Haylee Jayne Mcgrath, 47, was in the Ashburton District Court for several cannabis-related charges, including distribution, possession of plants and seeds.

The summary of facts said Mcgrath’s large operation” was uncovered in late August.

“The police found a very sophisticated drug operation established,” said judge Brian Callaghan.

He’d seen pictures that showed a wide range of cannabis types were being grown by Mcgrath.

Police found 65 mature plants, as well as seedlings, seeds, processed cannabis and cannabis butter when they entered the holding property.

“These are serious cultivation and drug-dealing charges.”

Lawyer Cory Shaw said Mcgrath hadn’t touched cannabis since she’d been caught.

She had picked up the habit to combat chronic pain, he said, and nothing else had helped.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Trevor Holman said the level of organisation was a concern, pointing to a charge for dealing drugs to young people.

“The police position is that drug dealers should go to jail,” he said.

Callaghan believed Mcgrath’s case was not so simple, however.

He said what had started as seeking medical help had “mushroomed” into an organised operation.

“What’s different about this case is eight years ago, you suffered an injury that left you in chronic pain.

“You’ve been given a whole host of recognised painkillers, but they haven't worked, or have had side effects.

“You started taking cannabis in 2021 to ease your pain, then started supplying it to others.”

Outside of this charge, Mcgrath’s only other conviction was for drink driving a long time ago, making her “almost a first-time offender,” Callaghan said.

“To me, there’s no doubt it’s genuine, there's no doubt you suffer.

“The conventional drugs, I think I have to accept, haven’t worked completely for you, if at all.”

He said Mcgrath’s situation and early guilty plea were factors to consider when delivering a verdict.

“You did plead guilty really early… I suppose you had no other choice really, as the evidence was pretty thorough.

“I’ve decided, for you, I can commute the sentence to home detention.”

Callaghan sentenced Mcgrath to nine months of home detention, a further six months of counselling, and all drug paraphernalia was to be destroyed.