In the evolving world of cannabis medicine, innovation and activism often go hand in hand and Rylan Finzer, founder of an Ohio cannabis brand developed using Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) products, embodies these ideals. Rylan shared his inspiring journey with MedicateOH, from entry-level beginnings at a multi-state operator, to founding Finzer’s Finest, to his passionate advocacy as an LGBTQ+ leader running for local office. This Pride Month, we celebrate Rylan’s commitment to accessible medicine, authentic representation, and encouraging others to engage politically in these challenging times.
Finzer Finds Cannabis for Crohn’s
Rylan Finzer was first introduced to cannabis in 2015 by his friend Aja, at a time when he was struggling to manage symptoms of Crohn’s disease after losing access to his health insurance and the biologic medication HUMIRA. Experiencing severe stomach pain, nausea, and cramps, Rylan was skeptical at first, but he reluctantly agreed—and was shocked to find immediate relief after just that first try. “The pain was gone,” he recalls. “I felt light, like something finally worked.”
That moment marked the beginning of his journey with cannabis as medicine, but it wasn’t the end of his medical battles. In 2018, Rylan’s Crohn’s disease took a life-threatening turn when an undetected fistula caused him to nearly go septic. A last-minute cancellation got him in to see a specialist surgeon (the Cleveland Clinic’s Dr. Stefan Holubar) just in time. He underwent major surgery; three feet of intestine were removed, and a temporary ileostomy bag was placed. Despite the odds, he began to recover. “From stomach to stoma, I only had nine foot of intestine, and I had upwards of 13 liters of output per day, which is way, way too much. So they put me on an opium tincture to thicken up my output, since I was working with such a short segment of bowel.”
His doctors noted his unusual progress, since none of their other Crohn’s patients could put on weight. “They couldn’t believe I was gaining weight,” he said. “I told them the truth: I was smoking weed. It gave me an appetite. It helped me feel better.”
Even as he transitioned back to biologic treatment with Stelara, Finzer maintained his belief in a balanced approach: “I believe in using the best of modern medicine with ancient, holistic practices. For me, cannabis bridges that gap.”
Politics Sparks a Career Opportunity
A member of the Stark County Democrats since 2016, Rylan ran for Perry Township, Stark County, Ohio Trustee shortly after recovering from his surgery. Motivated by a desire to serve his community, particularly in the wake of several LGBTQ+ youth suicides, he knew his journey could help others. “Being a young gay person in the community myself, I wanted to try to help make a difference in what was going on. I wanted to try to put my face out there and show people it gets better. Just keep going.”
It was through his connections at the Stark County Dems that he met Monica Wells, who worked in human resources at Canton’s Verano, a vertically integrated multi-state operator of cannabis products. Knowing his passion for both activism and cannabis, she recommended him for a role. He interviewed on Election Day, during a difficult time when his grandparents were hospitalized with COVID and grandmother later diagnosed with dementia, prompting a major life transition.
Despite hardships—including unreliable transportation and housing instability—he found community and support through coworkers who helped him get to work and stay afloat. After gaining valuable hands-on experience in multiple departments, Rylan eventually moved on to a new role at Standard Farms, setting the stage for a deeper career in cannabis.
It was at Verano, though, that Rylan was inspired by seeing the whole process from seed to sale in one building, still a rarity in Ohio. He explained: “To have your cultivation, processing and dispensary in one spot. That’s something that you only hear of like in Colorado or Michigan. And so I was like, wow, this is actually what I want to get to someday.”
A Partnership Forms
Rylan then made a serendipitous connection with Sandy Holloway. After 40+ years running a successful used car dealership, Holloway decided to close it down. A few years later, she decided retirement was not for her and went back to work—in the cannabis industry.
The two met while working at Standard Farms in the packaging department. Sandy overheard his story about being a patient with Crohn’s and what he went through. She came into work the next day and announced, “Let’s launch your brand. Let’s do it. Let’s make it happen.”
And, with that, Finzer’s Finest was born. Sandy and Rylan shopped potential partners at the Midwest CannaWomen’s Midwest Cannafest and they chose to produce their products with the assistance of Eastlake’s Lighthouse Sciences.
Why Rick Simpson Oil? The Science Behind the Product
Rylan’s connection to Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) began through Crohn’s disease communities on Facebook. “I was introduced to Rick Simpson Oil through forums and learned about Rick Simpson’s original extraction technique from Canada,” he says. MedicateOH previously wrote about RSO in 2021 and Rick’s own journey is detailed at phoenixtears.ca. RSO is a full-spectrum cannabis oil that has broad potential uses, including claims of therapeutic use in a wide variety of conditions, most notably cancer.
While Rick Simpson’s original method involved potentially questionable chemicals like naptha, the science has come a long way since then. Lighthouse Sciences formulates Finzer’s Finest’s RSO through a safer, butane-based hydrocarbon extraction performed at negative 50 degrees Celsius to preserve all the terpenes and cannabinoids found in raw flower.
Interestingly, Rylan clarifies the technical terminology: “Per Rick Simpson’s website, what we call RSO is actually classified as ‘cured resin.’ This distinction is important because it highlights the extraction method and the final product’s characteristics.”
Compared to ethanol-based extractions that often bring chlorophyll and earthy flavors, butane-extracted RSO is cleaner and fruitier. He notes: “Our Eclipse RSO tastes fruity and piney, with citrus notes, like squeezing a lemon in a pine forest.”
This improved flavor profile not only makes RSO more enjoyable but also delivers the fullest spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes possible, making it a more effective medicine.
Improving RSO Delivery: Solving the “Medicated Goo” Problem
One of the biggest challenges with traditional RSO products is the difficulty of dosing accurately and cleanly. Traditional RSO syringes are notoriously thick and slow-moving, leading to inconsistent dosing—sometimes delivering 0.5 or a full gram when only 0.1 was intended. The oil’s viscosity makes it tricky to use, often resulting in sticky messes and waste.
Rylan’s innovation is a precisely dosed, twist-and-click syringe that dispenses exactly 25 milligrams of RSO per twist. This new delivery system removes a significant barrier for first-time users who might be turned off by the unfamiliar texture and messiness of traditional RSO.
Expanding the Product Line with Thoughtful Innovation
Beyond RSO syringes, Rylan’s brand offers a range of thoughtfully formulated products including lip balms infused with high doses of THC (110 milligrams per tube), vaporizers, and flavored tinctures in allergy-friendly ethanol bases.
“I wouldn’t vape ethanol-extracted RSO, but our butane-extracted cured resin is cleaner and smoother,” he says. Feedback from customers with conditions like diverticulitis has been positive, with reports of symptom relief from the Moon Luster Pods.
The lip balm, made with beeswax, hemp butter, comfrey oil, and witch hazel, received praise for its moisturizing and healing benefits. “Recent studies even suggest CBD and THC have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that can fight fungal infections better than pharmaceutical options,” notes Rylan.
The tinctures come in three flavors: Mojito Mint (Sun), Cinnamon Honey (Moon), and White Peach Mango (Eclipse), all using ethanol bases rather than MCT oil to avoid common allergies.
As an Ohioan, Finzer ‘s company is rooted in first being a patient and community advocate. “I want to make products that help me and help others. As a patient, I understand the need for reliable, accessible medicine.”
Political Ambitions: From Local Races to Bigger Impact
Rylan’s commitment to community extends beyond cannabis to public service. He plans to continue his political journey in Stark County and run for trustee again.
“I ran because I believe representation matters—not just during Pride Month, but all year round,” Rylan says. “It’s not just in June, and that includes running for office, going out there and advocating for yourself, your brand year round, just making sure that people know who you are and what you stand for, what your morals and values are, and if they know what those are, how can they argue with that?”
In the current political climate, marked by divisiveness and growing challenges to LGBTQ+ rights, Rylan urges others in the community to get involved. “Voting is just the start. We need people to run for office, volunteer on campaigns, attend local meetings—engage however you can.”
As an openly gay entrepreneur and political activist, Rylan sees Pride Month as both a celebration and a call to action. Rylan hopes his story inspires others to embrace their identities proudly while also engaging civically.
The Future: Meeting Market Trends While Staying True to Values
As the cannabis market shifts from medical to adult use, Rylan’s brand is adapting. “We’re launching strain-specific 510-thread vape cartridges because the market demands it, even though I prefer our Luster Pods.”
He explains the decision not to go strain-specific initially: “Rick Simpson recommends multi-harvest cured resin because it captures a wider spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes, giving better medicinal benefits.” But today’s market demands strain-specific RSO, so that will be in the works for Finzer’s Finest next.
Rylan reflects on where he’s come from and how successfully he manifested his dream, despite not having the means. “When I was really sick with everything in 2018 I did a lot of medicating and meditating, a lot of affirmations. And I didn’t know how, but I knew one day I was gonna have my own cannabis company.”
From improving RSO delivery to advocating for workers and LGBTQ+ representation, and running for local office, Rylan’s story is one of passion and purpose. His clean, flavorful, and precisely dosed cannabis products set new standards while inspiring others to participate in politics and activism—especially during Pride Month and beyond.
Learn more about the product line and where you can purchase at FinzersFinest.com.
###
