A member of the West Coast search and rescue team has been jailed for two months for cultivating cannabis.

Allan Chy Doherty, dairy farmer from Maimai, west of Reefton, was found to be cultivating four healthy cannabis plants in a concealed room in a wood shed when police visited the farm.

The room was lined, had fans circulating air, grow lamps and timing switches.

Three recently harvested stems lay on the floor and a small amount of cannabis was found in Doherty's house.

Lawyer Richard Bodle said yesterday the cannabis was all for Doherty's personal use and this offence could not be compared to a previous charge of cultivation for supply for which Doherty got 32 months' jail.

Doherty did not use alcohol but smoked cannabis to relieve stress. He was otherwise a solid member of the community being involved with the Reefton Rodeo and West Coast SAR.

Judge Kellar said it was disappointing that Doherty had not learned anything from his long stint in jail.

"This is your third conviction for cultivation and second for possession. You have had the benefit of drug counselling yet still offend. I am compelled to send you to jail."

The judge declined leave to apply for home detention.

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