caught with more than an ounce of cannabis which he claimed he used for medicinal purposes.

Businessman Michael Brent Glass of Jericho Bronx, New York, arrived in Bermuda on an American Airlines flight at 8.15 p.m. on Sunday. He was caught after sniffer dogs found the drugs in his luggage.

Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner jailed the vacationer, who said the cannabis was for medicinal purposes to help his digestion and relieve stress.

After the initial hearing, lawyer Renee Foggo failed in an attempt to have Glass -- who has no prior convictions -- released on bail pending an appeal hearing.

Glass was led away by Police to begin his sentence. His wife was in tears outside the court and was too upset to speak to reporters.

Crown counsel Cindy Clarke said Customs officers had been alerted to Glass' bag by sniffer dogs before it was placed on a collection belt in the terminal.

Glass picked up the bag and took it with several others to the Customs hall to be cleared. Officers stopped him and under questioning, Glass said he had some prescription drugs for his diabetes but nothing else.

During a search, officers found several containers of plant material, as well as cigarette papers and a pipe.

There was a total of 36.1 grams of cannabis and 0.56 grams of cannabis resin.

Glass was then arrested and made a full admission to importing the cannabis.

He said he was not a dealer, but it was for his personal use and "he was not hurting anyone''.

In court he pleaded guilty to two charges of importing cannabis and one of possession of drug equipment.

In his defence, Glass said: "I am very sorry that I broke any laws. I was using cannabis for medical purposes, as I suffer from diabetes and pancreatitis (a stomach disorder).

"I find the cannabis helps in aiding digestion, relieves stress and helps me to sleep.'' Mr. Warner also told Glass that if he had been caught with that amount of drugs he had whilst on the Island, rather than at the Airport, he would have probably been charged with the more serious charge of possession with intent to supply.

"The courts must treat everybody the same,'' said Mr. Warner. "What aggravates the situation is that you were given the opportunity when Customs officers asked if you had any controlled substances to admit possession. Glass was sentenced to six months on each charge of importing cannabis, to run concurrently and fined $300 for possession of drug equipment.