Marijuana ‘therapy’ is pricy | Fraser Coast News | Local News in Fraser Coast

GROWING marijuana for therapeutic use has cost a Tiaro disability pensioner $2500 in fines.

Shane Raymond Eldridge pleaded guilty in the Maryborough Magistrates Court to four drug charges.

Police searched his Mayne Street home on October 23 and found four 50-60cm cannabis plants growing in pots, a small amount of dried cannabis, a heat lamp and transformer, cannabis seeds and a bong.

Eldridge admitted to growing the plants from seed and using the drug to help him stay calm and to sleep.

The court heard Eldridge had experienced a home invasion several years before and had suffered mental health issues. Defence solicitor Tamara Kurle said Eldridge had sought advice from his doctor since being caught with the drugs.

Magistrate John Smith warned Eldridge another production offence could leave him in jail.

Mr Smith fined him $1500 for producing the drug, $400 for possessing the drug, $450 for possessing the lamp and transformer and $150 for possessing the bong.