HEMP TALKS A 'POSITIVE' STEP

WELLINGTON -- The home-grown hemp industry is hailing a Government decision
that may lead to legalising the local growing of the plant to make such
things as shoes, clothes, and paper.

Customs Minister Phillida Bunkle this week approved the New Zealand Customs
Service setting up a working party to resolve differing opinions on
industrial hemp.

Hemp Industries' Association chairman Mac McIntosh said setting up the
working party was a major development towards growing the plant in New
Zealand.

"After three years of negativity and obstructiveness (from the Government)
what a delight to get a positive response," Mr McIntosh said.

Hemp products are already made and sold in New Zealand, but raw materials
must be imported.

The Green Party has been pushing for a trial crop of hemp. Hemp plants are a
variety of those used for growing cannabis but have a much lower
concentration of tetrahydracannabinol, the drug that gives a high. Hemp
producers use only the woody part of the plant.

The Hemp Industry Association applied to the Health Ministry three years ago
to grow a trial crop. That decision went to the National Drug Intelligence
Agency, an advisory group made up of representatives of the police, the
Health Ministry, and customs.

Concerns were expressed so last year the Government postponed setting up a
working party, infuriating industrial promoters.

The working party has not been settled, but it is likely to include
representatives from the police, Federated Farmers, the Hemp Industries'
Association, scientists, and the Health and Commerce Ministries.

Green Party co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons said approving the local
production of hemp would give cannabis growers an economic alternative to
breaking the law.