Industrial Hemp Association of Tasmania president Phil Reader and Poppy Growers Tasmania chairman Glynn Williams last week addressed an informal meeting of Northern mayors and general managers.
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Mr Reader said that he spoke about the industry and what its members were doing.
``I reinforced the difference between what we're doing and medicinal canabis, which has absolutely nothing to do with the industrial hemp industry,'' he said.
``I mentioned that we're desparately trying to have hemp products approved for human consumption, as they are in many countries, including New Zealand and the UK.
``There were a number of questions asked about that issue and I explained how that would expand the industry.
Mr Reader said that by the time he and Mr Williams had finished their addresses, the meeting had a clear understanding of the differences between industrial hemp and medicinal canabis.
``We'll keep the pressure on, continually talking to the federal politicians, to get a decision made, so we don't have to wait another six months because a decision has been deferred again,'' he said.
``We're in on-going talks with (Lyons Liberal MHR) Eric Hutchinson, particularly and we'll continue to work with the state government and Agrigrowth to make sure they have guidlines to cut red tape within the 90 days (Primary Industries Minister) Jeremy (Rockliff) announced at his press conference over a month ago.
``To be fair, he's been working on it and we have to ensure that it's all positive - I think it is, but so it should be.''
Mr Reader has expressed concern about statements some politicians are making - with one claiming to support industrial hemp for fibre as long as it didn't interfere with the poppy industry.
``Industrial hamp has no impact on the poppy industry as to sugget a connection displays either a political position or ignorance of the facts,'' a frustrated Mr Reader said.
``(This federal politician) also failed to state that he supported industrial hemp for human consumption and that is the issue.''
Mr Williams said that Poppy Growers Tasmania was a very strong supporter of the industrial hemp industry.
``We are absolutely eye to eye with industrial hemp growers who wish to grow their crop, which does not contain drugs,'' he said.
``And we have addressed their concerns in our submission to the Legislative Council inquiry and stand shoulder to shoulder with them to make sure their future is not damaged by the distraction of medicinal cannabis.
``I assume the inquiry will hold hearings and we have asked to be heard at those hearings - we eagerly await the opportunity to address the inquiry.''
