Pubdate: Sat, 07 May 2005 Source: Waikato Times (New Zealand) Copyright: 2005 Independent Newspapers Limited Contact: http://www.waikatotimes.co.nz/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/486 Author: Simon O'rourke Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) STUDENTS RIDE HIGH ON HEMP BOARD Hamilton-based Green MP Nandor Tanczos tried introducing a private members bill last year to make growing hemp crops legal. It failed, but sparked enough interest for officials to allow trial crops, aimed at industrial and commercial use of the product. Waikato University science students then set about creating a fibreglass alternative. Post-graduate student Gareth Becker mann was involved in a project, aimed at creating a hemp skateboard. To produce fibreglass, the raw product must be heated to a temperature of 1500 The skateboard's design and production was completed by four other science students, including Jonathan Saunders. Their work was recognised by the Institute of Professional Engineers of New Zealand and won first prize at an awards ceremony. The product has "better shape memory" meaning when it is compressed it naturally returns to its original shape. Mr Tanczos said hemp had massive potential in the construction industry, as well as in sports. It was recyclable and did not contain toxic properties. But as for smoking it, said Mr Beckermann "you'd get more of a high out of smoking banana leaves..." - --- MAP posted-by: Beth