MS sufferer avoids jail for growing cannabis
A multiple sclerosis sufferer who used cannabis resin from plants he’d grown to ease his symptoms has avoided jail.
Police found plants worth up to £15,000 when they raided Nicolas Campbell’s Bellshill home. He also had £1500 worth of cannabis resin.
Campbell (30), of Crofthead Crescent, appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court this week.
He admitted producing and being concerned in the supply of the Class B drug.
An allegation that he imported cannabis was dropped.
The court heard 26 plants were seized during the raid on his home in October last year.
Campaigners have long pressed for the law to be changed to allow cannabis to be used for medicinal purposes.
Only last week the UK Government announced plans to make the drug available on the NHS.
Defence agent Diarmid Bruce produced letters of reference on behalf of his client as well as written confirmation that he suffers from MS.
Mr Bruce told the court: “Primarily he was using the drug to assist in alleviating the difficulties he has. It’s a particularly topical issue given the recent change in the law regarding the medicinal use of cannabis.
“However, it’s accepted he should not have gone about it in this way and that he is guilty of criminal conduct.”
The solicitor stressed Campbell was not profiting from selling cannabis, adding: “Friends and family members would ask if they could have some and he would provide it for them. He wasn’t making money from it. He has no record and no outstanding cases. He has a good job, but has now jeopardised his liberty. It’s had a devastating effect on his family.”
Mr Bruce said that, despite his condition, Campbell would be fit to do unpaid community work and suggested this could be offered as an alternative to jail.
Sheriff Thomas Millar told Campbell: “I’m sure you now know how serious the court regards cases where people participate in drugs activity.”
The sheriff said he was prepared to impose a noncustodial sentence and ordered Campbell to carry out 240 hours of unpaid work within 12 months.