The case of Cedar-area resident Julie Ann Highfield presented some noteworthy arguments for a light sentence.

Highfield, 51, had pleaded guilty to maintaining a drug house, a high court misdemeanor punishable by up to two years in prison. However, she is now registered as a medical marijuana user, has no criminal record, and was extremely contrite at her sentencing hearing Monday.

“I made a huge mistake. I let my frustration of not being able to find a (medical marijuana provider) get to me,” she said. “It’s just totally out of my character for me to do anything outside the law.”

Her attorney, Gerald F. Chefalo, said Highfield was an artist and “handiperson.”

“She is one of the best fisherman I’ve eve met, and I learned a lot from her about ice fishing this winter,” he said to Circuit Court Judge Thomas G. Power.

Chefalo had earlier stated that Highfield lacked health insurance. “She can’t afford the regular treatment, the drugs are too expensive,” he said.

But Power had a different take on Highfield’s life, and her use of medical marijuana for glaucoma. Highfield was busted by the Traverse Narcotics Team with 24 marijuana plants that were from seven to 10 feet in height at her home. Two other plants three feet in height were growing in her garden. At the time Highfield had applied for but not been granted a medical marijuana user card by the Michigan Department of Community Health.

“You are not as successful as you could become,” said Power. “You could be a lot more productive in your life ... it’s because you’re smoking dope every day.”

Power said he went online and called a local pharmacy to learn about the treatment of glaucoma patients, who endure pain from increased pressure in their eyes. He said a drug is available for about $80 that will provide steady relief over three or so months.

The medical marijuana treatment, however, only lasts a few hours. “That means you have to do it three to four times per day, which means you are always intoxicated,” said Power.

Highfield’s sentence would require her to use the more conventional medication for her glaucoma. She was sentenced to serve one month in jail, and placed on probation for one year during which she would not be allowed to smoke marijuana for any use.

Her sentence included a restricted driver’s license, and fines and costs totaling $1,178.

Highfield was originally charged with delivery or manufacture of marijuana, a felony punishable by up to four years in jail. The charge was reduced through an agreement reached with the county Prosecutor’s office.