Gardening show in potty error

The presenters gave advice on growing cannabis

The presenters of BBC Radio Scotland's Beechgrove Potting Shed have been explaining themselves after giving out advice on the cultivation of cannabis.

A caller on the show on Sunday afternoon had asked for tips on growing a hybrid version of the drug, called Northern Lights.

The programme team spent more than three minutes offering advice.

The show's presenter, Frieda Morrison, thought he was referring to a variety of cabbage, also named Northern Lights.

Busy programme

The programme's expert Jim McColl told the caller, Joe McLoughlin from Perth, which type of compost he should use and explained how to feed and water the plant.

A BBC spokesman said the matter has been put down to an unfortunate misunderstanding.

Ms Morrison said: "We thought the caller had said cabbages. If you look it up on the internet there is a variety called Northern Lights.

"All the way through the interview we thought we were talking about cabbages. Why anyone would want to grow cabbages in a propagator and take cuttings we are not sure yet.

I would have said I was growing cabbages if I knew the fuss it would cause. Joe McLoughlin

"It is a very busy programme and we made an honest mistake."

Mr McLoughlin later e-mailed BBC Scotland to apologise to the show's presenters.

He said: "I'm so sorry. I would have said I was growing cabbages if I knew the fuss it would cause.

"Is answering general gardening questions a crime now? Cannabis is a political issue, yes; but it is also a gardening issue."

Mr McLoughlin added that he used herbal cannabis for pain relief for a spinal injury.

He said:" There is nothing else works quite like it, and it is patently absurd it remains a crime."