A court yesterday rejected a claim by an Italian man that he was cultivating cannabis to treat himself for cancer, sentencing him to six months in prison.

Marco Petti, 37, who lives in Birkirkara, told the court he was fully aware the practice he was accused of was against the law but insisted he had no other option because he wanted to remain alive.

Such type of treatment, he argued, was the only successful remedy against his tumour, adding that all other alternatives, including chemotherapy, had failed. However, the prosecution, conducted by Police Inspector Jonathan Cassar, insisted the accused, whom he described as a “cannabis expert”, was found in possession of sophisticated equipment worth about €3,000. This indicated that large quantities of the forbidden substance were being processed.

Mr Petti insisted that the medical use of marijuana had been recommended to him by a doctor when he visited the United States. However, he could not produce any medical documents in this regard.

Magistrate Josette Demicoli was informed that he produced cannabis extracts as well as biscuits and butter, which he consumed on a regular basis.

Asked whether he would be pleading guilty, the accused said he was, adding: “I know such a thing is illegal but the most important thing is that I am stay alive.”

The prosecution demanded an effective prison term, pointing out that the quantities of cannabis involved were substantial.

Apart from the prison term, Mr Petti was also fined €450 and the director of prison was instructed to monitor his state of health.

Lawyer Martin Fenech was legal aid.