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.