A WOMAN who grew more than 50 cannabis plants at her Inglewood home has avoided conviction.
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The 51-year-old appeared in the Bendigo Magistrates' Court on Friday where she pleaded guilty to possessing, using, and cultivating cannabis.
The court heard police searched the woman's property on January 20 this year and uncovered 53 cannabis plants, along with dried cannabis and seeds.
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During her record of police interview, the woman admitted to growing the cannabis for personal use. She denied trafficking the drug.
Defence lawyer Ellie Hayes-Childs told the court the woman had a spinal injury and other issues so she turned to cannabis as a way to self-medicate.
Ms Hayes-Childs said the woman had now seen a doctor and was receiving medicinal cannabis legally.
The defence lawyer said the 51-year-old was a full-time carer for her son, who had autism and complex needs.
Ms Hayes-Childs submitted that a good behaviour bond was within range for the offending.
Magistrate Russell Kelly reminded the woman that the trafficable quantity of cannabis was 10 plants, while the commercial quantity was 100 plants.
Mr Kelly said while he accepted the woman's circumstances, 53 cannabis plants was a large amount to grow for personal use.
The magistrate said if the woman was caught again cultivating drugs, she would go to jail.
But on this occasion, Mr Kelly handed the woman a 12-month good behaviour bond without conviction. The woman was also ordered to pay $500 to the court fund.
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