A WOMAN, who claims to use cannabis (marijuana) for health benefits, has found herself before the court to answer a charge.   Particulars of the offence said Grace Price, who appeared before Magistrate Alex Moore at Sparendaam Court, said on Saturday, November 24, at Ogle Street, Triumph, also on East Coast Demerara, the defendant had four grammes of the narcotic in her possession for the purpose of trafficking.
The 56-year-old defendant pleaded guilty and told the court she suffers from asthma and would, occasionally, boil the illegal herb and make a tea which gives her temporary relief.
She said, on the day in question, she ventured out on the road and bought $300 worth of the illegal substance but, upon her return, a man who was being chased by Police ran into her home.
She said, upon seeing the policemen, she panicked and placed the marijuana in her mouth and it was found on her person.
The magistrate warned Price that, though she may suffer from an ailment, she should see it fit to try an alternative remedy, as marijuana possession is illegal and carries a harsh penalty.
Her better option is to resort to prescription medicine, the magistrate advised the defendant, as he fined her $10,000 with the alternative of six months in prison because she did not waste the court’s time.