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MASON CITY | Mason City Police Capt. Mike McKelvey said Thursday he understands why legalization of marijuana for medical uses is an emotional one for many Iowans.

But he said, like most issues, it has potential impact on many aspects of society, including law enforcement.

McKelvey was recently appointed by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds to a state board that will oversee changes in the state's expanded medical cannabidoil law.

He hopes to use his experience as a police officer to add perspective to the board which is made up mainly of physicians and others in the health field. McKelvey is the only law enforcement officer on the board.

A Mason City police officer for 23 years, McKelvey is vice president of the Iowa Peace Officers Association.

Governor appoints Mason City police captain to state medical cannabidiol board DES MOINES | Gov. Kim Reynolds named eight Iowans Wednesday to serve on a state board that …

"We know there is interest out there in further legalization of medical marijuana but as peace officers, we have some concerns," he said. "As similar programs have been implemented in other states, some problems have occurred.

"There are ramifications from this for police departments, schools, public health and many other areas. We want to make sure we have input in moving this forward and not doing things too quickly," McKelvey said.