Pain relief bid goes to pot

AN ILLEGAL 400-plant crop on Cape York prompted a spontaneous discourse by a Cairns judge about the role of cannabis in medicine.

Judge Dean Morzone’s comments in Cairns District Court came as he sentenced Mark David Hopkins, 55, over his 413-plant crop in Rossville this week.

Hopkins grew the crop for pain relief – an explanation seized on by Judge Morzone.

“Cannabis remains an illegal drug for people to grow and use other than for prescribed medical purposes,” he said.

“It is taking some time for society to catch up.

“You have found yourself taking a substance as a way to relieve pain – the reality is that it remains a crime.

“Your medical have now become problems.”

The court heard Hopkins, a gardener of about 20 years, chose to grow the drug when he was diagnosed with back pain.

“Due to his medical condition problems criminal it would be open to conclude it was for his personal use,” crown prosecutor Gelma Meoli said.

Hopkins pleaded guilty to possessing and producing a dangerous drug and possessing property suspected of being used in the drug’s production.

His crop included lighting, transformers, a water pump and a timer.

Josh Trevino, defending, told the court his client had suffered back pain “for a significant period of time.”

He said Hopkins had been diagnosed with “significant degradation to his lumbar spine” and issues with anxiety.

“He grew his own crop to allay the cost of cannabis,” Mr Trevino said.

Judge Morzone fined Hopkins $2000, to be paid in 12 months.

“This is a wake-up call; I suspect this is your last chance before a judge considers imprisonment,” he said.

Judge Morzone’s comments touched on central issues facing numerous defendants on drug charges progressing through the Cairns courts.

Assuming access is granted to medicinal cannabis, the cost is often prohibitive unless it is accessed through the Compassionate Access Scheme – offered only to children with severe epilepsy.

A national trial of medicinal cannabis has expanded to include PTSD sufferers.

Cannabis Access Clinics, backed by medicinal cannabis company Bod Australia, hopes to treat 300 PTSD patients who have not been helped by traditional therapies.

Dr Sharron Davis, who has treated ex-military patients, said medicinal cannabis had been effective in reducing anxiety and flashbacks.