CHAMPIONING INDUSTRIAL HEMP FOR A LOW-CARBON FUTURE

We advocate for industrial hemp as a climate and economic solution, working with policymakers and industry leaders in Westminster, Washington DC and across Europe. Our mission is to drive regulatory change, unlock investment, and position hemp as a key tool for carbon sequestration, sustainable materials, bio-fuels and rural economic regeneration.

What is industrial hemp?

Industrial hemp is a fast-growing, carbon-sequestering crop used in construction, bioplastics, biofuels (including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)), textiles, and energy storage. It absorbs 9-22 tonnes of CO₂ per hectare annually, improves soil health, and grows with minimal water and no pesticides. Unlike cannabis, it contains only trace levels of THC and is legal under strict regulations.

What’s it good for?

Climate Resilience

Hemp restores soil health by removing heavy metals and toxins through phytoremediation, making contaminated land farmable again. It improves biodiversity and reduces reliance on chemical fertilisers. (European Commission, 2024; University of York, 2023)

Multi-Billion-Pound Market

The global industrial hemp market is projected to grow from $11.42 billion in 2025 to $47.82 billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 22.7%. The UK hemp industry alone could generate £700M annually by 2030. (Vierling, 2024; University of York, 2023)

Aviation Fuel of the Future

Hemp biomass is a viable feedstock for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The UK must produce 1.2 million tonnes of SAF annually by 2030 — hemp can help meet this demand, cutting aviation emissions by up to 80%. (UK SAF Strategy, 2024; International Journal of Science and Research, 2024)

Decarbonising Construction

Hempcrete is 30% more thermally efficient than concrete and provides 40% lower emissions per build. Scaling hemp-based insulation could cut UK construction emissions significantly, with potential for 250,000 homes per year. (UK Hempcrete, 2024; 2050 Materials Report, 2024)

Carbon Credit Potential

Hemp’s long-term carbon storage in biochar and construction materials makes it eligible for high-value carbon credits. Current voluntary markets price hemp sequestration at £32 per tonne, but a UK-backed scheme could push this to £79.22 per tonne, funding sustainable industry growth. (CarbonCredits.com, 2024; International Emissions Trading Association, 2024)

Rural Economic Transformation

A fully realised UK hemp industry could create 20,000 direct jobs and support 200,000 livelihoods, revitalising rural communities and bringing £1 billion in tax revenue annually. (Hemp-30 Report, 2024; University of York, 2023)

What we’re pushing for…

To realise Industrial hemp’s full economic, environmental and social potential for the UK, we need to work with governmental departments and regulators to shape a system that is fit for purpose.

  • The Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) blocks investment in UK hemp by classifying legally obtained foreign cannabis revenue as criminal property. Reforming POCA will unlock critical funding, innovation, and industry growth. (British Cannabis Association, 2024)

  • Hemp absorbs CO₂ and stores it in long-term carbon sinks like biochar and hempcrete. Recognising hemp in UK carbon trading will make sustainable materials cost-competitive and accelerate green industry investment. (CarbonCredits.com, 2024; International Emissions Trading Association, 2024)

  • The UK imports most hemp-based products, missing out on £700M in domestic industry growth. Expanding hemp cultivation will boost UK supply chains, create jobs, and strengthen rural economies. (University of York, 2023)

  • Current licensing is expensive and restrictive, preventing large-scale adoption. Lowering costs and expanding permitted applications in construction, biofuels, and bioplastics will drive UK industry competitiveness and decarbonisation. (Gov.uk, 2024; UK Hempcrete, 2024)

Who we are

  • Nick Morland

    Nick Morland is the co-founder and CEO of Tenacious Carbon and managing partner at Delarki Investments. As the founding secretariat of the APPG for Industrial Hemp and CBD, and now secretariat to the APPG for Hemp Carbon Credits, he has played a key role in shaping cannabis and industrial hemp policy. With a background in finance, insurance, and private equity, he specialises in regulatory strategy and commercialisation.

  • Adrian Clarke

    Adrian Clarke is an investor and entrepreneur with global business interests. As co-founder of Tenacious Carbon and Principal of Delarki, he specialises in early-stage investments across food, beverage, cannabinoid, and consumer technology industries. An alumnus of Harvard Business School, he combines strategic insight with hands-on operational expertise to scale businesses and unlock new markets.

  • Susie Macarthur

    Susie Macarthur is COO at Delarki, where she heads up delivery of operational excellence and strategic execution across portfolio businesses including Tenacious Carbon. Previously managing partner at Albion Brand Communications, she has played a key role in multi-billion-dollar exits including for Skype and King. Her operational experience also includes work for Glossier, Zoopla, and GiffGaff.

  • Andy Cutbill

    Andy Cutbill is a leading strategic communications specialist focused on industrial hemp and regulatory reform. As a key figure at Tenacious Labs, he helped drive legislative change in the UK hemp sector. Now consulting for Tenacious Carbon, he builds political relationships and plays a key role in organising the Global Cannabis Regulatory Summit in Washington, D.C., March 2025 and the new APPG for Hemp Carbon Credits.