ADVOCATE SAYS FARMERS SHOULD TRY HEMP CROPS

STETTLER - A marijuana advocate thinks hemp could become a cash crop for
local farmers and a source of cheap energy. And he's pushing for the
creation of a hemp growers and processors co-op in Stettler.

Max Cornelssen, who was raised on a farm outside Stettler but now lives near
Sherwood Park, was in town earlier April 3 to pitch his idea.

Speaking to about 75 people during two gatherings at the Stettler Community
Hall, he said the fast-growing hemp is an ideal material for methanol
production.

Interviewed later by phone, Cornelssen said 10 tons (9,070 kg) of hemp
biomass could be grown on an acre of land, which in turn would produce 1,000
U.S. gallons (3,800 litres) of methanol.

This could be used to generate electricity, he said, and with further
processing in a fractional distillery the vegetative matter could yield
products like gasoline, diesel and kerosene.

Cornelssen said other spinoff products like fertilizer and fabric could also
be utilized. He pointed out that an acre of hemp will produce 800 pounds
(369 kg) of fibre.

"It's the Wayne Gretzky of the plant world."

Hemp is also highly resistant to pests, he added, eliminating the need for
herbicides and pesticides.

"It's basically a weed," he said, noting once it's established in a field
the plant will reseed itself.

Cornelssen said eight people at the Stettler meetings expressed interest in
a hemp co-op. Among these was Doug Chitwood of Bashaw.

"It's interesting," said Chitwood.

However, he acknowledged he is concerned about the legalities of hemp
production.

Federal laws restrict the levels of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, in hemp.

The seed Cornelssen plans to provide producers would produce plants at or
above the legal limit.

He explained this is necessary for the hemp to be resistant to insects.

"If you can develop a strong plant without the potency, then you might have
something," said Chitwood.

He added he's intrigued about the possibility of using hemp to produce a
biodegradable tarp with which to cover silage.

"There'd be a market for that, I'll tell you."

Cornelssen plans to hold additional meetings in Stettler and other area
communities to attract producers.

"We're aiming for 200 by the end of this summer," he said, expressing
optimism the first local hemp crops could be planted this June.

"By the third year we should have enough seed to grow a commercial amount."

Meanwhile, said Cornelssen, work could begin on a "biomass conversion
facility" where methanol would be produced. He said that system could be as
simple as mixing hemp biomass with municipal sewage in a covered trench.

Cornelssen believes a local processing plant could produce enough methanol
to generate the electricity needed by Stettler, with a surplus available for
sale onto the provincial power grid.

As for legal prohibitions against the production of non-approved hemp, he
doesn't think law enforcement officers will challenge farmers' right to grow
a natural plant.

"I believe they're not going to notice what we're doing."

And if they do, he said, he's prepared to launch a constitutional challenge
against any charges.

The Advocate called the federal Crown prosecutors' office in Red Deer and
was referred to the Department of Justice in Edmonton. Messages left there
Tuesday afternoon were not returned.