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Hemp, for the Future of Queensland

Research shows there is a place for energy efficient hempcrete housing to be part of
the State energy conversation, as no one is talking of lowering power consumption”.

Ian Zunker, Vice President,
Legalise Cannabis Queensland Party

   
Australia’s first Apiary Therapy Centre is in Kilcoy. Beehives built into hempcrete walls provide specialist vibration therapy, as well as air therapy (by breathing in air filtered through them). The hempcrete walls create pristine conditions, regulating air quality, temperature and humidity for the residents, visiting clients and bees.

   

According to AgriFutures Australia, the industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) industry is experiencing strong growth, with innovative technologies improving production and a range of value-added products being developed. Industrial hemp, i.e. low tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) hemp, has a wide range of applications, including textiles, paper, rope, fuel, oil and stock-feed, as well as for building materials, cosmetics and pet food.
The Queensland Hemp Association offers grower, corporate, researcher and general members ongoing educational and agronomic support while facilitating critical networking and community events. The QHA are in support of necessary legislative change through lobbying efforts with key stakeholders and regulators. The progression and promotion of sustainable agriculture and smart farming practices continue to develop the use of hemp as a renewable and sustainable source of nutrition, fibre, fodder and nutraceuticals.

   

To grow industrial cannabis (hemp) in Queensland you must hold a licence issued by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (Biosecurity Queensland). Industrial cannabis production in Queensland is managed under Drugs Misuse Act 1986 (Qld), part 5B (the Act) and Drugs Misuse Regulation 1987 (Qld), part 4 (the Regulation). To obtain an industrial cannabis licence, contact Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 to discuss your licensing requirements and to obtain the relevant forms.

   

Once you have applied, Biosecurity Queensland will assess your application in accordance with the requirements of the Act to determine if you are fit and proper to hold a licence. You will be required to provide information on your criminal history and bankruptcy clearance. Unlike other crops, industrial cannabis is a regulated crop and therefore does have additional requirements on the licensees such as security, mandatory record keeping and notifications.

Read the fact sheet on industrial cannabis (hemp) production in Queensland

Find out more about the Australian Industrial Hemp Alliance

Fire testing is an essential part of certification in building material design. The below video is a test on a two storey building, loaded with combustible materials. When people jokingly ask if you could “smoke the house”, the answer is no, as hempcrete simply does not catch fire! Hemp may discolour and be charred, but it does not combust. 

   
In Australia, hempcrete is certified to the highest Bushfire Attack Level. A fire test was documented to simulate ember attacks during bushfires, where there is a potential for fuel to accumulate at the base of walls. No damage was observed on the 200mm thick walls, which were exposed to a 600mm high flame, burning directly against the wall for a period of 60 minutes, an ideal option for people who live in the highest fire danger zones in the country.