Hemp Building Material
Hemp building materials, such as hempcrete and hemp-based insulation, provide a sustainable, carbon-sequestering alternative to traditional construction products. These bio-based materials are prized for their high thermal resistance, breathability, and resistance to mold and fire, offering a regenerative solution for energy-efficient architecture. As the industry evolves, Michigan-grown hemp is increasingly utilized to create durable, non-toxic structures that lock carbon into the built environment for decades.
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Hemp Building Workshop Success
by Dave Crabill
/ September 15, 2025
With a total of thirty participants, the event drew in a powerful mix of voices including professors, lobbyists, builders, architects, real estate agents, farmers, entrepreneurs, and even private homeowners who were simply curious about sustainable construction.
Building a Healthy Home with Hemp
by Dave Crabill
/ July 20, 2023
A Michigan woman with severe chemical sensitivities is getting a lifeline: Hemp for Humanity has launched the Canary Homes project to build her a 1,010 sq ft hempcrete homeโthe first in a planned series of healthy housing solutions for the estimated 7 million Americans now suffering from conditions like Long COVID, ME, and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. With zero VOCs, natural mold resistance, and a $250,000 fundraising goal, this collaboration between hemp advocates and building biologists could revolutionize accessible housing.
We learned from hemp building expert Cody Ley and professor Glenn Wilcox about alternative building materials like hemp-lime and fungi.
UM Professor Glenn Wilcox on Building with Hemp & Fungi
by Dave Crabill
/ March 30, 2023
University of Michigan architecture professor Glenn Wilcox is pushing the boundaries of sustainable design by growing furniture from mycelium and hemp. In this episode, he reveals how a 14-month sailing journey inspired his shift to bio-based materialsโand why the next generation of designers is clamoring to learn these revolutionary techniques. Plus: Texas approves hemp livestock feed, and a federal bribery investigation rocks Lansing.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the first opportunities for public input on new programs focused on lower carbon construction materials made possible by a $350 million investment from President Bidenโs Inflation Reduction Act.
Investing in Hemp Building with Ray Kaderli
by Dave Crabill
/ February 3, 2023
The ICC has officially approved hemp as a building materialโand Michigan is gearing up to build. Ray Cattery, incoming president of the US Hemp Building Association, breaks down what the new codes mean for builders and architects, while iHemp Michigan announces a packed schedule of workshops and field days to get hands-on with hempcrete. The revolution is being unboxed.
Whatโs New in Hemp Construction
by Dave Crabill
/ November 10, 2022
Cody Ley of Hemp for Humanity is planning to build 20 hemp-based homes in Detroit using locally-sourced materials from underserved Michigan farmersโand he’s solving technical challenges like thermal bridging along the way. In this episode of the iHemp Hour, Lay shares his journey from plastics research to hemp farming, explains why CBG might be the cannabinoid you’re missing, and reveals how 100 acres of hemp could transform a Detroit neighborhood.
US Hemp Builders Association Updates with Henry Gage Jr
by Dave Crabill
/ October 6, 2022
iHemp Michigan has been a major proponent of hemp for fiber and grain. While grain is taking longer with the research required, we just received great news on the fiber […] ...
Episode 109: Building with Hemp
by Dave Crabill
/ June 23, 2022
Kim Croes started her hempcrete company, FiberFort, in Detroit, Michigan with the hopes of making a positive impact on the earth. Currently a painter, she is making her transition into […] ...
Talking about Hemp-Lime
by Dave Crabill
/ April 18, 2022
Hempcrete just cleared a major hurdle. The International Code Council has recommended approval of hempcrete for inclusion in the U.S. International Residential Codeโa landmark achievement years in the making. On this episode of iHemp Hour, Jacob Waddell of the US Hemp Building Association shares the victory, while Kim Croes of Fiberfork announces she’s one of only 14 people in the U.S. trained in hempcrete spray application and will be building Michigan’s first permitted hempcrete home this July. Learn about hurd quality standards, spray application efficiency (60-75% faster than traditional methods), and how you can help advance hemp building in your state.