Insights

Washington’s hemp industry is shrinking—but it could be key to building a greener future. A new feasibility study by Greene Economics for WSDA explores how industrial hemp could support sustainable construction, rural job growth, and climate goals. The report outlines major barriers, models potential economic impacts, and offers strategic recommendations to help Washington’s hemp sector unlock its full potential—if policy and investment align.

What role could industrial hemp play in solving Washington’s housing and climate challenges? James Kunetz of Greene Economics shares takeaways from the Goodness of Hemp Summit and early research findings from our work with WSDA on sustainable building materials, industry barriers, and opportunities to grow the hemp supply chain in Washington State.

Greene Economics' SEIS analysis assessed lifecycle GHG impacts of the proposed Kalama methanol facility, modeling market-driven climate tradeoffs.