Mum used cannabis to cope with anxiety and anorexia

A young mum who relied on cannabis to cope with anxiety, depression, and anorexia has been given a conditional discharge and been told to stay out of trouble.Laura Edwards, 29, of Sandy Road, Narborough, admitted possession of 13g of cannabis at her home address when she appeared before Lynn magistrates on Thursday.Katherine Newson, prosecuting, said the drugs were found after police were called to Edwards’ home with reports of concern for the occupant’s welfare following a disturbance.

Edwards had returned home while the officers were present and a search of the premises led to the cannabis being found in the master bedroom.George Sorrell, defending, said Edwards was of previous good character and described as an “exemplary mum” to her two children.He said she only used the drugs when the youngsters were asleep in bed, and she used them to alleviate her depression, anxiety, and anorexia. Mr Sorrell said: “She now realises that illegal drugs are not the way forward.”She has consulted her doctor to get a referral to the charity Change Grow Live to get the help she needs. He suggested a conditional discharge would be the best way to deal with Edwards.Magistrates agreed with him and made Edwards subject to a six-month conditional discharge, they ordered her to pay a £26 victim surcharge and also ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the drugs.They told her that if she stayed out of trouble, she would “hear no more about it”.