An Italian man who claimed he was cultivating cannabis to treat himself for cancer was sentenced to six months in jail today after pleading guilty to being in possession and growing the plant.

Marco Petti, 37, who lives in Birkirkara, claimed that he cultivated the plant to produce extracts, biscuits and butter. He added that the medical use of marijuana had been recommended by a doctor when he was in America but had no documents to corroborate his claim.

"I know such a thing is illegal, but the most important thing is that I stay alive" he told the court, saying he was healed.

The prosecution asked for an effective prison term, pointing out that the accused had been found in possession of sophisticated equipment worth some €3,000. Furthermore, large quantities were being cultivated and the accused was "expert" in the cultivation of cannabis. 

The court presided by Magistrate Josette Demicoli sent the man to six months in prison and fined him €450.  The court also ordered the director of prison to monitor the state of health of the accused.

Inspector Jonathan Cassar prosecuted.