‘I DIDN’T SMOKE WEED BUT USE CANNABIS BUTTER FOR THE PAIN IN MY KNEES’
Dad-of-four given year-long road ban for being over the ‘drug-driving’ limit
DAD-OF-FOUR Kevin Jones was caught driving his van while over the limit for cannabis.
Police pulled over the 36-yearold’s vehicle in Chell Heath after receiving a tip off that he may be under the influence of drugs.
He tested positive for cannabis but denied smoking it, telling police he used the illegal substance to make ‘cannabis butter’ to help with knee pain.
Magistrates heard Jones also said he may have inhaled some while visiting a friend who smoked a joint.
Prosecutor Sue Hayers said: “Police officers received some information that there was potentially someone driving a vehicle that may be affected by substances. They were given Mr Jones’s name and vehicle registration.
“At 3.50pm they saw the vehicle on Sutton Place. It was stationary at first but then drove off. Police illuminated their blue lights and the vehicle properly stopped. The defendant tested positive for cannabis.”
Jones, of Bentley Road, Chell Heath, was arrested and taken to custody. He gave a blood sample which was analysed and revealed he was over the legal limit.
Ms Hayers said: “Mr Jones was interviewed. He said he suffers from bad knees and buys cannabis to make cannabis butter at home for medicinal purposes, he rubs it on his knees.
“He denied smoking cannabis and said he did not realise it was illegal to possess it. He said he had been at a friend’s house beforehand and his friend was smoking cannabis, so he could have inhaled that.”
Jones pleaded guilty to driving a motor vehicle with a proportion of a controlled drug over the specified limit. The offence took place on October 1. His last conviction was 16 years ago.
Mark Harrison, mitigating, said: “Mr Jones did not think the cannabis would enter his system in the way it has. He suffered a knee fracture during the time of Covid and has been in some pain. He recently set up a gardening business and he had two employees.
“He was the only driver so this is going to have a devastating impact on his finances.”
Magistrates at North Staffordshire Justice Centre fined Jones £120 and disqualified him from driving for 12 months. He must also pay £169 in court costs and charges.