Discussion questions

1. How do the properties of hemp fibres make them suitable for use in a variety of applications, from insulation mats to fibre-reinforced polymers and hempcrete?

2. In what ways do hemp-based products contribute to local economic development, and what challenges might arise in building a sustainable hemp industry?

3. How does the processing of hemp fibres, such as decortication, sterilization, and mixing with binders, affect the final properties of hemp-based products like growing media or insulation mats?

4. What are the limitations of using hempcrete in construction, and how does its strength and compression resistance compare to traditional concrete?

5. Why is hemp paper not widely used for general paper products despite its superior environmental and physical characteristics? What barriers need to be addressed for it to compete with wood-based paper in the mainstream market?