IN the eyes of the law, Bradley Sanderson, 49, is a convicted drug producer.

But to the 30 people he made medical tincture – also known as green dragon – for over several years, he is the man who changed their lives.

In a number of references presented to the Southport District Court during a sentencing hearing yesterday, Sanderson was described as an “unsung hero” by dozens of critically ill people he helped by making tincture. Some went on to survive more than 14 years after being diagnosed with cancer as a result, the court heard.

Sanderson was sentenced to 14 months jail, wholly suspended for three years, after Gold Coast police linked him to a cannabis crop of 229 plants in the rainforest at Springbrook in January 2016. He pleaded guilty to producing dangerous drugs.

The Tallebudgera Valley sculptor was linked to the crop by DNA found on a note he left saying he had sprayed the crop for root rot and not to smoke it.

Defence barrister Paul Smart said his client had been involved in a skateboard accident and used the drugs in digestive form for pain and was not aware it was illegal.

Crown prosecutor James Bishop argued the Springbrook crop had a commercial purpose because of the quantity.

However, Judge Catherine Muir found the drugs were not used for a commercial purpose because there was no evidence of financial gain.

Outside court Sanderson the law in Queensland had not yet caught up with the uses of medical marijuana.