A 39-year old farmer who has been chewing marijuana for the past year with the aim of curing his rheumatism, has been arrested by the Police in the Eastern Region.

John Gyaba who confessed the possession of the illegal herbal substances to the Police at Asesewa after his arrest at Anyaboni said he bought it at Akateng Market to cure his rheumatism.

The substances were stored in three black polyethylene bags which were then put in a medium travelling bag. He told the Police that he usually hide the substances in his farm and only chew and top it up with water when necessary.

He was picked up by the Police from his home upon tip-off on Tuesday.

The substance was in his room at the time of the arrest.

"I acknowledge possessing and using it. I have rheumatism, so after buying it at the Akateng Market I stored it at my farm and chew in bits after which I drink water. I have been doing it for the past year," Gyaba told the Police.

But the Asesewa Police Commander, Superintendent Stephen Kofi Ahiatafu, has rejected Gyaba's excuse saying "it is not an excuse," he would be processed and put before court for prosecution.

He advised those who might be using such illegal substances under the pretext of curing their ailment to seek medical care as the Police would not hesitate to arrest them.