Rotherham drug user caught "self-medicating" with cannabis told: "Don't grow it again"

Callum Calladine, of Manor Road, Rawmarsh, told police who raided his home in December 2019 that the nine ounces of the drug they found was for personal use.

The cannabis had been harvested from six plants and was valued at £2,461 if sold by the gram, prosecutor Ms Beverley Wright told Sheffield Crown Court.

The 30-year-old, who had made “a full admisson” to the police, admitted production of a class B drug when he appeared before the court for sentencing on Friday.

Recorder Richard Smith told him: “You explained that you knew it was illegal to grow cannabis, that you had underlying disabilities and it was helping you.

“You said it was costing you a lot to buy cannabis and you took the view there was a financial advantage to doing that (growing his own cannabis).

“It is illegal to do that.

“The prosecution accept it was not your intention to supply or sell cannabis to anyone else, but it is a serious offence.

“Whatever your view, it is illegal, the law does not allow for it and the courts will not condone it.

“Speak to your GP about alternative medication.

“You are not to grow it again or self-medicate and if you do, you will be back before the court.”

Calladine was sentenced to a 12-month community order with 100 hours unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation activity days.