Amnesty chance to tap dope growers

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Marijuana growers who have been doing it undercover for years are being asked to come forward during a Government amnesty, to share their skills, seeds and knowledge for the medical cannabis industry.

It will allow illicit growers to share their expertise without fear of prosecution.

The Government’s medicinal cannabis bill was taken to its second reading in Parliament yesterday by Minister of Health David Clark.

The final reading is expected during the week of December 10.

Ruatoria-based Hikurangi Cannabis Company has started a roadshow of meetings with cannabis growers to develop agreements that will pay royalties to breeders who contribute strains that realise commercial value.

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Hikurangi operations manager Panapa Ehau said they were working in the Tairawhiti region through their own relationships to connect and identify those who had genetics and expertise.

“But we also encourage people in that space to get hold of us confidentially, so a meeting face-to- face can be organised, to see if there is an opportunity for them and how we can protect them.”

The date of the amnesty has not been announced by Government yet but Mr Ehau expects it will be a short window of opportunity when it is announced.

“The amnesty included in the new medicinal cannabis legislation is big news and very exciting for the industry, but it will mean foreign companies and research organisations will be trying to lock up rights to commercialise New Zealand cannabis genetics.”

Mr Ehau said they have developed legal arrangements for New Zealand cannabis breeders to ensure their rights and interests are protected.

“There are plenty of growers in New Zealand, most with recently- imported strains — but we are interested in connecting with the older breeders who have decades of experience.”

“As the people’s cannabis company, we want to make sure breeders who contribute genetics into the legal industry get ongoing benefit from the knowledge, skills and expertise they have applied to plant breeding.”

Hikurangi research staff include plant scientists and a number of longtime cannabis breeders who have developed a breeding programme.