William Peter Peters convicted on producing and possessing cannabis

A Tablelands man who produced large quantities of cannabis for what he said was his own pain relief was sentenced in Cairns District Court on Wednesday.

A Tablelands man who was found with more than 13kg of cannabis material he said was for his own use left the Cairns District Court with a fine.

William Peter Peters, 57, pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis greater than 500g and producing cannabis greater than 500g.

Crown prosecutor Lauren Hall told the court police executed a search warrant on his Wondecla property last April and found more than 10kg in cannabis plants and 3.37kg of dry cannabis in a “semi-sophisticated set up” with a makeshift drying room.

Wondecla man William Peter Peters was convicted for producing and possessing cannabis, which he said he used to treat chronic pain. Picture: Supplied

She said Peters was fined for producing cannabis in 2005.

Mr Peters represented himself and Judge Deborah Richards asked him several questions, saying that trying to get information from him was “like extracting teeth”.

Mr Peters said he suffered chronic pain in his lower back, ankles, knees and other joints and the cannabis was for his own use as he found it more effective for pain relief than prescription medication.

Judge Richards asked if he had gone to a doctor to get a prescription for medical marijuana and Mr Peters responded that his doctor would not provide it.

Medical products made from cannabis are available on prescription. Picture: Supplied

Judge Richards suggested he go to another doctor.

“It won’t give you the high, but apparently it is quite good for pain relief,” Judge Richards said.

“You are going to have to find another way of pain relief and have a serious talk to someone about medical marijuana.

“If you get caught again, you are looking at jail.”

Taking into account there was no suggestion Mr Peters was selling cannabis and the significant amount of time since his last conviction, Judge Richards fined him $3000.

Originally published as William Peter Peters convicted on producing and possessing cannabis