Southern Downs man blames crippling anxiety for growing metre-high cannabis plant

A police raid at the man’s home uncovered the metre-high plant growing in his backyard.

Southern Downs man blames crippling anxiety for growing his own cannabis plant. Picture: iStock

A Southern Down man blamed his crippling anxiety for growing his own marijuana plant in his backyard.

Aaron James Wotton fronted Warwick Magistrates Court on May 6 for drug and firearm charges.

Police prosecutor Steve de Lissa said at 10.45am on March 18 police found a metre-high cannabis plant weighing 89g.

“Police also found a metal pipe and a clipseal bag with 2g of cannabis in Wotton’s Mount Colliery home,” Sergeant de Lissa said.

Defence lawyer Philip Crook said his client used the drug to ease anxiety, a sleep disorder and severe muscle pain.

“He has made inquiries with his GP about medicinal marijuana to relieve pain and anxiety,” Mr Crook said.

Magistrate Julian Noud urged Wotton to engage in lawful ways to treat his ailments.

“It’s not my position to give life advice, but one learns to live with these things and doesn’t resort to drugs to resolve issues,” Mr Noud said.

Police also found a unsecured shotgun and a 22 calibre rifle during the raid.

“The defendant said he forgot to put them back in the safe before going to work,” Sergeant de Lissa said.

Mr Crook told the court his client used the licensed firearms to scare off cockatoos on his property.

Wotton pleaded guilty to producing and possessing dangerous drugs, failing to secure weapons and possessing utensils.

He was fined $650 and no conviction was recorded.