22 year old dad of two, Jake Warren, watched YouTube videos to learn how to grow cannabis at his own house.
Cardiff crown court also heard that Warren enrolled onto a digital course in order to learn how to wire up fans, a watering system and heat lamps in order to keep the plants in good health.
After a tip off on January 17th regarding an unusual heat source coming to the attic, police went to Jake Warrens home on Magpie Road, St Athan.
Warren is said to have let the police inside and mentioned having eight cannabis plants for his own use upstairs. In court, it was unveiled these plants were over 3 ft, with an estimated yield value of up to £8,400.
During questioning, Warren’s story changed. He initially told police he was selling the cannabis during this past Christmas. Upon further questioning, it was revealed he had been selling cannabis since summer. He eventually admitted to selling the cannabis to friends and that it wasn’t just for his own personal use.
Warren explained how he believed cannabis was legal to grow in the UK as long as it was no more than nine plants, and only for personal use.
Tracey Lloyd Clarke, the judge proceeding over the case has come out saying that this shows not everything you read on the internet is completely accurate.
Since 1928, Cannabis in the UK has been known as a restricted drug. Increasing popularity during the 60s led to tighter restrictions being implemented in 1971. Cannabis was legalised for medical use in the UK in 2018, however its availability is still limited in the medical world.
Despite the illegal status on cannabis, the UK is the largest exporter for legal cannabis in the world. Compared to the rest of the world, the UK laws on cannabis are extremely strict. In contrast, the American state of California allows cannabis use, both recreationally and medically.
Warrens defendant, Adam Sharp, defended his client by saying his client had no previous criminal convictions and did not present any high-risk signs of re-offending. He also mentioned the reasoning behind Warrens cannabis use was to self medicate his depression.
The 22 year old has admitted to growing the cannabis, adding that he did it to pay his bills and fund his own drug habits.
Sentenced by Judge Lloyd Clarke, Jake Warren now faces 10 months in jail. The destruction of the equipment and drugs found in Warrens home is to be discussed at a future hearing.
