Douglas Scott Johnson, 49, was charged with cultivating a prohibited plant after police searched his property in February, where they found nine two-metre high plants.

According to facts tendered to Cootamundra Local Court, Johnson made full admissions to police about the plants which had been grown from seedlings. 

Police say the plants’ estimated value was $18,000.

His lawyer Rod Kennedy said Johnson was on a disability pension and aimed to start a Men’s Shed in the village.

Mr Kennedy said the nine cannabis plants were for Johnson’s personal use arising from a motor vehicle accident in 1990.

Magistrate Michael O’Brien said other countries had legalised cannabis, the law had not changed in Australia.

“We are still under the regime where it is illegal,” Magistrate O’Brien said.