A FLORIDA man told police that $700,000 worth of marijuana plants found growing on his property were for his own personal use.

Jesse Reese, 50, was arrested yesterday afternoon after the Marion County Sheriff's Air Unit saw the cannabis crop as they flew over his property in McIntosh, Florida, about 160km north-west of Orlando, myFOXorlando.com said.

Agents found and confiscated 696 plants, some of which were as tall as 15 feet (4.6m), and altogether weighed 438.5 pounds (199kg). Officials estimated the crop to have a street value of around $700,000.

Reese said he was responsible for growing the plants, but told officers they were only meant to be used by himself and a few of his close friends.

He is being held in jail in lieu of $50,000 bond after being charged with drug trafficking.

Read more at myFOXorlando.com.

Originally published as This is one heck of a stash for personal use