Pubdate: Thu, 29 Mar 2001
Source: New Zealand Press Association (New Zealand)
Copyright: 2001 New Zealand Press Association

GREEN BILL ON HEMP DRAWN FROM BALLOT

Wellington, March 29 - A Green Party bill would remove industrial hemp from 
the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Green MP Nandor Tanczos said today legislation he had drafted would make 
clear industrial hemp was not a drug but a useful cash crop which could be 
used to make a range of products -- such as rope, fabric, paper and fibre 
board. The seeds can be pressed for cosmetics, soap and health foods.

Hemp is a variety of cannabis but has low levels (0.3 percent) of THC, the 
psychoactive ingredient in cannabis.

Members' bills are drawn from a ballot to be heard every second Wednesday 
while the House is sitting.
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