'Cannabis an alcohol substitute' claims Mayo man in court
Solicitor explained Castlebar man John Maughan (48) had difficulties with alcohol and found cannabis helps him live a better life
A Man who was found in possession of cannabis told a court he smokes the drug as a substitute for alcohol.
John Maughan (48) of Moneen Campsite, Moneen, Castlebar, pleaded guilty to the possession of €46.40 worth of cannabis, which was found at his residence on July 19, 2023. The court heard that the campsite was searched by gardaí following information received and Mr Maughan admitted ownership of 2.23g of cannabis found.
Mr Maughan has five previous convictions but none are drug related. His solicitor Gary Mulchrone explained that his client had difficulties with alcohol and no longer drinks. However, he said, he started to take cannabis and feels it helps him life a better life than alcohol.
Mr Mulchrone accepted this decision was ill-advised, as cannabis is illegal and it has put him on the garda radar for drug use. He described Mr Maughan’s cannabis use as ‘irregular’.
The judge fined Mr Maughan €500.