Diabetic Paul Mander learned how to grow cannabis by watching videos on YouTube – in an effort to ease his chronic pain.

The 53-year-old bought the equipment he needed on eBay and grew six cannabis plants at his home in Meir.

Magistrates at North Staffordshire Justice Centre heard Mander suffered from health problems including diabetic neuropathy – a degradation of the nerve endings in his feet and legs which leaves him in constant pain.

Prosecutor Maggie Meakin said police searched Mander’s home on May 24.

She said: “He immediately told police he was growing cannabis.

“In one bedroom they found six mature cannabis plants. The floor was covered in plastic sheeting, the window was covered in plastic. They also found extraction units and two 600 watt lighting units. Irrigation and hydroponics were set up, and were controlled by a timer.”

READ THE FULL STORY via Meir diabetic learned how to grow cannabis from YouTube | Stoke Sentinel