THIEVES have been stealing industrial hemp in the mistaken belief they have discovered fields of its close relative cannabis.
Police have been investigating widespread thefts of the crop, which is used to produce things like food products, paper, textiles and oil.
The Advertiser understands that suspects have been targeting farms across the county.
Karl Cass, manager of a farm near Betchworth, says he has lost half a tonne of hemp in recent weeks.
"They must think they have struck gold walking across a field thinking that it is all cannabis," he said.
"If you didn't know the difference you would think it was cannabis.
"I think people are either stealing it to mix with their own stuff or they are just selling it."
Industrial hemp looks and smells like cannabis, but has low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol, which means it does not have significant intoxicating effects.
Dorking farmer Hugh Broom said: "There are various theories. One is that they are just stupid, they get home and smoke it and it doesn't really do much for them.
"The other more sinister theory is that they are going to bag it up and sell it, or mix it with the real stuff.
"It is an issue. It is a fantastic crop, it is related to the more potent form of cannabis but it is different, it has no narcotic effects."
Paula Matthews, of Manor Farm, Wotton, says the problem has become more widespread in recent weeks as farmers prepare to harvest their hemp.
"We have had problems with people thinking it is cannabis and stealing it, but it is not going to give them the same high," she said. "They have been going into the crop and having parties in there, thinking it's cool."
Sergeant David Charlesworth of Surrey Police said: "It is a pointless exercise as no high will be experienced by using the hemp plants.
"The only thing you will be experiencing will be a visit to your local police station with an end result of a possible criminal record.
"You could be looking at a theft or criminal damage charge."
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