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A pensioner arrested for growing cannabis at home has refused to stop, saying the drug keeps him alive.

Tony Bevington, 79, takes CBD and THC extracts from his plants to ease kidney failure symptoms, but was cautioned after neighbours complained.

The former teacher said: “I think I would be dead if it was not for this cannabis, I’m sure of it.

"The whole point of cultivating it myself was so I would not have to deal with dubious drug dealers.

“The evidence of the benefits of medicinal marijuana is growing and I just wish [the police] could exercise some common sense.”

(Image: SWNS)

Tony, of Camborne, Cornwall, was arrested along with two other members of his family but insists the cannabis was for his own private use only.

The widower was diagnosed with stage three kidney failure, which can prove terminal, two years ago.

It is illegal to cultivate cannabis but medical CBD was legalised last year after high-profile cases involving children being denied it to control epilepsy.

(Image: SWNS)

(Image: SWNS)

Campaigners argue it is rarely offered by the NHS and private treatment can cost up to £1,000 a month.

Phil Monk, of We The Undersigned, said: “Us poor folks either suffer, risk our health on the unlicensed cannabis market or grow our own cannabis for our own needs.

"Where is the harm in this?”

Devon & Cornwall Police said: “Legalisation... is a matter for the Government. Three people remain under investigation for drug-related offences.”