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.