The former athlete allegedly made marijuana ointment. The court sentenced him to 20 years and took the family home – TVNOVINY.sk

Tough punishment for the former European speedboat champion. The judge from Trnava sent Josef Šipoš behind bars for 20 years and his family house was forfeited in favor of the state. He cultivated marijuana for several years and made medicinal ointment from it. He overwhelmed his parents with a severe punishment and hoped to live to see his alleviation.

A man for 18 kilograms of dried marijuana for 182,000 euros lost not only his freedom, but also a family house in Dolné Zelenice near Hlohovec, which was given to him by his parents. He face up to 25 years in prison.

“Mr. Šipoš’s case is clear evidence that the Slovak legislation allows for the imposition of disproportionate cruel punishments on marijuana offenders,” said the convict’s lawyer.

Josef grew marijuana near Váh for two years. He studied the recipe on the Internet and produced ointment illegally. He allegedly gave it to his family and acquaintances to relieve back and joint pain. Cancer patients were also interested. He was supposed to give it away for free.

The family is crushed after the verdict. They are also bothered by the house they have built with their own hands. They did not expect such a harsh punishment.

The judgment is not final. The defendant appealed and the Regional Court will have the final say. Minister Kolíková proposes a reduction in penalties for marijuana in an amendment to the Criminal Code. He says that this is by no means a matter of decriminalization, but of distinguishing between users and dealers.

Find out more from Roman Ruttkay’s report.