Bottles of hemp-derived extracts labeled CBD oil are on display at the Lucky's Market on Oct. 6, 2017, in Boulder, Colorado. With the legality of hemp-derived extracts put into question by some government entities, notably the DEA, Boulder's Lucky's Market has gone all-in with a line of CBD-rich products across its 25 stores. (Vince Chandler, The Denver Post)

CBD oil helps Colorado teen pursue dream of driving, racing

The availability and use of cannabis oil have given Chase Rief the opportunity to sit in the driver’s seat and steer the direction in which his future will go.

Chase, 16, said his dream of driving and racing in hill climbs was nearly shattered after going through two years of medical issues that at one point left him wheelchair bound.

He was diagnosed with epilepsy when he was 14, two years after being misdiagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder. Doctors treated the alleged ADD with a high dose of medication, which then required more medication to counteract the side effects of the ADD medication. Chase began having audio and visual hallucinations, “blank outs,” and severe nosebleeds and migraine headaches.

Chase’s parents, Ken and Tammy Rief, said all of this was caused by pharmaceuticals.

His parents discussed with Chase the possibility of replacing all his medication with cannabis lotion and oil. Two doctors signed off on the idea, and they began giving him small doses of CBD oil, mixed in with mints and in his drinks.

Tammy said Chase isn’t going to the doctor as often as he used to, and health insurance no longer is paying for prescription medications.

“This should be a first choice, rather than a last option,” Ken said. “And it shouldn’t be so expensive.”

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