Industrial Hemp: The Future of a Biomaterial

Industries worldwide are grappling with the need to reduce their carbon footprint, minimize waste, and transition away from resource-intensive practices. Amidst all this pressing demand, a renewable resource in the form of a plant is (re)-emerging from decades of misunderstanding: Industrial hemp.

This powerhouse of a plant is poised to revolutionize the building materials industry. Industrial hemp promises not just environmental benefits, but also significant economic opportunities. Let's dive into the world of industrial hemp.

What is Hemp? 

Hemp is a variety of the Cannabis sativa L. species. While it does share a botanical lineage with marijuana, it is crucial to understand that industrial hemp has a different chemical composition that makes it wholly non-psychoactive. Industrial hemp contains negligible levels of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, which is the main psychoactive compound found in marijuana. Legally in the US, industrial hemp has to contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis.

Regular Hemp vs Industrial Hemp

The differences between regular hemp and industrial hemp are summed up thus:

• Industrial Hemp: By federal law in the United States (as defined by the 2018 Farm Bill), industrial hemp must contain no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis. This extremely low THC content means that industrial hemp has no psychoactive effects and cannot be used to produce a "high." It is cultivated specifically for its fibers, hurds (woody core), and seeds.
• "Regular Hemp" (Marijuana): This variety of Cannabis sativa L. contains THC concentrations above 0.3% (often significantly higher, ranging from 5% to over 30%). It is cultivated for its psychoactive properties and is subject to different, often stricter, legal regulations depending on state and federal laws.

This legal distinction is paramount. Industrial hemp is treated as an agricultural commodity, similar to corn or soy, and is regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This legal clarity has unlocked its potential for a wide array of industrial applications, from sustainable building materials to textiles and bioplastics. At Bison Biocomposites, our focus is exclusively on utilizing and promoting industrial hemp for its exceptional material properties, ensuring all our products are derived from federally compliant sources.

Where is Hemp Grown?

Hemp boasts a long and storied history of cultivation across the globe, predating many modern crops. For millennia, it has been grown in various climates and regions, demonstrating its adaptability and robustness. Historically, regions in Asia and Europe were pioneers in hemp cultivation, utilizing it for everything from clothing to paper.

Today, global hemp production is on the rise, with countries like China, Canada, and various European nations leading the way. China, in particular, has maintained a significant hemp industry for centuries and remains a dominant force in global fiber production. Canada legalized industrial hemp cultivation in 1998, becoming a major producer, especially for hemp seed and oil. European countries like France, the Netherlands, and Germany also have established hemp industries, primarily focusing on fiber and seed production for diverse applications.

In the United States, industrial hemp cultivation has experienced a remarkable resurgence. After decades of prohibition, the 2014 Farm Bill allowed pilot programs, and the landmark 2018 Farm Bill federally legalized industrial hemp, paving the way for widespread commercial cultivation. Today, states across the U.S., including Kentucky, Colorado, Oregon, and Montana, have become significant players in the burgeoning American hemp industry, with farmers increasingly recognizing its potential as a profitable and sustainable crop. This renewed domestic cultivation is crucial for establishing robust supply chains for biocomposite materials.

Why was Industrial Hemp Illegal?

The prohibition of industrial hemp in the United States is a complex story rooted more in misunderstanding and political maneuvering than in the plant's actual properties. Despite its long history as a valuable agricultural crop, industrial hemp became entangled in the broader prohibition of cannabis.

The primary legislative actions that led to its illegality were:

• The Marihuana Tax Act of 1937: This act effectively taxed all cannabis, including industrial hemp, out of existence. While not an outright ban, the prohibitive taxes and strict regulations made commercial hemp farming economically unfeasible. This act was largely influenced by a combination of economic interests (e.g., synthetic fiber industries, timber industry, newspaper industry) seeking to eliminate competition, and sensationalist campaigns that conflated all cannabis varieties with the psychoactive drug, often fueled by racial and xenophobic undertones.
• The Controlled Substances Act of 1970: This act formally classified all forms of cannabis, including industrial hemp, as a Schedule I drug, placing it alongside heroin and LSD. This categorization, which deemed it to have "no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse," solidified its illegal status for decades, despite its non-psychoactive nature and historical industrial utility.

For over 70 years, the U.S. effectively banned a crop that had been a staple for centuries, largely due to its visual similarity to marijuana and the pervasive "Reefer Madness" propaganda that failed to distinguish between the two. The scientific and industrial potential of hemp was suppressed, leading to a significant knowledge gap and a reliance on less sustainable alternatives.

The turning point came with the 2014 Farm Bill, which allowed for pilot programs for industrial hemp cultivation for research purposes. This crucial step paved the way for the 2018 Farm Bill, which finally removed industrial hemp (defined as cannabis with less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC) from the Controlled Substances Act, legalizing its cultivation and opening the door for its reintroduction into American agriculture and industry.

Hemp in History

Before its modern prohibition, hemp held a prominent place in human civilization for thousands of years, serving as a foundational crop across various cultures and continents. This historical significance underscores its inherent value and versatility.

• Ancient Origins: Evidence suggests hemp was one of the earliest plants cultivated by humans, with archaeological findings dating back over 10,000 years in Asia. Ancient civilizations utilized hemp for a myriad of purposes, including textiles, paper, and food.
• Global Spread: From China, hemp cultivation spread to the Middle East, Europe, and eventually the Americas. Its strong, durable fibers made it indispensable for ropes, sails, and clothing, powering global exploration and trade.
• Foundational Material: Throughout history, hemp was a primary source for paper. Notable historical documents, including early drafts of the U.S. Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, were written on hemp paper. The Gutenberg Bible, a landmark in printing history, is also believed to have been printed on hemp paper.
• Colonial America: In colonial America, hemp was considered such a vital crop that its cultivation was often mandatory. Farmers were legally required to grow hemp for its fibers, which were essential for naval supplies, clothing, and other necessities. Figures like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson cultivated hemp.
• Industrial Revolution: Hemp continued to be a significant industrial crop well into the 19th century, used in everything from Levi's original denim jeans to various industrial applications.

The abrupt decline of hemp in the 20th century, due to the aforementioned prohibition, marked a departure from millennia of its widespread use. Its modern resurgence is not merely a trend but a return to a proven, sustainable resource that has served humanity for generations.

The Future of Hemp: A World of Possibilities

The re-legalization of industrial hemp in the United States and the growing global recognition of its potential have unleashed a wave of innovation, positioning hemp as a cornerstone of a more sustainable future. Beyond its historical applications, modern science and engineering are unlocking new ways to utilize this versatile plant, transforming it into a high-performance biomaterial for a diverse range of industries.

The future of hemp is not limited to a single sector; it represents a paradigm shift towards bio-based alternatives that can significantly reduce our reliance on finite resources and mitigate environmental impact. From revolutionizing construction to providing sustainable solutions for consumer goods, hemp offers a world of possibilities that align with global demands for eco-conscious products and practices.

At Bison Biocomposites, we believe that industrial hemp is more than just a crop; it's a strategic resource that offers solutions for some of the most pressing challenges facing our planet. Its unique properties enable the creation of materials that are not only environmentally friendly but also perform exceptionally well, often surpassing traditional alternatives. This vision translates into tangible benefits for various stakeholders across the economy.

Hemp for Builders

For the construction industry, industrial hemp is nothing short of revolutionary, offering a suite of high-performance, sustainable materials that can transform how we design and build. At Bison Biocomposites, we are biocomposite experts dedicated to harnessing hemp's potential to create superior building solutions.

Our flagship products, such as hemp insulation and hempcrete mixes, exemplify the benefits of this biomaterial:

• Hempcrete: This versatile material, created by mixing hemp hurds with a binder and water, offers an exceptional combination of properties:
  • Excellent Thermal Performance: Hempcrete provides superior insulation, leading to significantly lower heating and cooling costs and creating more stable indoor temperatures. Its thermal mass properties help regulate temperature fluctuations, reducing energy consumption.
  • Breathability and Moisture Regulation: Unlike conventional materials, hempcrete is vapor-permeable, allowing buildings to "breathe." This natural moisture regulation prevents condensation, reduces the risk of mold and mildew growth, and contributes to healthier indoor air quality.
  • Fire Resistance: Hempcrete is naturally fire-resistant, as it chars rather than burns.
  • Carbon Negative: As hemp grows, it sequesters significant amounts of carbon dioxide. When used in hempcrete, this carbon is locked into the building structure, making hempcrete a carbon-negative building material—a powerful tool in combating climate change.
  • Durability and Longevity: Hempcrete structures are robust and durable, designed for a long lifespan, contributing to sustainable architecture by reducing the need for frequent material replacement.
• Hemp Insulation: Our hemp insulation products offer a non-toxic, sustainable alternative to traditional fiberglass or mineral wool. With high R-values, they provide excellent thermal and acoustic performance, improving energy efficiency and indoor comfort without the health concerns associated with synthetic materials.

Hemp for Farmers

For American farmers, industrial hemp represents a significant opportunity for crop diversification and a pathway to enhanced economic stability. After decades of reliance on a limited number of commodity crops, hemp offers a high-value alternative that can revitalize agricultural landscapes and provide new revenue streams.

Beyond economic benefits, hemp requires significantly less water than many traditional crops, making it ideal for regions facing water scarcity. Its natural resilience means it thrives with minimal pesticides and herbicides, reducing chemical runoff and promoting healthier ecosystems. Hemp is also a powerful phytoremediator, meaning it can absorb toxins from the soil, helping to clean contaminated land.

As a rotation crop, hemp offers immense value. Its deep root system helps to break up compacted soil, improve soil structure, and prevent erosion. It also returns valuable organic matter to the soil, enhancing fertility for subsequent crops. This makes it an excellent choice for sustainable agricultural practices, improving the long-term health and productivity of farmland. By cultivating hemp for its fiber and hurd, farmers can tap into burgeoning markets for sustainable materials, creating a stable demand for their produce and contributing to a more diversified and resilient agricultural economy.

Hemp for Consumers

The benefits of industrial hemp extend directly to the people who live, work, and interact with spaces and products made from this remarkable biomaterial. For consumers, hemp offers a pathway to healthier homes, reduced environmental impact, and access to a new generation of sustainable goods.

• Healthier Indoor Environments: Hemp-based building materials, like hempcrete and hemp insulation, are naturally non-toxic and breathable. This means homes built with hemp can have significantly improved indoor air quality, free from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful chemicals often found in conventional construction materials. Reduced mold growth due to hempcrete's moisture-regulating properties further contributes to a healthier living space, which is especially beneficial for individuals with allergies or respiratory sensitivities.
• Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings: The superior insulating properties of hemp-based materials translate directly into lower energy bills for heating and cooling. Consumers can enjoy more stable indoor temperatures year-round, reducing their carbon footprint and saving money long term.
• Sustainable Lifestyle Choices: By choosing products made from industrial hemp, consumers actively support sustainable agriculture and manufacturing practices. This includes reducing reliance on fossil fuels, minimizing deforestation, and promoting carbon sequestration. It allows individuals to make tangible contributions to environmental protection through their purchasing decisions.
• Diverse Product Offerings: Beyond construction, consumers will increasingly find industrial hemp in a wide array of everyday products. This includes durable and breathable textiles (clothing, linens), sustainable bioplastics (packaging, automotive parts), high-quality paper products (reducing reliance on virgin timber), and natural personal care items. As the industrial hemp supply chain matures, consumers will have more opportunities to integrate these eco-friendly alternatives into their daily lives.

Source Your Next Build from Bison Biocomposites

The journey of industrial hemp from a misunderstood crop to a leading biomaterial is well underway, and Bison Biocomposites is proud to be at its vanguard. As dedicated biocomposite experts, we are committed to unlocking the full potential of U.S.-grown industrial hemp, transforming it into high-performance, sustainable building materials that redefine industry standards.

We offer premium hemp insulation and innovative hempcrete mixes, meticulously engineered to deliver superior thermal performance, breathability, fire resistance, and a significantly reduced environmental footprint. Our products are designed not just to meet, but to exceed the demands of modern construction, providing builders with the tools to create healthier, more energy-efficient, and truly sustainable structures.

By partnering with Bison Biocomposites, you are not just sourcing materials; you are investing in a future where construction is regenerative, agriculture is diversified, and communities thrive. We are actively building robust U.S. hemp supply chains and fostering international collaborations, ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality industrial hemp for our innovative solutions.

Contact Bison Biocomposites today to learn more about our products, explore partnership opportunities, and discover how industrial hemp can transform your next project.