As you don't say what sort of 'pot palnts' they were, one can assume that they were not busy lizzies. To have that many plants then there must have been at least the intention to not only cultivate but to supply also. Think who is going to be supplied with this.........
Whilst I take your point regarding sentencing for Paedophiles, it does not detract that your 'friend' appears to be in the business of supplying drugs. Therefore, a drug-dealer. Think of all the lives he ruins in this gross business for easy money.