Lance Lawrence, 70, will be going head to head with incumbent senators Malarndirri McCarthy (Labor) and local vet Sam McMahon (Country Liberal).

An NT resident since the mid 60s, he wants to see the end to the war on drugs.

"The unintended consequences of prohibition on Aboriginals in Arnhem Land is causing mass malnutrition because at $100 plus a gram there is no money left for food."

If elected he would see to it, people could freely grow up to six plants for personal use.

"If you look at what is happening overseas, in places like Portugal, you can see decriminalising drugs works," he said.

A community advocate, a qualified interpreter for Indigenous languages and passionate environmental activist, Mr Lawrence wants to see fracking banned across the board, as well as the green-light to grow hemp in the Katherine region.

In addition to its long list of uses - aside from getting high - hemp can be used to make paper, plastic, fabric and is used for a range of health benefits.

"It is a multi-billion dollar industry," Mr Lawrence said, "with numerous applications."

"I would certainly support growing it here in Katherine. It doesn't use chemicals and water like cotton and it actually improves the soil."

Following four and a half years working at the small grocery store and health clinic in Numbulwar, Mr Lawrence is pushing for an agricultural reform.

"Self sufficient agriculture is the only way I can see improving Aboriginal health and closing the gap," he said.

"We need to refocus CDP type programs to teach people how to grow home gardens. We need to see food grown on a small scale, on the land to make big changes to diets."

The candidate, who has stood in every election bar one for the past 38 years, would also put an end to the basics card and return the Darwin Port to Australian ownership.

Katherine's early polling station for the Federal Election will open from May 6.

The Australian Electoral Commission has chosen the vacant building at 16 Second Street, the former Big Ass Grill, next to Rod and Rifle, for early polling.

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