Melissa Ann McGennisken, 34, was sentenced to 14 months in jail on Wednesday for supplying a drug of dependence to a child, possessing cannabis and using cannabis.

She pleaded guilty to the charges.

Horsham Magistrate’s Court heard that police searched McGennisken’s home on July 27, where they found 19.9 grams of cannabis.

Police also found numerous new and used clear bags that contained cannabis residue, along with digital scales.

McGennisken’s phone was also searched and police found a text message that they believed related to someone wanting to buy cannabis from her.

In a police interview following her arrest, McGennisken admitted to smoking about a quarter of a gram of cannabis each day.

She also admitted to supplying the drug to three children, aged between 15 and 17 years old. 

Police prosecutor Senior Constable Michelle Wentworth said McGennisken told police she would prepare the cannabis for the teenagers and also regularly smoke it herself in front of them. She said McGennisken believed it was better for the teenagers to smoke it at her house, rather than somewhere else.

McGennisken also told police she did not sell the drug.

McGennisken’s defence solicitor said McGennisken had been open with police about her behaviour.

“It is serious offending and she doesn’t shy away from that,” she said. “Her motivation was to provide a safe environment for drug use – like when parents let their underage children drink alcohol at home, it’s not legal but it’s common in our society.”

Magistrate Mark Stratmann said drug use by young people in the region was a huge problem.

“It affects every limb of this community and children are getting themselves into a state where they are so affected by cannabis, they lose control of what they are doing. 

“It is an illegal substance and you have played on the vulnerability of the young people you deal with.”

Mr Stratmann said Wimmera communities were trying to stamp out drug use among teenagers.

“However, there have been young people in your home that have been allowed to participate in this conduct,” he said.

He sentenced her to 14 months in prison, with a non-parole period of eight months. 

She was also convicted and fined $750.