The main factors influencing sentence levels in cannabis production cases are: (1) size, sophistication and profit potential of the plantation; (2) whether production is for commercial gain or own use; (3) planning, professionalism and degree of criminality; (4) whether the offender is a principal, profit-sharer, paid worker or peripheral helper; (5) period of engagement in the enterprise; (6) prior convictions, especially for similar offences; and (7) standard mitigating factors. Sentences of 18 months to 2 years' imprisonment are within range for co-principals in a planned commercial bush-camp operation involving over 500 seedlings, even where the operation is small-scale and unsophisticated.
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