Simon King, 54, started cultivating 63 plants worth tens of thousands of pounds after he began falling behind on his rent at the property in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Notts.
The grow was uncovered when his landlord and two bailiffs attended the workshop in Forest Road on December 1 last year.
Police were called to the address where cannabis plants worth £53,000 were found along with growing equipment, including lights and fans.
The grow was dismantled and later that day officers stopped a car and arrested King in connection with the grow.
He was charged with production of cannabis which he pleaded guilty to at Nottingham Crown Court on Wednesday (3/1).
King, of HMP Nottingham, also admitted breaching a suspended sentence order and was jailed for two years and 10 months.
Detective Sergeant Clint Gloyn, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Drug offences have a detrimental impact on the community and have the potential to have severe consequences.
“I hope the outcome of this case serves as a reminder to the public that we treat crimes of his nature very seriously.
“The production and distribution of drugs have a negative impact on people’s lives and can often be linked to other serious offences.
“That’s why we remain as committed as ever to taking illegal drugs off our streets and bringing drug offenders like King to justice.”
