Stories such as Selmeski’s make Grittman think the same could happen for her son.

“That’s kind of our hope,” Grittman said. “That a whole new life could be in Colorado. Where he could get out of that stupid wheelchair and go play and talk to us and be himself. It’s just like the possibilities are endless for us.”

But the decision doesn’t come without a cost. Grittman said the move means she’ll be leaving the rest of her family behind. She doesn’t know when her family, especially her aging grandparents, will see Braedy again.

“I’m so upset I have to move away from them, because Braedy can’t come back once he’s in Colorado,” she said tearfully, since he wouldn’t be able to use the marijuana legally in Iowa.

Selmeski said she’s grateful for what cannabis has done to help Maggie, but she hasn’t forgotten the 12 other families she knows with epileptic children in Iowa who want to give their children a chance with medical cannabis but for various reasons are unable to make the move.

Selmeski said a strong network has developed in Colorado of families from Iowa and other states because of the medical marijuana program. She said parents from across the county, including the Grittmans, have called her to seek advice on how they can pack up and move.

“People are desperate, and they’re out of options,” Selmeski said. “When it’s your child, you’ll do everything and anything to at least have a chance at the opportunity of life.”

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