Michael Allan Randall, 50, faced the Bendigo Magistates Court on Thursday on charges of cultivation, possession and use of marijuana.

Police executed a warrant on the house where Randall was residing on February 7 this year.

They discovered 12 cannabis plants between four and five feet tall, planted in pots and buckets in a shade house on the property.

Police also found a further six plants about five feet tall in a "hot house" on the property, with a total of 18 plants found.

Prosecutor Senior Constable Tony Graham said Randall was present and co-operative during the search.

Randall made full admissions to cultivating the plants.

Randall told police he had begun to cultivate the cannabis plants in September last year, starting with 15 plants.

Senior Constable Grahan said Randall's cultivation "was not part of a sophisticated arrangement" but the plants were found to be in good health.

The court heard Randall was "effectively homeless" and was living at the property to assist with his previously estranged wife.

He told the court the plants were for personal use and were used to assist with his anxiety and depression.

The court heard he had not used cannabis since police executed the warrant on February 7.

Magistrate Richard Wright questioned whether the set up was sophisticated, and said 18 plants at one property would have required skill and commitment to maintain.

Magistrate Wright gave Randall a $750 fine, plus costs, and a recorded conviction.