A woman who had 32 cannabis plants growing in a hidden room at her house says she was using the drug for medicinal purposes.
Lorraine Alyson Hall pleaded guilty to cultivation of cannabis, possession of cannabis and possession of utensils related to the consumption of the drug when she appeared in the Whanganui District Court on Wednesday.
Police found 32 cannabis plants growing in a hidden room when searching Hall's property on March 14.
Sergeant Rachel Willemsen said they also found two knives with burn marks which indicated marijuana consumption.
Lawyer Stephanie Burlace said Hall had been using the cannabis to deal with medical problems.
"There's been a high dosage and huge numbers of pain killer prescribed," she said.
"The side effects and the amount she's on just left her feeling unwell and she's been finding the use of marijuana of assistance."
Judge Philip Crayton said the amount found suggested more than personal use.
"You have medical issues and you self-medicate," he said.
"However what is clear also is that you have a history of cannabis use and cannabis cultivation and other drug use in recent times.
"The scale of the cannabis cultivation could not have been used by you alone no matter how often you were self-medicating.
"I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt."
Hall was convicted and sentenced to 120 hours community work and 12 months supervision.