AN EMPLOYEE of a local health care company who took to making his own illegal pharmaceuticals at home has narrowly avoided a stint behind bars.

Laurence Robert Wagner pleaded guilty in the Warwick Magistrates Court this week to producing and possessing dangerous drugs and possessing utensils.

Police searched Wagner's Gore St residence on January 19, where they uncovered 11 marijuana seedlings, 298g of the drug and 72 seeds.

A set of metal scales, coffee grinder, glass pipe and water pipe used in connection with the drug were also found during the search.

Defence solicitor Ian Stacey told the court his client used the drug to help him sleep because he didn't want to overuse prescription medication.

Mr Stacey conceded his client's criminal history was not good but suggested a fine be an appropriate punishment.

Police prosecutor Senior Constable Steve de Lissa suggested a suspended sentence was more appropriate, given the man's history of similar offending.

Wagner's brother Ian David Wagner also appeared in court on the same day for similar drug offences.

Police searched Ian Wagner's Tannymorel home following the search on his brother's home earlier that day.

The court heard nine marijuana plants of around 30-45cm were located at the back of the property and 66g of the drug was found in the study and other areas of the residence.

Mr Stacey told the court the 53-year-old disability pensioner suffers from joint pain which leaves him unable to sleep.

He added that Ian Wagner would occasionally smoke a joint to help him sleep.

Laurence Wagner was sentenced to four months jail, wholly suspended for nine months.

Ian Wagner pleaded guilty to producing and possessing dangerous drugs and was fined $700.

Police uncovered a stash of marijuana at the two properties, including:

364g of marijuana

11 seedlings

72 seeds

Nine plants