'Mystery plant' grown by pensioner finally identified...as cannabis

A woman who sent a photograph of a "mystery plant" to a local radio station finds she is actually growing cannabis in her garden

When a green-fingered pensioner spotted a new species of plant growing in her carefully-cultivated garden, she naturally called on her local radio station for help identifying it.

But instead of receiving advice on how to get rid of a troublesome weed, Patricia Hewitson discovered she had actually been growing a five-foot-tall cannabis plant.

Mrs Hewitson, who sent a photograph of the plant to BBC Radio Devon's gardening programme, said she had received some "interesting" emails after asking for help.

Local police have assured her she will not be prosecuted, after cultivating the healthy plant in good faith.

It is believed the cannabis plant grew from a seed which fell from the bird feeder hanging above the flowerbed.

Mrs Hewitson, from Exmouth, has now been advised to cut the plant up, take it to a police station or discard it safely on her compost heap.

She told the BBC: " "I sent a picture in via email and I got a couple of interesting emails back, including one from the police.

"They said they wouldn't prosecute me as I'd done it in good faith.

"We've been told we have to cut it up and either compost it, take it to the police station or take it up to the local recycling centre."

Police confirmed it is illegal to grow cannabis without a licence, but said they would not pursue the matter any further because of the "mitigating circumstances".

After receiving the photograph, BBC Radio Devon's "The Potting Shed" programme posted it on its Facebook page asking fans: "Any idea what it is?"

They were immediately contacted by helpful members of the public pointing out its true identity.

Mrs Hewitson confirmed the "mystery plant" has now been cut down, adding: "Thanks one and all. I work on 'laughter is the best medicine'."

Sgt Ryan Canning, from Devon and Cornwall Police, told the BBC: "If you come into possession of an illegal drug such as cannabis, you must either destroy it or take it to a police officer.

"The lady has committed an offence although there are mitigating circumstances so we would not look to take it further although we would take it away."

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/11112235/Mystery-plant-grown-by-pensioner-finally-identified...as-cannabis.html 21/09/2014