Drug-offender caught with cannabis plants claims he used the drug to ease pain
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Sheffield Magistrates’ Court heard on November 12 how James Edwards, aged 35, of Scotia Drive, Deep Pit, Sheffield, admitted producing a quantity of cannabis and to possessing cannabis after police raided his home on August 13, 2019.
Mark Hughes, prosecuting, said: “The defendant was charged with the production of cannabis with a quantity consistent with personal use and with the possession of cannabis.”
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Hide AdMr Hughes added that police found four cannabis plants and a suspected fifth plant, a growing tent, a fan and a timer and the defendant said the drugs were for his personal use.
Edwards pleaded guilty to producing a quantity of cannabis and to possessing cannabis.
Kathryn Lill, defending, said one of the plants was not “viable” and was destroyed.
She added Edwards was growing cannabis for health reasons to deal with pain because he suffers from a previously dislocated right knee and from a stab wound to his left arm.
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Hide AdEdwards suffered the knee injury as a youngster, according to Ms Lill, and he also suffers from a stab wound to his arm where he had needed surgery to reconnect the tendons.
Ms Lill said Edwards still gets shooting pains in his left arm and she added that pain-killers have not been very effective.
She said he has discussed the situation with his doctor and he feels cannabis is more effective for his pain relief.
Ms Lill added: “He started to use cannabis to try and alleviate the pain and it was for his own personal use.”
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Hide AdEdwards also started growing cannabis plants so he could avoid having to associate with drug-dealers, according to Ms Lill.
She added: “He’s learned his lesson the hard way if you try to grow cannabis yourself.”
Magistrates sentenced Edwards to a four-week community order with a four-week curfew running daily between 6pm to 6am with an electronic tag.
Edwards must also pay £85 costs and a £90 victim surcharge.