He pleaded guilty in 2011 to the same charge the jury found him guilty of Wednesday. He said he grew marijuana then for the same reason: to treat his cancer.

The 2000 conviction was for growing mushrooms. Sharing his story with the Quad-City Times last September, he said he used to be a recreational drug user before becoming a medical marijuana user and advocate.

His wife took the same plea in 2011, but he insisted his wife has never taken part in his drug activity.

"They have no fingerprints, no proof," he said.

Both were on probation when they were charged last year.

With one prior felony conviction, Loretta Mackenzie says she isn't sure how much, if any, prison time she faces.

Benton Mackenzie could have had all the latest charges against his wife and son dropped had he taken a plea deal that he was offered, but he refused.

"It's wrong," he said. "That was final. This is not. Justice can still be obtained. With an appeal, they'll know all the facts."

Loretta Mackenzie said she doesn't hold anything against the jury.

"They were not allowed to hear enough information," she said. "It was definitely a very controlled environment. It's pounded into your head that no matter what your feelings are, you're going to follow the law."

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