In 2018, Jim Bartell’s world changed forever when his son Ryan was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer at just 41 years old. As Ryan endured grueling pain, his family turned to medical cannabis in a desperate attempt to improve his quality of life during such a vulnerable time. The results were transformative, Ryan went from heavily sedated by Fentanyl and Morphine, to awake, alert, and able to spend precious final moments with his family, including his 9-year-old son. However, the Bartells faced significant challenges finding a hospital that would allow cannabis use on-site due to its federal status and institutional fears. Ryan passed away shortly after being transferred to a hospital that permitted cannabis use, but the experience galvanized Jim Bartell into action.
Jim, a military veteran and founder of the public and media relations firm Bartell & Kwiatkowski, took on the fight to ensure no other family would endure such barriers. His advocacy led to the drafting of California’s SB311, also known as Ryan’s Law. Signed into law in 2021, this groundbreaking legislation allows terminally ill patients in hospice care to use non-smokable medical cannabis on-site. The law ensures patients’ comfort while protecting healthcare facilities from federal repercussions.
Since its implementation in January 2022, Ryan’s Law has made a profound impact on terminally ill patients in California, but the mission doesn’t end there. In 2024, the Ryan’s Law Foundation was established to expand this compassionate care legislation nationwide. Under Jim’s leadership and with support from partners in the cannabis industry, the foundation has already achieved significant milestones:
- Legislative Progress: Teams in 12 states, including Hawaii, Oregon, and Michigan, are actively working to propose Ryan’s Law in their legislatures.
- Educational Initiatives: Partnered with USC to create a course for caregivers about implementing Ryan’s Law, and a study at UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center measures nurses’ comfort managing medical cannabis.
- Community Support: Growing alliances with industry leaders like NORML and Americans for Safe Access to amplify advocacy efforts.
In September 2024, I had the honor of becoming the Executive Director of the Ryan’s Law Foundation. My responsibilities include overseeing advocacy efforts, building strategic partnerships, and leading public awareness campaigns. As a U.S. Navy veteran and cannabis advocate, I am deeply committed to ensuring that every terminally ill patient has access to compassionate care.
But we can’t do it alone. Expanding Ryan’s Law requires significant resources to navigate the legal, legislative, and educational challenges across jurisdictions. This is where you come in.
How You Can Help
Your support can make a life-changing difference. Whether through a donation or volunteering your time, your involvement helps us bring Ryan’s Law to every legal cannabis state. Together, we can ensure that no patient has to choose between comfort and dignity in their final days.
Visit ryanslawfoundation.org to learn more, donate, or join our efforts.
Ryan’s story reminds us that even in the face of profound loss, we can create meaningful change. Join us in honoring his legacy and making compassionate cannabis care a reality for all.
