Albany man fined for growing 18 cannabis plants to ‘eat’, helping with weight loss

An Albany man has been fined for growing 18 cannabis plants which he claimed to be using for weight loss. Clinton Ray Chester appeared in Albany Magistrates Court last Thursday, pleading guilty to cultivating a prohibited drug, possessing a prohibited drug, and having an inadequate storage facility for firearms. Police prosecutor Sgt Dave Loverock told the court Albany police executed a search warrant at his Yakamia property on the morning of January 21. “The accused declared that there were 18 cannabis plants growing in the backyard along the rear fence,” Sgt Loverock said. Chester told police the plants were for his personal use, claiming it “helped him lose weight”. A small amount of cannabis was also found in a freezer, Sgt Loverock said. Police officers also searched a shipping container on the property, where they found an unloaded rifle which was not stored in an approved firearm cabinet. Chester told police he had shot a fox earlier that morning. In court, Chester said he had been advised by his doctor to “eat the plant with dinner” as a weight-loss plan. “It’s only weed, hey,” he said. “It’s not hurting anyone”. Magistrate Dianne Scaddan said it was still illegal to possess, use, cultivate or supply cannabis in WA. She said Chester had a “cavalier attitude” towards illicit substances and firearms regulations. “It’s an illegal substance, so by all means choose to do it, but you’re on the police radar,” she said. “Roll the dice, Mr Chester.” Ms Scaddan fined him a total of $1500.