Poorly man was using cannabis for pain relief

A cannabis user who had a 'small drugs farm' at the home he shared with his father was growing the plants for pain relief, a court heard.
Burnley Magistrates Court.Burnley Magistrates Court.
Burnley Magistrates Court.

Burnley Magistrates’ Court was told Anthony Paul (32), who had several medical conditions, was, according to the police, growing 20 plants in the attic. He claimed it was 11.

The hearing was told Paul’s prescribed painkillers hadn’t been working and he had turned to cannabis to self-medicate.

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The defendant, who has a conviction for possessing cannabis, admitted producing the drug on May 2nd. Paul, of Marsden Hall Road, Nelson, was given an eight week curfew, between 9pm and 7am. He was ordered to pay £85 costs and an £85 victim surcharge.

Mark Williams (defending) told the hearing Paul was full and frank with the police. He had been using the drug for a number of medical issues.

The defendant, who had suffered from ulcerative colitis and had had surgery, also had other conditions, including osteoporosis and was in a lot of pain. The solicitor continued: “They are genuine medical issues.”

Mr Williams said: “He has gone back to his doctor. Pain relief in the past didn’t seem to be helping. The cannabis was his idea of self-medication.”

District Judge Alexandra Simmonds told the defendant: “This would have produced a substantial yield, although I accept you say it was for your own personal use.”

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