How Hemp Could Be the Next Great Money-Saving Insulator

Before you settle into your mental defenses about hemp, understand that when hemp is used as an insulator, it doesn’t get you high.

It contains less than 1% THC, which means it can’t possibly be psychoactive.

So in other words: we’re not taking any stance on the legalization of marijuana in any way whatsoever.

We’re talking only about hemp.

And hemp is 100% completely legal to use to make legitimate products in every state in the United States.

Throughout history, it’s been used to make ropes, clothing, and sails. And today, you may even have come across hemp-based stores online, or maybe even in-person.

It’s a completely legitimate product.

What’s the Big Deal About Hemp as an Insulator?

Did you know hemp insulates better than both cotton and wool?

Hemp’s “U-value” (which measures its insulating ability) is .040, which makes it just as effective as a full 8 inches of fiberglass.

Wow!

Hemp also absorbs moisture, which makes it much more difficult for mold to grow in your home.

And to top it off, hemp is ridiculously more friendly to the environment because it takes little energy to grow and process. Plus, during its growth, it removes greenhouse gases from the air.

Hemp almost sounds like a miracle insulator, doesn’t it?

The Big Problem with Growing Hemp in the US

Out of all Western nations, the US is the only one which has had a ban on growing hemp for industrial purposes. It’s fine and legal to grow it for research purposes, but not for industrial production and resale to consumers.

States are beginning to take action as a result of the 2014 and 2015 Farm Bills, which have reduced federal regulation on the growing of hemp for industrial purposes.

41 states have passed laws defining what hemp is (usually based on THC content) and to define licensing programs to grow hemp.

As of 2018, Alaska, Arizona, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma have established pilot programs for growing industrial hemp.

FYI, prior Federal legislation has kicked around the idea that industrial hemp should have .3% THC content or less.

Improving your insulation is a great way to reduce your energy use and save money. While hemp may be out of reach for now, it could become common in the future. And in the meantime, you have other alternatives to improve your insulation.