Industrial hemp carries a lot of benefits. It is a versatile crop that can help fight against climate change. This plant grows really fast, absorbing ample amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂). This can help farmers earn carbon credits, especially in places like North Carolina. Such hemp also acts as a ‘carbon sink. ’ Let’s explore the terms of carbon sink, carbon credits and industrial hemp’s relation to it across the NC area.

What Is a Carbon Sink?

Before we delve into industrial hemp, let’s clear what a carbon sink is. A carbon sink is anything, like forests, oceans, or soil, that removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and stores it. When plants grow, they take in CO₂ through photosynthesis. This helps store carbon in their stems, roots, and leaves. The longer the carbon stays out of the air, the greater the reduction in global warming. It will make the planet better.  

What Makes Industrial Hemp Special

Industrial hemp is from the plant species Cannabis sativa. It is a source of fiber, oilseed and other materials in more than 30 nations. Unlike its cousin, marijuana, used for recreational purposes, industrial hemp has very low THC, the psychoactive component. It is legal to grow widely.

The environmental qualities of industrial hemp make it ideal for carbon farming. In the United States, a grower must obtain a permit from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). It is because production is controlled under drug enforcement laws.

1.   Fast Growth and High Absorption

Hemp grows very quickly, often reaching harvest maturity in as little as 3–4 months. This rapid growth means it takes in lots of carbon in a short time. This absorbed amount is almost double the amount absorbed by forests. A Cambridge University researcher, Darshil Shah, also stated this fact in these words,

“Industrial hemp absorbs between 8 to 15 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide per hectare of cultivation. In comparison, forests typically capture 2 to 6 tonnes of CO₂ per hectare per year depending on the number of years of growth, the climatic region, the type of tree.”

2.   High Soil Carbon Storage

Hemp also has an extensive root system that can reach depths of up to 3 meters in the soil, according to section 2.1 of a Victoria University 2024 study. These deep roots allow it to sequester carbon by storing it in the soil for an extended period. Carbon stored in the soil helps to improve soil health and fertility for many years to come. Hemp is also preferred for crop rotation systems, which enhances soil health and promotes carbon sequestration.

Multiple Uses That Lock Carbon

Once harvested, hemp stalks can be turned into long-lasting products. These include textiles, paper, construction materials and so on. These products store carbon for even longer than the plant alone.

Hempcrete

Hempcrete is a construction material that primarily uses hemp as an ingredient, among other options. A scientific review of hempcrete states that 1 m3 (cubic meter) of hempcrete wall can store about 165 kg of CO₂. Hempcrete's estimated service life ranges between 600 and 800 years when used in wall systems. 

Industrial Hemp and Carbon Credits: The Relationship

Carbon credits and industrial hemp are closely related to each other:

What Are Carbon Credits?

Carbon credits are tradable certificates that represent the reduction of greenhouse gases. One credit means that exactly one tonne of CO₂ has either been avoided or permanently stored. Farmers and land managers who remove carbon can sell these credits to companies. Such companies purchase these credits with the intention of offsetting their own emissions while still achieving climate targets.

Hemp Carbon Standards and Verification

To make carbon credits real and trustworthy, there is a need for clear rules and monitoring. Organizations like Hemp Carbon Standard have developed methods to measure and verify hemp’s carbon removal. They use the latest tools, including satellite data. Once a hemp project’s carbon storage is verified, credits can be issued and sold. This adds extra income for farmers on top of the value of the hemp crop itself.

North Carolina and Industrial Hemp

North Carolina has strong ties with the hemp plant. For example, the Spring Hope hemp mill in North Carolina is one of the largest hemp processing facilities in the United States. It adds economic value to the state by processing hemp fibers and other products used in textiles and composites.

Opportunities

Carbon credit opportunities regarding hemp production in NC exist in many firms:

Extra Revenue Source

Selling carbon credits can help boost income in those years, particularly when crop prices are low. Small farmers can largely benefit from industrial hemp production as a reliable revenue source.

Support for Crop Improvement

Hemp farming fits well with the concept of farming to improve soil quality. Such hemp boosts biodiversity, contributing to overall long-term farm resilience.

Achieving Climate Goals

Hemp carbon credits can help NC contribute to climate goals while adding local economic value.

Challenges

While hemp shows promise for NC state, there are still hurdles to such crop production and carbon storage endeavors:

Measurement Issues

Tools for measuring soil carbon accurately are still evolving. Some carbon marketplaces have not yet fully included hemp in their models. So, farmers may have to face uncertain situations or changing standards.

Lack Of Proper Market Infrastructure

Carbon credit markets can be complex and vary in quality. It’s essential that credits are verified and transparent. Buyers should practically believe that the credits that are mentioned represent real emissions reduction.

In Conclusion

Industrial hemp offers a powerful combination of environmental and economic benefits. Industrial hemp alone can’t help improve the climate. However, it carries great potential as a carbon sink. Combining it with economic incentives like carbon credits makes it a promising element. Thus, for farmers, policymakers, and climate thinkers alike, industrial hemp offers a bridge between sustainability and profitability. 

North Carolina already has hemp infrastructure, so here is an excellent opportunity to derive carbon credit programs as a leading state. Farmers in NC can explore the opportunities regarding the hemp crop by staying updated about the latest state and Federal regulations in the United States.