JOHNSTOWN, NY – AUGUST 19: Cannabis plants grow in the greenhouse at Vireo Health’s medical marijuana cultivation facility, August 19, 2016 in Johnstown, New York. New York state lawmakers voted to legalize marijuana for medical use in 2014 and the law took effect in January 2016. Currently, five organizations are allowed to grow and sell the drug for medical use in the state. New York’s new law only allows people with ‘severe debilitating or life threatening conditions’ to obtain marijuana for medical use. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

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​By Zaya Williams

Another weed grower has come under scrutiny for growing more than the stipulated number of plants and possessing more weed than is allowed.

The man, Vonel Valentine was fined $6000 for possessing 50 grams of cannabis worth $500 and cultivating 39 plants worth $2000.

The substance was found in his Potters home on July 1 when officers were executing a search
warrant.

While doing so they found a green bushy substance in the living room chair. It was shown to him, he was cautioned and asked what it was and he admitted that it was weed.

A further search in the backyard led to the discovery of marijuana plants.
Valentine claimed that he only grows weed to smoke but did not intentionally cultivate so many plants.

He went on to tell the court that the drug relieves stress and is a coping mechanism because he is a single father.

In addition, he said that cultivating the cannabis himself saves him a lot of money.

The defendant was reprimanded and discharged for possession the marijuana and the plants but was fined $6000 for cultivating the plants since it is the heftiest charge.