A MAN who admitted that he grew cannabis plants as part of his efforts to self-medicate is now on prescribed medicine and no longer produces his own.
This was the scenario outlined to Judge Fiona Lydon at Galway District Court who expressed unease that the defendant before her was found in possession of four mature cannabis plants valued at €3,200 by prosecuting Gardaí.
Defending solr Catherine McDarby pleaded that her client, Donal Cummins of Gortadooey, Claregalway, was undergoing treatment and presented what she described as a very favourable letter from his substance abuse counselor.
Her client was being “open and honest” and he was in the low category when it came to the risk of reoffending. He was complying with the guidelines of his treatment and was happy to do so. He had been self-medicating with cannabis but was not on legal medication. The defence added that her client had no issue with undergoing hair follicle tests to prove he was no longer using illegal substances.
Garda evidence stated that the defendant’s home was searched and in a shed at the side of his home they found four mature cannabis plants growing. Cummins insisted to them that they were for personal use.
Judge Lydon noted there was a very positive Probation report presented to her but her concern was that the defendant had decided to grow his own cannabis.
She decided to adjourn the case until December 15 to allow for the preparation and presenting to her of a hair follicle test result which would prove the claim that he was drug free. In light of the test results she would decide on how to deal with the case.
