Nats can't tell difference between jeans and a joint - Nandor

Green MP Nandor Tanczos today flatly rejected comments by National MP Phil Heatley that hemp growing was a cover for cannabis law reform.

"If Phil Heatley can't tell the difference between a joint and a pair of jeans what on earth is he doing in parliament?" asked Nandor

"The frustrating thing is that Mr Heatley is deliberately misrepresenting the evidence presented to the select committee. He is being quite dishonest."

Nandor said the evaluation of the trials showed that the regulations worked very well, that the police were happy with grower compliance, that any problems were quickly sorted out and that New Zealand should proceed with the next year of trials.

"He is right that we heard that cross-pollination was possible between hemp and marijuana, but that it only went one way. Wide spread hemp growing may pollinate, and reduce the potency of, illegal cannabis crops, but marijuana growers only grow female plants so there is no risk of pollinating the hemp.

"The really sad thing is that for the sake of a few cheap political points Phil Heatley is creating obstacles for the farmers who simply want the same opportunities as their competitors," said

"We are now one of the few countries in the world where farmers are forbidden to grow hemp. There is widespread interest in this country's potential, including support for trials from Federated Farmers. Phil Heatley is in a world of his own on this one."

© Scoop Media