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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: Jail for man who grew cannabis as medicine
Rugby Advertiser
Thursday 26 Aug 2004 A RUGBY man who repeatedly grew cannabis for medical reasons has been jailed for nine months. Colin Lindley 38 of Siddaway House, Millers Dale, denied three charges of cultivating cannabis. But in the trial last month, Lindley, who had defended himself after sacking his barrister, was found guilty of all three charges and the case was then adjourned for reports to be prepared on his medical condition. At the resumed hearing Samantha Crabb, defending said: 'This was a man who was plainly extremely ill. Whatever the rights and wrongs, he held a genuine belief that the taking of cannabis in its pure form was of benefit to him. She said Lindley a former drug addict and alcohol abuser, was suffering from liver disease and Hepatitis C, and the only prescription drug on offer to him was Interferon Which is described as a 'high-risk option'. Miss Crabb suggested Lindley's medical condition could amount to an exceptional circumstance which would allow any prison sentence to be suspended. During the trial the court heard that in October 2002 the police raided Lindsey's flat and found 50 cannabis plants growing in a kitchen cupboard with the aid of five large lamps and other equipment. A further 30, of varying sizes, were found in a hall cupboard, and they also found nutrients, materials for the propagation of plants and a unsmoked joint. When he was interviewed Lindley said: 'I started growing it when I decided I needed be self-sufficient for my medical needs He was charged and granted bail, and when the police raided his flat again in February last year and recovered 55 plants, he admitted he was growing cannabis 'for medical use'. QUESTIONED When he was questioned Lindley said he had a Liver condition and was suffering from hepatitis C, and made a tea from the cannabis leaves if he had enough, or smoked them. When the police raided his home for a third time in June last year they found 100 plants, and Lindley said: 'I use it for medicine. It keeps me alive. He told the jury, 'I am ill it is my own fault because I was a drug-user. No-one else is responsible for my condition, but I am very ill. He said the only conventional treatment he could be given for his hepatitis was interferon, but because of his liver damage it could be dangerous to him. He discovered that the Canadian government has accepted that cannabis does benefit hepatitis C sufferers, so he began to grow his own. Sentencing Lindley at the resumed hearing, judge Marten Coates told him 'I accept that in the past you were a serious drug addict and you have put that behind you. 'I accept that because of that, you are now unwell. I accept your evidence that you are suffering from a liver disease brought on by your use of controlled drugs and from hepatitis C. But the jury had rejected your defence of medical necessity. 'Had you not re-offended after the police raided your premises in October 2002, it may be that much of what was said on your behalf may have allowed me to take an exceptional course. 'But to return to your producing habit four months after your arrest, and then to do it again in June last year shows an utter contempt for the law. See Comment on page 2 The Editor's Viewpoint Let's punish the criminals & not a man who's already paying the price WHILE I do not condone the use of hard drugs, it did sadden me to read the plight of Colin Lindley (page 7) who uses cannabis as a means of pain relief. I think his nine month jail sentence for cultivating is inappropriate and too severe. I fail to see how putting him behind bars is the way forward and a suitable way of 'punishing' someone who is clearly ill and in pain. Lindley - who has openly admitted his former drug and alcohol habit is the reason behind his liver disease - needs medical help and support, not a custodial sentence. New UK laws covering cannabis means although it remains illegal, it has been reclassified from a class 'B' to a class 'C' drug with people more likely to get a caution than big fines or imprisonment. Lindley was offered a prescription drug described as a 'high-risk option' ¬ wanting to cause himself more problems he chose to 'self medicate'. The judge says the reason he was jailed was because he repeatedly continued to grow the drug. BEING HUMAN If I was suffering and could grow my own 'Medicine' without there being any repercussions to anyone around me, I have to say I would. Lindley caused his own health problems by being human, having a natural pull toward the unknown and dabbling and being trapped by drugs. He is not a heroin or crack addict, stealing from people to fund his habit. He is someone how has learnt the hard way and is now paying the price - both with his health and freedom. I find drunken yobs causing mayhem in Rugby town centre on a Saturday night much more of a threat to society than someone who is partial to a puff on a 'funny fag' &. And alcohol is legal! Lets punish the real criminals in this world not an ill man who has been caught smoking slightly illegal, hash behind closed doors.
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