T
The420Guy
Guest
REGINA, Saskatchewan – There is no better way to celebrate Canada's hemp weekend than in a hemp field, according to Arthur Hanks, manager of the Saskatchewan Hemp Association.
Of course, the festival may work against the crop, but Hanks said it's all part of the greater good.
"We're going to have a public event in the field, which will hurt our final yield but that's OK, because bio hemp understands that," said Hanks, who adds that part of the organization's mandate is public education.
"We're going to lay out a maze, we're going to have a stage in the middle of the hemp field. It's a real visceral kind of experience – up close and personal with the hemp plants."
"Field" will take place Saturday east of Regina, near Balgonie. Beginning at 2 p.m. and promising to go all night, the all-ages family celebration will feature entertainment, workshops, dancers, food and information.
"Mixing agriculture and culture together is a really good way of reaching out to the general public and lets them know a little bit more about industrial hemp – they can relax and have a burger, eat some food, see some music," said Hanks.
The non-profit organization also works with producers to help them with licensing, regulations and finding markets for their crops.
Hemp is currently being used in everything from health food and cosmetics to fibre markets. Saskatchewan supplies a lot of hemp to out-of-province companies, according to Hanks. He added it could be a key ingredient in the production of ethanol.
But despite the various uses and increasing awareness about the product, Hanks says many people still hold misconceptions.
"We figure this is one way of basically showing people what it's about and just talking to them one on one ... I know talking to some people (they say) they don't want to come to this event because they don't want to hang out with a bunch of marijuana smokers, which I think is just kind of ridiculous.
"Those are the people who should come out to this event but they're not going to come out because they've already made up their minds," said Hanks.
Field was held last year south of Regina on a smaller scale. Hanks said all types of people are interested in the event, including visitors from Alberta and B.C.
Proceeds will go to the SHA, CJTR Community Radio, the Saskatchewan Organic Directorate and the performers.
A similar event is also planned in Barrie, Ontario, on the same weekend.
Advance tickets are available at the SHA office, #1-2210 Albert St., select stores or at the festival. For more information log onto www.saskhemp.com.
Copyright © 2002, The Leader-Post. All rights reserved.
Of course, the festival may work against the crop, but Hanks said it's all part of the greater good.
"We're going to have a public event in the field, which will hurt our final yield but that's OK, because bio hemp understands that," said Hanks, who adds that part of the organization's mandate is public education.
"We're going to lay out a maze, we're going to have a stage in the middle of the hemp field. It's a real visceral kind of experience – up close and personal with the hemp plants."
"Field" will take place Saturday east of Regina, near Balgonie. Beginning at 2 p.m. and promising to go all night, the all-ages family celebration will feature entertainment, workshops, dancers, food and information.
"Mixing agriculture and culture together is a really good way of reaching out to the general public and lets them know a little bit more about industrial hemp – they can relax and have a burger, eat some food, see some music," said Hanks.
The non-profit organization also works with producers to help them with licensing, regulations and finding markets for their crops.
Hemp is currently being used in everything from health food and cosmetics to fibre markets. Saskatchewan supplies a lot of hemp to out-of-province companies, according to Hanks. He added it could be a key ingredient in the production of ethanol.
But despite the various uses and increasing awareness about the product, Hanks says many people still hold misconceptions.
"We figure this is one way of basically showing people what it's about and just talking to them one on one ... I know talking to some people (they say) they don't want to come to this event because they don't want to hang out with a bunch of marijuana smokers, which I think is just kind of ridiculous.
"Those are the people who should come out to this event but they're not going to come out because they've already made up their minds," said Hanks.
Field was held last year south of Regina on a smaller scale. Hanks said all types of people are interested in the event, including visitors from Alberta and B.C.
Proceeds will go to the SHA, CJTR Community Radio, the Saskatchewan Organic Directorate and the performers.
A similar event is also planned in Barrie, Ontario, on the same weekend.
Advance tickets are available at the SHA office, #1-2210 Albert St., select stores or at the festival. For more information log onto www.saskhemp.com.
Copyright © 2002, The Leader-Post. All rights reserved.