Catshill man claims cannabis is needed to ease back pain - The Bromsgrove Standard

Catshill man claims cannabis is needed to ease back pain

Bromsgrove Editorial 5th Nov, 2014 Updated: 17th Oct, 2016   0

A CATSHILL man has admitted to growing more than £3,000 worth of cannabis to ease his chronic back pain.

Gregory Taft, of Stourbridge Road, pleaded guilty at Redditch Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (November 4) to producing 361grammes of the class B drug.

The court heard on September 9 police searched the 67-year-old’s home where he handed over a key to a building which he used to grown four female plants.

He admitted to officers it was for personal use because of back problems which he had suffered from for over 30 years, and he used the plant in drinks and food to alleviate his pain.




Gill Casey, prosecuting, said he would often buy about an ounce a week until his own plants were ready.

She added at the time of the search he was also on bail for the production of £21,000 worth of cannabis which he had also admitted to.


Darryl Foster, defending, said Taft did not enjoy taking the drug but he was already on the highest painkiller which a doctor could prescribe and was still in pain.

“He wouldn’t be able to function on a day-to-day basis if he didn’t have it.

“He appreciates it is something he shouldn’t be doing but had to because of his back.”

He added he was due to see a consultant at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Birmingham who he hoped would be able to improve his condition.

He was released on unconditional bail to appear at Worcester Crown Court on December 5 where the case will be dealt with along with the other charge.

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