Arthritis sufferer grew his own cannabis to ease pain

A man unable to work because of severe arthritis grew cannabis at his home to ease his pain, a Lincoln court heard.

Lincoln Magistrates' Court heard yesterday that traditional drugs prescribed to Robert Mason, 56, over the years had done nothing to alleviate his condition.

On January 3, police went to Mason's home in Stamp End, Lincoln, to search for a missing person – who they recovered, the court heard.

Daniel Paulson, prosecuting, said that while officers were at the property they could smell cannabis.

"They took the missing person to the police station and went back to Mr Mason's to get some clothes," he said.

"They collected the clothing and could still smell cannabis."

Mason allowed the officers to search his home.

They uncovered in a bedroom, what was described in court as a 'cannabis factory'.

"There were two large plants and a number of smaller ones with lights hanging above them and they were in compost," said Mr Paulson.

Mason told police he was growing them as a hobby and pleaded guilty to producing cannabis.

Ali Zakis, mitigating, told the court Mason had bought growing equipment from hardware stores and garden centres, and purchased the seeds over the internet.

"Five-years-ago he was diagnosed with osteoarthritis and was prescribed a number of painkillers," said Mr Zakis.

"In 2006 a friend told him cannabis helps and it did help so he got some seeds and grew them. When he was given the conditional discharge he stopped growing it.

"But last year, his condition progressed and went from his knees and lower back, to his shoulders and arms."

Magistrates took into account the fact that the cannabis was grown for medical reasons and gave Mason a fine of £85, plus a £15 government surcharge.

Source: http://www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk/news/Arthritis-sufferer-smoked-cannabis-ease-pain/article-1782151-detail/article.html