HEMP GROUP TO CONTEST SEATS

The northern New South Wales based Help End Marijuana Prohibition group
says it will contest seats in three states at the next federal election.

The National HEMP party will be launched on Sunday during the annual Nimbin
Mardi Grass and Cannabis Law Reform Rally.

Organisers say they will stand candidates in South Australia, Victoria and
New South Wales.

HEMP's National President Michael Balderstone says his group has "high
hopes" for the party's success at the polling booths.

Mr Balderstone says he does not have any political ambitions and will not
be running for parliament as a HEMP candidate.