Pubdate: Sat, 28 Apr 2001
Source: Nelson Mail, The (New Zealand)
Copyright: 2001 Independent Newspapers Limited
Contact: http://www.stuff.co.nz/inl/indexLite/1,2487,0a9,FF.html
Website: http://www.stuff.co.nz/inl/index/0,1008,0a1540,FF.html
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1069
Author: Kirsten Newman
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/hemp.htm (Hemp)

HEMP DECISION WELCOMED

Nelson industrial hemp advocates are jubilant over the Government's 
decision to give the go-ahead to trials of the controversial crop.

Health Minister Annette King on Friday announced that cultivation of trial 
plots could commence under strict guidelines, following a decision by the 
New South Wales state government to allow similar trials.

Industrial hemp is a variety of cannabis with a minute level of THC, the 
psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. The trial plots will be carefully 
monitored.

Green Party co-leader Rod Donald said he was pleased that the Government 
had finally given the trials the green light, and applauded several Motueka 
advocates who had helped the cause "immensely".

Mr Donald said a 1999 report by Motueka Employment and Small Business 
Centre manager Brian Coulter and Motueka horticulturalists Peter Smale and 
Steve Burnett had helped by dispelling many fallacies over hemp's relation 
to cannabis.

"I hope Motueka gets something out of this.

"It's in the hands now of people like Steve Burnett, who is keen to apply 
for a licence," he said.

Mr Donald said there were potential markets in the Nelson area for end 
products such as flooring, chipboard and insulation, but also big 
opportunities for cottage industries to spring up.

Hemp fibres can be used to make paper, cloth and board, and the seeds can 
be made into oil or flour.

"The top of the South is well placed in terms of expertise, interest, good 
soil, rainfall and climate," Mr Donald said.

Mr Smale said he planned to make another application to conduct an 
industrial hemp trial.

However, he said it was important for any trials to have a coordinated 
approach, in order to make progress.

"There is no use having a trial here and a trial there; you just won't get 
anywhere."

He said trials should be set up in four different areas so soil types, 
growing conditions and varieties could be accurately compared.

Manufacturing end products was an issue to be considered, because the cost 
of freight would "kill" any progress made.

A factory in Nelson would be the desirable option, but factories were 
expensive to set up, and any decision would depend on crop volumes, he said.

Mr Burnett is also keen to conduct trials.

Licences will be issued for one year, with the trials running for two 
growing seasons.

After that, the crops will be evaluated and a working group of 
representatives from such groups as the police, the Ministry of Health and 
Customs will consider whether any restrictions are needed.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager