Cork man claimed he was growing cannabis to make tea to help him sleep

A man caught growing cannabis with a potential street value of €2,400 together with over €1,500 in dried cannabis claimed that he was using the material to make cannabis tea to help him sleep.

Liam Lyons who lives at an apartment at Park View, Victoria Road, Cork, made the detection of his cannabis growing relatively easy for An Garda Síochána by setting the plants in the window of his apartment overlooking Blackrock Road.

Shane Collins-Daly solicitor said the defendant did not smoke cannabis and instead used it to make cannabis tea.

Mr Collins-Daly stressed at Cork District Court that while the 47-year-old admitted cultivation of cannabis with a potential value of €2,400 and possession of cannabis herb in the amount of €1,580, there was no question of him supplying it to anyone else – it was all in his possession for his own use, and the state accepted this.

Sergeant John Kelleher said the evidence in the case was that on August 15, 2022 Sergeant Vincent McCarthy carried out a search and seized three cannabis plants with potential street value €2,400, cannabis herb worth €1,580, amphetamine with a street value of €10 and magic mushrooms worth €10.

Mr Collins-Daly said: “It is a somewhat unusual case. Sergeant McCarthy executed a search warrant. He called to the house after observing cannabis plants growing in the window of the property. There were three plants. He was surprised at the value put on them by the prosecution.” Sgt Kelleher said the valuation of €800 for each plant is based on the anticipated street value of a plant at full maturity.

The solicitor said: “He made tea with the cannabis. He said he makes that out of it and that it helps him sleep. He does not tend to smoke it at all.

“He grew up in the countryside and had an interest in growing vegetables.” 

Judge Mary Dorgan said, “He had three plants and significantly over €1,000 worth of it and he expects the court to believe he was drinking tea to go to sleep.” 

Mr Collins-Daly said: “It is unusual.” 

Judge Dorgan added: “I am glad you say that. I find the explanation unusual.” 

Mr Collins-Daly said: “He lives alone, he plays Irish music.” 

Judge Dorgan said: “He should stick to the music now.” 

Mr Collins-Daly said there was a certain naivety about growing cannabis in windows in full view of people passing.

Judge Dorgan said: “I am going to direct a probation report and he is at serious risk.” 

Judge Dorgan adjourned the case until July 24 for sentencing.