Michimaru Obara (photo, left), 48, is suspected of growing approximately 5.3 pounds of marijuana, according to a police official who declined to be named, citing policy.

The official says the monk is also suspected of selling at least 1.7 ounces of the drug to an office worker near Tokyo, reports The Associated Press.

Obara was arrested last month for drug possession, after police found marijuana at his home. He admitted growing the plant for personal use, but denies selling his stash.

Convicted drug users in Japan face up to life in prison.