Cancer Patient Dies After Conviction for Growing Medical Marijuana
Sad news out of Iowa. Benton Mackenzie of eastern Iowan has died of cancer just months after he was convicted for growing medical marijuana for personal use. The AP reports that Dottie Mackenzie confirmed Tuesday that her 49-year-old son, died Monday at his home in Long Grove, near Davenport. They also report that she says she has found peace with the situation and her son’s death.
Benton Mackenzie had been growing marijuana to create medicinal oil to consume and apply to his tumors. Mackenzie, his wife Loretta and their son, Cody, were convicted of manufacturing marijuana after 71 marijuana plants were seized from their home in May 2013. Benton’s parents were initially charged as well, but those charges were later dropped.
Mackenzie admitted in testimony in July 2014 that the marijuana plants were his, but he was not allowed to say that he had cancer or that he used cannabis oil from the plants to treat it.
Mackenzie and his wife planned to appeal their conviction after they were each sentenced to three years of probation. Their son was given a suspended sentence. A gofundme account was established to try to help the family settle in Oregon, where cannabis oil was legal for treatment of his condition.
Rest in peace Benton. Our thoughts are with you Mackenzie family and friends. Do you think it’s time the Federal Government admits that marijuana does have medicinal use? Let us know in the comments below…
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