State is punishing an innocent man

How can we let the state of Iowa cause a man and his family to suffer? In the case of Benton Mackenzie, the state is letting him suffer. The state has punished and harmed this innocent man and his family.

All Mackenzie wanted to do was to stop his pain and suffering. It is scientifically and medically accepted that medicinal forms of cannabis can cure and treat different diseases and cancers and end the pain. Yet, the state of Iowa arrests this man and his family for producing medical grade cannabis and sends them off to jail. Ironically, the state allowed Mackenzie to travel to Oregon in July, where it is legal to use cannabis as a medical treatment, to receive treatment before being sent to prison.

I call on Gov. Terry Branstad to issue a pardon on the Mackenzie family. Or issue an executive order legalizing medicinal cannabis. If Branstad does not release Mackenzie, we have a moral obligation to vote him and every legislator against legalizing medical cannabis out of office in November.

Geo Hunter

Cedar Rapids