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Can Hemp Build a Greener Washington?
- Greene Team
- Nov 8, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
A Q&A with James Kunetz of Greene Economics on how hemp could support climate-smart construction—and why policy change matters.
Industrial hemp holds great promise for addressing two of Washington State’s most pressing challenges: the ongoing housing crisis and climate resilience. As a building material, hemp could help reduce carbon emissions, support eco-friendly construction, and stimulate rural economies. Yet despite this potential, the state’s hemp industry remains underdeveloped—with only 37 active growers.
In partnership with the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA), Greene Economics is evaluating hemp's viability as a sustainable building material. The study looks at farmer interest, regulatory barriers, and supply chain gaps, and will provide recommendations to support the industry’s development.
In this Q&A, James Kunetz, a research associate at Greene Economics, shares takeaways from the 'Goodness of Hemp' Summit hosted by IND HEMP in Fort Benton, Montana, and early insights from our research. Together, they provide a snapshot of where Washington’s hemp industry stands today—and where it could go next.
What Hemp Could Do for Housing and the Environment
Hi James! What is The Goodness of Hemp Summit all about?
James: "The Goodness of Hemp Summit brings together people from across the industrial hemp supply chain and beyond. There was a big focus on hemp textiles, food, and housing. IND HEMP, one of the major players in the U.S. fiber market, brought great insights about large-scale production and policy barriers. It also attracted individuals from adjacent industries exploring how hemp could fit into their work, often with a conservation angle. The crowd was passionate, with many describing an almost spiritual connection to the plant and its ecological benefits.
It’s hard not to walk away thinking that, with the right support and funding, hemp could become a major industry that brings real benefits to society and the planet."
Tell us about Greene Economics’ hemp research for WSDA.
James: “WSDA is interested in industrial hemp—primarily for textiles and construction, but also for agricultural uses, such as hemp feed and animal bedding. Additionally, growing hemp can help improve soil health. As part of Greene Economics’ research partnership with WSDA, we’re connecting farmer experiences and supply chain gaps to policy recommendations that could directly influence how the state supports this emerging sector.
Our role is to gather as much information as possible about the current state of the industry and its future direction. We’re asking questions like: What’s happening right now? Who are the leaders? What can we do with this product? And how can Washington and WSDA support farmers, attract more growers, and help the industry succeed?”
What makes hemp a viable and sustainable material?
James: “The textile fibers of hemp have tensile strength equal to—or even greater than—steel, depending on the application. It’s also excellent for carbon sequestration, and when used in construction, it can store that carbon long-term. Hemp requires less energy to cultivate and absorbs more CO₂ than many forests and crops, resulting in a significantly smaller carbon footprint. It’s also an easy crop to grow, needing minimal pesticides and herbicides.
When used for textiles, hemp produces a more durable product that resists wear better. At the summit, they debuted the first domestically produced hemp shirt in over 200 years—a sturdy canvas work shirt designed for farmers. Yes, it’s more expensive, but you’ll get far more use out of it—and the process is much more sustainable.”
Hempcrete and Innovative Construction Techniques
Can you talk about hemp for housing and construction?
James: Hempcrete—a biocomposite building material made by mixing hemp hurds (the woody inner core of the hemp plant) with a lime-based binder—is gaining attention as a sustainable option for construction. It’s non-toxic, naturally mold-resistant, and fire-resistant—qualities that are especially valuable in the Pacific Northwest, where dampness and wildfire risk are ongoing concerns.
One innovation highlighted at the summit was the use of a pneumatic lance to spray hempcrete onto a house frame. This method enables a crew of four to complete a house in just eight days, compared to the 20 days and 12 workers typically needed with traditional materials. So, the process is both time- and cost-efficient. Groups like the U.S. Hemp Building Association (USHBA) are also working to standardize practices and push for certification, which will help make hempcrete more accessible at scale."
Barriers to Growth: Hemp Policy, Costs, and Stigma
What are some of the barriers facing Washington’s hemp industry?
James: "The biggest barrier is the 0.3% THC limit. THC—short for tetrahydrocannabinol—is the psychoactive compound in cannabis. Although industrial hemp isn’t cultivated for its psychoactive effects, federal law still requires crops to test below 0.3% THC. Weather conditions, like a hot season, can push THC levels above that, forcing farmers to destroy entire crops, which creates huge financial risks. There’s actually a bipartison bill in Congress, the Industrial Hemp Act, that would redefine hemp to ease these restrictions, but it's still making its way through.
The problem isn’t the plant—it’s the policy. As Morgan Tweet, CEO of IND Hemp, pointed out at the summit: ‘Look at this field—do you see any flowers or buds? No. It’s just stalks and fiber.’ The material that’s being used for industrial purposes simply doesn’t contain the psychoactive elements that would cause intoxication.
Start-up costs also pose a challenge, especially the $1,200 license fee, which is a big hurdle for new farmers already dealing with the risk of crop loss. On top of that, hempcrete is currently more expensive to produce than traditional materials, and the small-scale spraying method isn’t scalable yet. With a lack of growers in Washington, the industry struggles to support larger production."
How does the social perception of hemp impact its development in Washington's industry?
James: "Socially, the biggest issue the hemp industry faces is its connection to marijuana. This misperception is a pretty big deterrent, with most investors unwilling to give hemp the time of day. It’s frustrating for people in the industry, and it came up repeatedly at the summit. They emphasized the need for education. Events like The Goodness of Hemp Summit are crucial for raising awareness and dispelling misconceptions around hemp.”
Climate, Regional Potential, and What’s Next
What makes Washington State a unique location for hemp production?
James: "When I spoke to people about growing hemp in Washington, I heard a lot of excitement about the potential for seed production, especially in Southeast Washington, near the Snake River dams and Tri-City area. The region has really productive farmland, and they already use cover crops to get the most out of each field—so hemp could be a great fit. Despite the enthusiasm, the state is still behind places like Montana, where hemp industries are more established, or North Carolina, where there’s a lot of research happening. The climate advantages in those regions could translate well to Washington, too.”
“If things go the way that makes sense for sustainability and the planet, hemp could be a powerful crop that solves a lot of problems.”
— James Kunetz, Greene Economics
What do you want people to know about for the future of hemp in Washington?
James: “Get excited about the industry! If things go the way that makes sense for sustainability and the planet, hemp could be a powerful crop and material that solves a lot of problems and shows up in many products. However, there’s still a lot of uncertainty. Our research will be used by WSDA to tackle regulatory issues, build a hemp supply chain, and improve public understanding. With the right support and policies, Washington could lead the way.”
Greene Economics’ work with WSDA is still in its early phases, but the message from the hemp community is clear: with targeted support and policy reform, Washington has the potential to lead the way in hemp-based construction. As the industry evolves, findings from this research will help the state unlock the economic, environmental, and housing benefits of this promising material. A final report is due in June 2025.