New Zealand, green ? : industrial hemp in New Zealand : an annotated bibliography 1882-2004

Abstract

The hemp industry in New Zealand is in its second infancy. Although the plant, also known as marijuana or cannabis, was made illegal in 1927, the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research grew it experimentally in the 1930's and 1940's. Recently, interest has grown in the plant, with legal harvesting once again beginning in 2003. Hemp in New Zealand dates from the nation's origins and it has served a variety of purposes since its first planting. Despite the controversy surrounding hemp, it is expected to play an important role in New Zealand's agricultural landscape because it has great potential. This annotated bibliography provides access to information about the growing and industrial applications ofNew Zealand hemp from 1882 to 2004. Medical and ' recreational ' uses ofthe plant will not be included. Hemp is defined as a high yield commercial fibre plant of the cannabis sativa species, with a low (0.3%) percentage of the psychoactive ingredient: THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). It is as complete as possible within the scope specified. Coverage includes print, Internet sites and television footage.