Roma chef Timothy Micheal Schafer sentenced for growing cannabis in garden shed

A South West Queensland chef has been sentenced after the rising cost of living led him to grow more than 30 cannabis plants in his garden shed.

Timothy Micheal Schafer appeared in Roma Magistrates Court on June 25, 2024.

Chefs are known for their love of fresh produce, but one Roma cook has landed in court for his garden of secret herbs.

Timothy Micheal Schafer appeared in the Roma Magistrates Court on June 25, after he was busted growing cannabis in his back shed.

Schafer pleaded guilty to one charge of producing dangerous drugs, and one charge of possessing anything used in the production of dangerous drugs, after a police discovered more than 30 marijuana plants in his shed.

Police prosecutor Ellysha Geddes told the court police attended Schafer’s address after a reported disturbance on April 11, 2024.

While at the property, Ms Geddes said police found 12 mature cannabis plants, and 23 juvenile plants.

Schafer’s lawyer, Trevor May, told the court Schafer took to growing his own cannabis after the cost of buying his prescribed medicinal cannabis became too high.

Mr May said with four dependent children to care for and a mortgage to pay, growing cannabis was Schafer’s means to cope with “rising cost of living expenses”.

Mr May said Schafer is a full-time chef in Roma, and said he used cannabis to manage ADHD and anxiety.

Schafer tendered to the court a copy of his e-script for medicinal cannabis. Ms Geddes did not accept the script was for a legitimate medicinal cannabis program.

Magistrate Melanie Ho sentenced the man to a 12-month probation period, with orders in place for him to engage with mental health support, any medical exams the probation officer sees fit, and urine testing.

His conviction was recorded.