vol2 - Page 231
Page 231
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Complications related toglaucoma surgery may themselves pro_
duce blindness_ Surgery is generally considered a last _esort
and is undertaken only when all medications have been proven
ineffective when taken in maximum tolerable amounts_
•
14o The use of marijuanas in combination with con-
ventional drugs (which are Ineffective when employed alone),
provides Robert Randall with important therapuetic relief an4
the use of marijuana has prevente_ the continued deterioration
Of his vision. Rober_ Randall_s condition, while fragile, is
now stable° Considering his past medical history and the 4ells
ca_e state of his present ocular healths however_ a disruption
in his present medical management coul_ generate severe and
irreversible damage to his sights The unavailability of the
4rug for as short a pe_Łod as three w_ks could cause permanent
damage to his sight°
15o As long as adequate ZOP control, optic disc and
visual field stability are retained and no untoward side effects
develop, a continuation of Robert Randall_s present medical
routine, which includes marijuanas is. warranted.
16. Z left Washington_ DoC. on January 20, 1978 to
take a position at the University of North Carolina School of
Medicine. Therefore_ on that dates I concluded both my Wash-
ington based research and my physician-patient relationship
with Robots Randall. As a result of the termination of this
prosram, Robert Randall no longer has access to a legal supply
O_ marijuana.
18. In my opinion marijuana is both a safe and an
efftctive means o_ treating Robert Randall's glaucomas and is
the only trea_ent (other than surgery, which_ because of
attendant risks, should not be considered so long as marijuana
is effective) capable of maintaining his rema±ning sight.
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