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Robert C. Randall: Father of the Medical Marijuana Movement
- 1. Robert C. Randall Father of the medical marijuana movement 1948-2001
- 3. Robert’s Legacy First individual to gain prescriptive access to federal supplies of marijuana for treatment of his glaucoma. Robert in November 1976 with his first supply of federal marijuana
- 5. Robert’s Legal Legacy • 1976 – U.S. v Randall His successful challenge of marijuana cultivation charges against him resulted in the establishment of the medical necessity defense. This unique defense has been used in several successful cases.
- 6. U.S. v. Randall The first case to establish the concept of medical necessity
- 7. “The evil he sought to prevent, blindness, is greater than that he performed to accomplish it, growing marijuana....” From the decision of Judge James Washington U.S. v. Randall, 1976
- 8. Legal Legacy, cont. • 1979 - Sued the federal government after his supplies to medical marijuana were terminated. He was represented by the Washington law firm of Steptoe & Johnson. The out-of- court settlement assured Robert his medicine but also established the Compassionate IND program which would pave the way for additional patients to receive supplies. These patients include Elvy Musikka, Irvin Rosenfeld, Kenny & Barbra Jenks and many others.
- 9. Robert’s Political Legacy • 1978-1981- Assisted citizens in 34 states to enact state laws authorizing medical use of marijuana by establishing state-wide programs of research using federal supplies of marijuana. Federal agencies crippled these programs by refusing to provide supplies. • 1981- With the help of Washington law firm Steptoe & Johnson, he drafted the first federal legislation addressing the problem of medical access to marijuana
- 10. H.R. 4498 • Four original co-sponsors were all Republican • They included Newt Gingrich and Stewart McKinney, the only member of Congress to die of AIDS • At its peak, HR 4498 had 110 co-sponsors • Congressman Henry Waxman refused to conduct hearings.
- 12. Political Legacy, cont. • 1991- Established MARS – Marijuana AIDS Research Service – which vastly simplified application for medical access to marijuana via the Compassionate IND process. This program forced the government’s hand, revealing the duplicity of their oft-stated mantra, “Anyone with a legitimate need for marijuana can obtain it with a note from their doctor.” In 1992 the Compassionate IND program was closed. Public anger paved the way for local ballot initiatives and a new round of state laws such as those in California, Colorado and Michigan.
- 13. Narrated in Randall's voice, this memoir chronicles his personal battle to obtain the drug legally, which was granted in 1976 when he became the first U.S. citizen to have marijuana prescribed for a medical condition. Radicalized by this experience, Randall and O'Leary have devoted their lives to assisting others diagnosed with serious illnesses such as cancer, multiple sclerosis and AIDS. -- Publisher’s Weekly • Published in 1998 • One of five books by Robert Randall
- 14. 1994
- 16. Further Information Contact: Alice O’Leary-Randall aliceoleary1@mac.com
Editor's Notes
- Robert had glaucoma. Diagnosed at the age of 24 he was told he would be blind by the age of 30. He accidently discovered marijuana could help save his vision and after his arrest in 1975 for marijuana cultivation he fought the charges and petitioned the fedeal government and became the first American to gain legal access to federal supplies of marijuana for medical purposes
- Robert Randall’s legacy. First and foremost he was the first individual to gain legal, prescriptive access to marijuana. Robert ’ s public speaking and rhetorical skills, coupled with his wit, charm and intelligence, made him an ideal spokesperson and a new movement was born -- the medical marijuana movement in America.
- In November 1976 few people knew about marijuana’s medical utility and Robert’s case generated enormous media.
- His acquittal on cultivation charges established a new legal tenant -- medical necessity -- which has been used by others and remains a viable defense in certain cases
- The complete decision is available online and contains many quotable passages but none more so than ....
- contains many quotable passages but none more so than .... [quote]
- In 1979 the federal government rescinded Robert ’ s legal access and he was forced to sue the Dept of Justice and Health Education and Welfare to get his supplies re-instated. The out-of-court settlement assured Robert his medicine but also established the Compassionate IND program which would pave the way for additional patients to receive supplies. These patients include Elvy Mussika, Irvin Rosenfeld, Kenny & Barbra Jenks, and others.
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- And if you don ’ t believe Newt Gingrich was a co-sponsor here ’ s the proof. A copy of HR 4498 incribed “ To Bob, Thanks for everything. Newt Gingrich ”
- Established the Marijuana AIDS Research Service – which vastly simplified application for medical access to marijuana via the Compassionate IND process. Hundreds of AIDS patients applied. This program forced the government ’ s hand, revealing the duplicity of their oft-stated mantra, “ Anyone with a legitimate need for marijuana can obtain it with a note from their doctor. ” In 1992 the Compassionate IND program was closed by President George H.W. Bush. Public anger paved the way for local ballot initiatives and a new round of state laws such as those in California, Colorado and Michigan.
- For those who want the full story Robert’s autobiography “Marihuana RX: The Patients’ Fight for Medicinal Pot” is available on Amazon.com. An electronic version will be available on iBooks in March 2013
- Admittedly I am bias but I don ’ t think there is any question that Robert Randall was indeed the Father of the medical marijuana movement. Any if you will indulge me just a bit longer I have prepared a video that not only expresses how I feel about Robert but will also give you a glimpse of this intelligent and charming man. Thank you.