A Dengie boat skipper grew enough cannabis at his home to ease his aching back for a year, a court heard.
But Recorder Elaine Willers told Dylan Smith: "You are ahead of your time." She explained that cannabis was not yet legal for treating ailments.
Smith, 35, of Bridgewick Road, Dengie admitted producing and possessing cannabis.
He received 180 hours community punishment and £150 court costs.
Stephanie Farrimond, prosecuting, said police went to Smith's home with a warrant to search for drugs on September 21 last year.
Sixteen cannabis plants were growing healthily outside.
In the kitchen were seed trays and plant pots.Officers found two carrier bags, one containing dried cannabis leaves and the other some cannabis resin. Smith told police he hoped to yield 1.5kilos of cannabis - enough for one year for himself.
Nick Ham, mitigating, said Smith suffered back pain which he eased by smoking cannabis.
Since his arrest he had been receiving successful medical treatment for his back.
Published Friday January 16, 2004
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