NEW LAWS CLEAR WAY TO WA FIELDS OF HEMP

NEW laws introduced in the Legislative Assembly yesterday will clear the
way for people in WA to grow and process industrial hemp.

But strict licensing and controls will prevent flourishing fields of hemp
being used as a cover for illegal cannabis crops, according to Agriculture
minister Kim Chance.

The long-awaited legislation allows for the development of a commercial
hemp industry in WA. Hemp is now allowed to be grown only on trial plots
under strict rules.

The legislation will let farmers cultivate commercial crops of industrial
hemp, which contains less than 0.35 per cent of tetrahydrocannabinol and
has no effect as a drug.

People will be able to grow hemp only when licensed, which will involve a
series of tests and police checks.

Growing industrial hemp without a licence will carry a $10,000
penalty. Breaching licence conditions can attract a $5000 fine and the
possible loss of licence. Penalties under the Misuse of Drugs Act could
also apply.

Police and specially appointed inspectors will be able to enter and inspect
properties, examine seed, plants or crops and remove them for testing.

Mr Chance said substantial market opportunities existed for industrial hemp
and WA farmers wanted the chance to become involved.

It was estimated the United States market for natural, fibre and plastic
composites would exceed $1.4 billion a year by 2005. Other uses included
biodegradable plastics, fibreboards, non-woven geotextiles for use in soil
stabilisation, reseeding and erosion control and woven textils which could
be blended with other natural materials such as cotton and wool.

The chief executive of Malaga-based hemp importer Hemp Resources, Kim
Hough, welcomed the legislation, which he has spent several years seeking.

He said it would let his company get hemp seed oil and fabric from local
producers.

Mr Hough's company produces hemp-based cosmetics and clothing.

"Then we will export the value-added products. It's something sensational
for WA," he said.

The Liberal and National parties were supportive of the legislation. The
hemp trials were started under the previous coalition government, which was
drafting legislation for the industry when it lost power.