Ep. 5 From Field to Specification: Hemp Processing, Material Performance, and Code-Ready Applicat...

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Course Summary / Description

In this one-hour Hemp Build Podcast episode, host Ray Kaderli interviews David Russell, CEO of CannaVision in Cleburne, Texas, to provide architects and design professionals with a practical, behind-the-scenes look at industrial hemp processing and its implications for building material performance.

The course follows hemp from farm to processing facility to finished construction inputs, explaining how fiber and hurd are separated, sized, and micronized to meet specific building applications such as hemp-lime (hempcrete), plasters, insulation, and bio-composites. Particular emphasis is placed on material consistency, quality control, ASTM engagement, and how architects can verify specifications for safety, performance, and code compliance.

Through real-world demonstrations and discussion, the course illustrates how hemp-based materials contribute to fire resistance, durability, sustainability, and occupant safety—while supporting domestic agricultural and manufacturing supply chains.

Learning Objectives (4)

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

Describe the industrial hemp processing steps required to produce construction-grade hemp materials, including fiber/hurd separation, sizing, and micronization.

Identify key performance characteristics of hemp-based building materials—such as fire resistance, insulation value, and repairability—that impact life safety and welfare.

Evaluate how quality control methods, material testing, and ASTM engagement support consistent, code-ready hemp construction products.

Apply knowledge of hemp material specifications to more confidently select and specify bio-based materials in residential and multifamily building projects.