Medical cannabis oil maker Jenny Hallam makes court appearance with supporters to answer charges
A WOMAN who produced cannabis oil to give away to sick people has vowed to fight for change after her first court appearance on drug cultivation charges, with her lawyers saying they will take the matter to the District Court.
A WOMAN who produced cannabis oil to give away to sick people has vowed to fight for change after her first court appearance on drug cultivation charges, with her lawyers saying they will take the matter to the District Court.
Jennifer Lee Hallam, 44 was reported for possessing cannabis products and manufacturing a controlled drug after police raided her Hillier home on January 4 this year.
On Thursday, supporters crowded into a courtroom at the Elizabeth Magistrates Court for her first court appearance.
Defence lawyers Heather Stokes and John Mattner said they would argue the case was not in the public interest and that the prosecution could drop the charges at any time.
Outside court, Hallam said she was disappointed the charges had reached this stage.
“We were hoping that they might withdraw the charges but that hasn’t happened yet,” she said, flanked by medicinal cannabis supporters.
“I was hoping it wouldn’t come to this. I will take it to the end as far as we have to.
“The fight has just begun.”
The case was adjourned to a committal hearing in the Adelaide Magistrate Court in July, with Ms Stokes asking that all documentation be provided ahead of time.
“We will be arguing that it is not in the public interest,” Ms Stokes said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if there was some politics or religion involved.”
Ms Stokes said that her personal opinion of the case was that it was a waste of taxpayer money, a view heralded by supporters, several of whom were caring for sick relatives who relied on cannabis oil.
Katrina Spraggon said Hallam’s cannabis oil had given her sick eight-year-old daughter Kaitlyn quality of life she never had before.
“This medication works,” she said. “We need change and we need it now. This woman should be getting Australian of the Year, she is a hero.”