Courts / Dublin / Report

Businessman who grew cannabis to treat pain avoids jail

Summary

Noel Tobin, a 46‑year‑old businessman from Dublin, pleaded guilty in December 2016 to cultivating cannabis at his home and to possession of cannabis for sale or supply. He explained that he grew the plant to manage pain after breaking his wrist twice and to avoid dependence on painkillers. Tobin purchased seeds and equipment legally from head shops. At the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Judge Pauline Codd suspended a four‑year prison term, stating she did not condone his behaviour but accepted his reasons for using cannabis. The court noted that no drug‑dealing paraphernalia were found, only nine plants worth €7,200 and two jars of herb worth €4,800. Tobin's prior conviction for drug possession and his charitable work were considered. The sentence was suspended on the condition that he keep the peace and not be charged again with drugs offences.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Businessman who grew cannabis to treat pain avoids jail. Charges or matters: cultivation of cannabis at his home on December 14, 2016. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• December 14, 2016 Incident
• 2020-06-18 Publication

Why: He said this for his own use but said he did share it with some friends and that people knew he was growing it because "word gets around". CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report