INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — A 42-year-old found with 14 marijuana plants told deputies he used the plants for “self-medication,” authorities said.
The man – identified as Christopher John Field – told deputies he could no longer afford his insurance, reports show. Field also said he was a veteran of Somalia and a purple-heart recipient.
Deputies arrested Field, of the 1100 block of 16th Avenue Southwest, on a charge of cultivation of marijuana. Field was released Thursday from the Indian River County Jail on $1,000 bond.
Indian River County sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of a man, later identified as Field, growing cannabis about 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at his home. Upon arrival, deputies immediately smelled the odor of marijuana.
Field initially denied growing cannabis, but then admitted to deputies he had 14 marijuana plants growing in the master bedroom, reports show. Inside the bedroom, deputies found a black heatshield tent, lights and a ventilation system used to help develop the plants.
Deputies found the 14 plants, some of which were in the bloom stage, reports show.
Deputies arrested Field and took him to the county jail. Field has an arraignment at 8:30 a.m. Oct. 31, court records show.