A drug conviction has cost a 47-year-old Canberra man his home, after a court ordered it be sold under proceeds of crime legislation.

Gregory William King pleaded guilty to trafficking cannabis after police found 8.6 kilograms of the drug stashed in several places around his home during a search in late 2015.

The drug was found in a black garbage bag under a computer desk, in shopping bags in a laundry cupboard, and three vacuum-sealed bags in a rice cooker box in a walk-in wardrobe.

Police also found scales and clip seal bags, along with equipment for growing cannabis in a walled off room in the garage.

King originally pleaded not guilty but changed the plea a week before his trial.

He told a pre-sentence report author he did plan to sell some of the cannabis, and that he had exchanged some for cocaine.

In sentencing Justice David Mossop noted King had a string of similar offences on his record but had never had to serve a custodial sentence.

"It indicates that custodial sentences, short of full-time imprisonment, have been ineffective in deterring him from the commission of further offences relating to cannabis," Justice Mossop said.

He sentenced King to 18 months' jail but suspended the sentence after nine months.

King will also serve a 30-month good behaviour order.

Justice Mossop also ordered the Public Trustee sell King's house, which has been forfeited under proceeds of crime legislation.