A mother and son are in court for running “Scrannabis,” a cannabis-infused edibles business from their Warrington home.
Police raided their house with a warrant and found cannabis during the raid. They also found evidence of cannabis-infused treats, specifically brownies and sweets.
Flaherty, now 23, delivered orders locally himself. He used couriers for nationwide deliveries and his mom used her baking skills to help him. A court heard this information.
Judge Charlotte Crangle sentenced them, noting that Flaherty sold the goods online. Halford is a 54-year-old mother of five.
The judge noted they didn’t know their buyers, who could potentially be children or individuals with health issues. She emphasized their lack of control over drug access and the unsafe storage conditions.
The judge also stated that the treats looked like normal sweets, easily consumable by children, potentially causing harm.
The business was quite successful for two years and was advertised on the internet, promoted across several social media platforms.
Paul Blasbery prosecuted the case, stating that police raided their home on Grasmere Avenue in 2022 following reports of a cannabis edibles business called “Scrannabis.”
They sold cannabis oil-infused items online. Flaherty delivered some orders while using a delivery service for others, with his home address as the return address.
They sold brownies, ‘Minions’ sweets, and vape oils. Only Halford was home during the raid and police found several items in the kitchen, including a cannabis jar, containers of sweets, vape liquid, ‘Nerds,’ and ‘Minions.’ Brownies were wrapped in foil as well.
Police found 61 grams of cannabis dust containing THC, liquid THC, and 71 grams of cannabis in a jar, in early extraction stage.
Blasbery said they strained the jar’s contents and heated it to extract the oil. This oil was then put in syringes, worth approximately £500.
Police arrested Flaherty at work. He claimed he was slowing down the business as he wanted to focus on his career.
Police seized his phone and laptop. Messages showed baking edibles with his mom and someone else buying cannabis for them. They also found five extreme porn videos showing bestiality and harmful acts.
His laptop contained information about a bank account. It had £12,000 deposited in one month. There was also an eBay account for selling, named “Georgie’s Sweets,” where he ordered packaging. He advertised on Snapchat where items cost between £15 and £20.
Flaherty stated he made small amounts of edibles, saying it “started as a fun thing.” He planned to stop after Christmas.
He started with Rice Crispies treats, but people requested cakes and sweets. He sold small brownie pieces for £10, delivering them locally by car and using Evri and Hermes for other areas.
Flaherty had no prior convictions. He admitted to producing cannabis between 2021 and 2022. He also admitted being concerned in supplying it and possessed criminal property: £7,500. He confessed to three extreme pornography offenses.
Halford has four prior convictions, including drug possession. She admitted to the two drug counts.
Jeremy Rawson defended Flaherty, stating he was only 19 at the time and immature. He bought cannabis to make oil for products; organizing sales, deliveries, and returns.
Rawson characterized it as a “cottage industry” started by someone else, then run by Flaherty, with his mother assisting him. Rawson further said that the offences were three years prior, that his client feels remorseful, is employed, and has strong references.
Jim Smith defended Halford, explaining she was homeless at age 14 because of her home. Psychological issues factored into her actions and conditions created a “perfect storm,” leading her to agree to join and use her baking skills.
Halford has anxiety and depression, taking medication for it. She works hard and has had stressful jobs, currently working in a shop. “She deeply regrets her role supporting her son, and it impacted her,” Smith said.
Judge Crangle sentenced Flaherty to two years, suspended for 18 months. He must do 300 hours of unpaid work, and 20 rehabilitation days.
His mom got six months in prison, suspended for 12 months. She will do 100 hours of unpaid work and ten rehab days.