PAUL Marino Schwartz, 58, of Hawkins Lane, told Orange Local Court yesterday he self-medicated with cannabis to ease the pain associated with chronic illnesses.
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Schwartz, a disabled pensioner, represented himself in court.
He struggled to the microphone on a walking stick to give evidence.
Medical evidence presented to the court outlined the health issues Schwartz faced, stating he had an intolerance to opiods or anti-inflamatory medication, which could give him relief from chronic pain associated with a range of health issues.
“I also have a hernia,” he told the magistrate, Terry Lucas.
Schwartz was charged with driving a vehicle with an illicit drug (cannabis) present in his blood and being in possession of a prohibited drug.
“Why were you in the position of driving after taking cannabis?” Mr Lucas asked Schwartz.
“I have a couple of cones because I cannot have paracetamol, codeine or morphine,” he replied.
Police pulled Schwartz over for a roadside breath test in Allenby Road, just before 5pm on September 11.
He returned a negative reading to the alcohol test, but positive to the drug test.
Mr Lucas said he had obligations under the law to impose a disqualification.
“This drug is illegal and until they make it legal you can’t do it,” Mr Lucas said.
On the charge of driving with cannabis in his system, Mr Lucas fined Schwartz $200. He was also disqualified from driving for three months.
On the charge of possessing cannabis, Mr Lucas fined Schwartz $100.
“I can only give you 28 days to pay your fines, but if you have difficulty, talk to the court staff and they will help you make arrangements to pay it off,” Mr Lucas said.
Schwartz was supported in court by his wife.
