M&S worker Marcin Duszynski pleaded guilty to growing more than £12,000 worth of cannabis at his rented home.
The 21-year-old, of Woodborough Road, St Ann's, works full-time at Marks and Spencer in the packing section, earning £250 a week.
Nottingham Crown Court heard he had 72 cannabis plants growing at his then home in Cedar Road, Hyson Green, which he shared with two housemates. The plants were hidden in the padlocked loft and basement. The crop was reported to police by his letting agent, the court heard.
Recorder Shaun Smith gave Duszynski a two-year prison sentence, suspended for two years, and ordered him to do 240 hours' unpaid work and pay a £100 victim surcharge. He said: "I treat you as a man of good character. I have decided to give you an opportunity not to get into trouble again and repay your debt to the community."