Gold Coast cannabis grower faces the Southport District Court on two charges

A former international musician has faced court for growing cannabis and possessing two how-to books on growing the drug.

A former international musician has been slapped with a $1200 fine for growing cannabis in his backyard and possessing two how-to books on growing the drug.

The books, titled The Cannabis Grow Bible and Marijuana Garden Saver, had been purchased online.

Christopher Boyanton, 43, pleaded guilty in the Southport District Court on Tuesday to one charge each of producing dangerous drugs and possessing instructions for producing dangerous drugs.

Police found a hydroponics set-up – including pots, LED lights and an extractor – during a search of his Worongary home on August 23 last year.

Christopher Boyanton leaves Southport Courthouse. Picture: Melanie Whiting

They found eight cannabis plants about 50cm high and weighing 178 grams when the roots were removed, the court was told.

Boyanton’s legal counsel said the plants were wilted and not being actively maintained.

Police also found 2.38kgs of cannabis offcuts and stems scattered in containers and jars, 74 grams of dried cannabis in a clipseal bag and the two instruction books.

Boyanton produced cannabis for his own personal use and had been using the drug to self-medicate.

The court was told the 43-year-old once toured internationally as a musician and had a record deal with Sony in the United States, which ended in 2017.

Southport Courthouse. Picture: Jerad Williams

Judge Jodie Wooldridge noted Boyanton had reported suffering symptoms of anxiety and depression, which increased when his career in the US ended.

The court was told he also struggled to earn a living during the Covid pandemic.

Judge Wooldridge urged the musician to seek out legal options to address his health issues.

“As a mature man, you must appreciate that self-medicating through the production, possession or use generally of illicit drugs is not an option that is open to you,” she said.

Boyanton’s legal counsel asked the judge to consider not recording a conviction, as the man had ambitions to continue touring nationally and internationally as a musician.

Judge Wooldridge fined Boyanton $1200.

No conviction was recorded.

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