A HUSBAND and wife claimed they bought cannabis in bulk because they both used it for different medicinal purposes.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Robert Wood smoked cannabis for pain relief while his wife, Lynne, said she benefited from its calming effects.

The court was told that the couple were habitual drug users and abusers and that he had nine previous drug related convictions and she had 11.

But defence solicitor Jonathan Taylor said they had at last come to the decision to seek alternative, legal treatment for their problems.

Robert, 36, and Lynne, 39, Wood, of Infirmary Street, Blackburn, both pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis.

Lynne Wood also pleaded guilty to possession of amphetamine.

They were each made subject to community supervision for 12 months and ordered to pay £50 costs.

Scott Ainge, prosecuting, said police carried out a drugs search warrant at the couple's home and found four ounces of cannabis and six grammes of amphetamine.

Lynne Wood told officers the amphetamine belonged to her and the cannabis to her and her husband.

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said Robert Wood had started using cannabis for pain relief after he was stabbed in the leg in an unprovoked attack.

"He tends to use cannabis towards the end of the day when the pain in his leg is at its worst," said Mr Taylor.

"He finds that nothing relieves the pain as well as cannabis."

Mrs Wood suffered from depression, anxiety and panic attacks and found cannabis had a calming effect. He said she occasionally used amphetamine to help her cope in certain situations.

"They have indicated to me they are going seek alternative medication which will not bring them back to court," he added.