Rachael Claire Hollis acquitted of drug trafficking over 1.37kg of cannabis she kept to make therapeutic oil

A businesswoman who police found with more than a kilo of marijuana has beaten a trafficking charge after explaining to the jury her reason for possessing the drug.

A businesswoman whose company offers naked sushi and topless entertainment has been acquitted of drug trafficking after a jury found she had 1.37kg of cannabis to make therapeutic oil.

Rachael Claire Hollis, 36, explained to the District Court jury that she had started making cannabis oil for her father when he was in the grips of terminal cancer.

She said the drug had prolonged his life and she offered to make the oil for a family friend.

But when police searched Ms Hollis’s phone on December 5, 2019, after finding cannabis in a rear shed of her Grange property, they found photos in a “hidden” folder of documents linking her to an Athol Park house in the process of being set up to grow marijuana.

Her business card – an important piece of prosecution evidence – was found in both a diary containing handwritten lists of items typically used in drug houses, as well as at the northern suburbs home.

Ms Hollis attempted to plead guilty to possessing the drug but denied she had ever intended to traffic the drug. She was not charged with cultivating cannabis.

Rather, she said she had planned to turn the cannabis into an oil that was to be taken three times a day in an amount the size of a grain of rice.

Police found a syringe containing 26.7g of the oil only metres from where the cannabis was found in a plastic bag,

The 1.37kg of cannabis found in a rear shed on Rachael Hollis’ property. Picture: District Court

26.7g of cannabis oil found in a fridge at the Rachael Hollis’ property. Picture: District Court

In Ms Hollis’s Mercedes, a diary planner with her business card tucked inside had lists of items the jury heard were typically used in the running of a growhouse.

One of the columns was entitled “nutrients” with $450 written next to it.

Mr Hollis denied owning or renting other properties but police found a screenshot of an Athol Park rental property on her phone.

Analysis of location data from the phone after the arrest showed Ms Hollis had visited recently.

Police raided the property and found 24 transformers, 54 globes, 21 light shades and a bud stripper. In a cupboard was another card for her business.

The folder named “Hidden” on the Rachael Hollis’ phone which showed pictures and a video of cannabis. Picture: District Court

Social media photos from Rachael Hollis' company – the business card for which was found at a northern suburbs home she had rented which prosecutors alleged was going to become a growhouse. Picture: Instagram

Ms Hollis was charged with drug trafficking and at trial bore the onus of convincing the jury she had the drug with no intent of selling it.

Giving evidence, Ms Hollis said the decision to make the cannabis oil had started when her father was given three months to live.

“It was devastating. When you’re in that position and your best friend – my dad was my best friend – and I’m so desperate to help him,” she said “You really just do anything that you can.

“He was dying and I was desperate and I just needed to do something to help fix him and it worked.”

Ms Hollis refused to answer questions about the growhouse but said she had purchased the 1.37kg of cannabis for $6300.

Hand written notes in a diary belonging to Rachael Hollis. Picture: District Court

Hand written notes in a diary belonging to Rachael Hollis. Picture: District Court

Adam Richards, for Ms Hollis, addressed his client’s business during his closing submissions.

“Better to say something about it rather than pretend it’s not there because it is,” he said.

“Topless waitressing and that sort of business is common, strippers are common among all members of the community.

“They are legitimate businesses – I know you will not find her guilty of being a drug trafficker because her business is one that some people morally refrain from.”

Ms Hollis was acquitted of drug trafficking but pleaded guilty to possessing the cannabis.

Judge Press convicted Ms Hollis and fined her $720 – noting the cannabis was not for personal use.