A mamba user's ordeal in the grip of the drug was outlined in graphic detail to magistrates.
They were told that tent dweller Richard Elliott was caught in a city centre operation to combat the problem on February 15.
A body search revealed that he had £25 worth of the drug. Only two days later, he was caught with a small spliff, said Daniel Pietryka, prosecuting.
Rory Macmillan, mitigating, said that Elliott became homeless and began taking the drug after being made redundant at a gas cylinder factory in Colwick. Work dried up and he lost his job on a "last in first out" basis.
"He was not entitled to social housing and ended up on the streets. He started using mamba and living in a tent for a long time between the canal and the court.
"He said that mamba is a very difficult drug. He had mood swings and anxiety," said Mr Macmillan.
He pointed out that there is no drug which can be prescribed as a means of easing people away from mamba.
Mr Macmillan told the city court: "He had a full detox. It took five days and he was extremely ill.
"He got through it because he was very determined and has accepted the care of his partner. They have been together for nearly four years."
Mr Macmillan said that Elliott had managed to stop drinking alcohol around Christmas because "that had been an issue for around 20 years."
Fines totalling £130 were imposed on Elliott, 36, of Sneinton Road, Nottingham who admitted having mamba on Goose Gate and later on Wheeler Gate. He must also pay £30 prosecution costs and a government surcharge of £30.
The three magistrates ordered the destruction of the drugs. Court staff set up a plan for the penalty to be deducted from his state benefits.
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