Cannabis couple freed

A chronically ill middle-aged couple who smoked cannabis grown in their greenhouse were conditionally discharged by Bristol magistrates yesterday.

Keith Fordham, 51, and his wife Ruth, 49, took the drug to combat pain. Both are on a daily dose of pills. Mr Fordham has a crumbling spine, emphysema and asthma. His wife has had cancer and has chronic arthritis.

The bench ordered the couple, from Craydon Road, Stockwood, Bristol, to each pay pounds 22 prosecution costs after conditionally discharging them for a year on their admission of cultivating the illegal plants.

The British Medical Association at present has a working party investigating the therapeutic aspects of cannabis. It is expected to report next year.