Next time it's jail, cannabis grower warned
By LYN HUMPHREYS - Taranaki Daily News
A judge was left unimpressed with a "green card" which stated Franz Riordan had an exemption to grow cannabis because of his severe arthritis.
Riordan, 33, pleaded guilty to cultivation and possession of cannabis when he appeared in the New Plymouth District Court yesterday.
Police found Riordan's housebus set up with lights, fans and equipment to grow cannabis. In total, 262 grams of cannabis was found in various conditions and sizes.
Riordan's defence counsel, Julian Hannam, handed Judge Allan Roberts a photocopy of the green card which stated under "section 8", Riordan was entitled to be prescribed cannabis for his medical condition.
In some American states, such cards can be issued by doctors to people, allowing marijuana to be prescribed legally.
Mr Hannam conceded that Riordan had been misled by the card which would never be relevant in New Zealand because no medical professional had the ability to prescribe cannabis.
However, Riordan was sincere in that his medical condition was the reason that he grew and used cannabis. There was no suggestion that there was a commercial aspect, Mr Hannam said.
The arthritic condition would eventual put Riordan in a wheelchair, Mr Hannam said. His client accepted that he must in future use more traditional treatment methods.
Judge Roberts said he accepted that Riordan's medical condition was a real and debilitating one but the green card was worth nothing.
Riordan had cannabis convictions in 1995, 1999 and 2008, and the judge said this would be the last time Riordan would get less than a prison sentence.
"I won't be influenced again by your condition."
Riordan received a nine-month supervision sentence during which he is to undergo treatment for drugs and alcohol.
"This is your final warning. Next time it's jail," the judge said.