The New Zealand Hemp Industries Association is urging the Government to remove industrial hemp from an outdated, in their opinion, Misuse of Drugs Act from 1975 and the Medicines Act from 1981.
Its Chair Richard Barge discusses the potential of industrial hemp to revolutionise New Zealand's economy and environment.
He emphasises that hemp, which is non-psychoactive, should be treated as a primary product, not a drug.
Barge argues that outdated regulations are stifling growth and innovation, particularly by prohibiting hemp as animal feed.
He also explores hemp's potential in textiles, bioplastics, and construction, urging political support to unlock its full economic and environmental benefits.
Listen to the full chat between Richard Barge and Dominic George above.
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