Hemp could be Western Australia’s next big industry if the Legalise Cannabis Party has its way.
Calling for a $600 million Hemp Innovation Fund, the Legalise Cannabis Party Senate Candidate, Mr Jason Meotti, said WA has the chance to be a global leader in hemp production and processing.
Speaking at the Margaret River Hemp processing factory, Mr Meotti described hemp as a solution to major problems like climate change, waste and housing shortages.
“Hemp is the solution to many of the key challenges we face today,” he said. “It can be used for sustainable building, textiles, bio-plastics and more. Even just planting it helps the environment by locking carbon into the soil.”
Mr Meotti proposed that half of fund, $300 million, come from legal cannabis sales over four years, with the other half matched by the federal government, if he is elected to the Senate.
Furthermore, Mr Meotti criticised existing government spending priorities.
He said, “If the Morrison Government could waste $500 million on an empty quarantine facility in Bullsbrook, and both major parties can spend close to half a trillion on second-hand submarines, then they can definitely find the money to support this initiative- one that creates real jobs, especially in regional WA.”
Gary Rogers, owner of Magaret River Hemp Co. and Hemp Homes Australia, said the plan could finally give WA’s hemp industry the support it finally needs.
“WA has the ideal conditions to grow hemp — from the north in Ord River to Esperance in the south,” Mr Rogers said.
“We just need real investment. With over 50,000 uses, including hempcrete for modular homes, this could help tackle the housing crisis too.”
