The Wimmera woman, aged in her 40s, pleaded guilty to cultivating, possessing and using cannabis.

The court heard on January 9, 2008, at 8.15am, police searched a Wimmera property where the woman and a co- defendant lived, but were not home at the time.

Police found cannabis plants and seedlings in various locations outside the home and two grams of cannabis inside the home.

On January 11, 2008, police interviewed the mother where she made full admissions and said she used the cannabis for medicinal purposes.

The mother said she used the cannabis to make lotions and butters for skin conditions such as eczema, asthma and dandruff.

She said her teenage daughters also used the cannabis in lotions and the whole family ate cannabis butter on their toast for breakfast.

Defence solicitor Julia Flack said the mother had no prior convictions.

Ms Flack said the Department of Human Services had removed the children from the mother for a short term but they had now been returned under supervision.

"Her daughter had psoriasis and used the cannabis in the form of a lotion or butter to treat the condition," Ms Flack said. "It was an effective treatment but she now understands the seriousness this is viewed by the court and the community."

Magistrate Andrew Capell said cannabis laws were set by parliament and people had to abide by them.

•The Mail-Times has decided not to name the mother to protect the privacy of the children.