Rep. Thielen pushes hemp

A Maui conference espouses the
non-psychoactive plant for
industrial use

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Star-Bulletin staff

Long a supporter of industrial hemp production in Hawaii, state Rep. Cynthia Thielen (R-Kailua) will be a keynote speaker next month at the Hemp Industries Association Annual Convention at the Maui Lu Resort.

David West, a seed geneticist with the Hawaii Industrial Hemp Research Project, also will speak.

Hawaii is among 12 states that have passed legislation supporting research or deregulation of industrial hemp. Of those states, only Hawaii and North Dakota have planted test plots. Thielen co-authored Hawaii's industrial hemp research law.

"Hawaii is leading the nation with its industrial hemp research project," said Theilen.

"Hawaii can become the hemp seed breeding capitol for the USA, particularly since five crops per year can be grown in our latitude. This means economic development for our islands."

Association members will be meeting in Maui to organize opposition to proposed Drug Enforcement Agency regulations that would further restrict the market for industrial hemp.

The convention's keynote addresses take place at the Auntie Aloha Longhouse at Maui Lu Resort in Kihei Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. Cost is $5. Call 707-887-7508.