Pubdate: Mon, 31 May 1999
Source: Associated Press
Copyright: 1999 Associated Press

SWISS HEMP GROWER SENT TO JAIL

MARTIGNY, Switzerland (AP)   A Swiss court sentenced a hemp grower on
Monday to 16 months in prison for producing tons of the dried plant
and selling it stuffed in cushions.

Bernard Rappaz, who was found guilty of offenses under federal
narcotics law, was also ordered to pay about $20,000 in fines and
court costs. Hemp and marijuana are both derived from the cannabis
plant.

Rappaz was convicted of producing 8.5 tons of dried hemp, and selling
some of the plants in the form of cushions, which were advertised as
having therapeutic qualities.

The court ordered the destruction of the hemp, seized in 1996. Three
other defendants were acquitted.

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