Pubdate: Wed, 15 Dec 1999
Source: Press, The (New Zealand)
Copyright: 1999 The Christchurch Press Company Ltd.
Contact:  Private Bag 4722, Christchurch, New Zealand
Fax: 364-8238
Website: http://www.press.co.nz/
Author: WARREN BRYSON

HEMP GROWING

Sir-What a pity T. Eldon (December 15) does not understand the potentially
devastating impact genetic engineering may cause to plant and other life.

Scientists are able to create substantially altered plants, but they are
unable to predict the long-term impact this alteration of genes may cause,
unless they are God, able to control and predict the future.

Science may be able to create a cannabis-hemp plant with 0 per cent THC by
inserting genes from humans, toads, or slugs. However, no-one knows if that
will cause the plant to be susceptible to mould, weaken the fibre, or make
hempseed sterile. We cannot afford, and do not need, to take a gamble with
these risks present.

Hemp should be grown according to fibre, or hempseed quality, not by some
irrelevant issue of percentage of THC. As demonstrated in the United Kingdom
since 1996, hemp growing is unrelated to marijuana use. Cultivation,
harvesting, and type of species grown for hemp use is completely different.

WARREN BRYSON
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