissolve the THC into the solvent. - Filter and Repeat
Pour the solvent mixture into your second bucket. Add more solvent to the original plant material and repeat the stirring for another 3 minutes. Then, add that second batch of solvent to the first one. - Strain the Mixture
Discard the leftover plant material and strain the liquid using a coffee filter into a clean container. This filtered liquid now contains your cannabis-infused oil solution. - Boil Off the Solvent
Pour the solution into a rice cooker, filling it no more than three-quarters full. Turn the cooker on high and start evaporating the solvent. Keep adding more of the mixture as it boils down, until everything has been added. - Add Water (Optional)
When the solution is nearly done boiling and only about an inch remains, you can add a few drops of water to prevent the oil from overheating. Swirl the pot gently with oven mitts to help finish off the process. - Final Heating
Lower the heat and transfer the oil into a stainless steel container. Place it on a coffee warmer or in a dehydrator for several hours. This helps evaporate any remaining water or volatile terpenes. - Storing the Oil
Once the surface of the oil shows no more bubbling or movement, it’s ready. Use a plastic syringe to draw up the oil for storage and easier use. Once it cools down, it’ll thicken and take on a dark, rich color.
Final Thoughts
Homemade cannabis oil isn’t a cure-all, but for many people, it’s a powerful natural remedy that’s worth exploring—especially for those dealing with cancer-related discomfort. Just be mindful of local laws, always prioritize safety, and talk to your doctor if you’re considering cannabis as part of your health regimen.
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