Pubdate:  Tue, 9 Nov 1999
Source: Vermilion Standard (CN AB)
Copyright: 1999 Vermilion Standard
Contact:  4917-50 Ave. Vermilion, Alberta T9X 1A6
Fax: (780) 853-5203
Author: Bob Mellin

JIM STORCH BRINGING HIS HEMP SNACKS TO TOWN

In the mood for chocolate, roasted seeds or brittle?

If you are there is a new treat about to hit Vermilion just for you.

Jim Storch, first time hemp grower, has developed his own line of hemp snacks.

"This is a fun adventure for me. I wasn't really sure how people would
react to the hemp snacks, but they seem to like them. The first batch went
really quick and that was just to people I knew. I think that they will
sell really well," said Storch.

Storch is hoping that he will have his hemp products in a local store in
time for Christmas.

"We are still talking to a few businesses around town about them carrying
them. I'm sure that they will be out for sale somewhere in Vermilion by
Christmas time. We are also making up gift baskets for sale. It is a
totally unique gift idea to give hemp treats," said Storch.

A number of dates have been confirmed where Storch will be selling the
items. On Nov. 13 and Dec. 12 he will be at Lakeland Mall and on Dec. 4 at
the Shopperama in Mannville.

"I want to be able to get the product out for people. There are three
different kinds of roasted seeds, white and dark chocolate and hemp
brittle. It is truly a unique taste experience," he said.

Following the popularity of this year's crop, Storch is planning to
continue growing hemp next year.

"It is no longer a question of if, now it is how much. It is a risky
venture to take, but it is one that we are enjoying. I am trying to sell
most of the seed bulk in Ontario or Vancouver. But the snacks are becoming
more and more popular," he said.

There is still a number of worries for Storch in his new business venture.

"First we need to find places to sell the product. When that is done I hope
they will sell well. From there we just don't want to get too big too
fast," he said.

There are bonuses to the hemp snack over traditional snacks.

"I don't know the exact numbers, but hemp is very healthy for you. The
taste is in between a sesame seed and a pumpkin seed. It has a truly unique
taste," he said.
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