Cultivation of cannabis in a commercial quantity under s 72A of the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981 (Vic) ordinarily requires a custodial sentence, even where no commercial purpose is proven. A fine of $4,000 for 147 plants was manifestly inadequate. Under s 109(3A) of the Sentencing Act 1991 (Vic), a fine for this offence may only be imposed in addition to imprisonment, not as an alternative.
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