Hemp Building Workshop - Hosted by the Old Pueblo Hemp Co
Hosted by Old Pueblo Hemp Co and filled with industry experts and hands on activities.
HITA is proud to support Old Pueblo Hemp Co.'s second Hemp Building Workshop, a three-day immersive event in Tucson, Arizona, dedicated to education, hands-on training, and the future of hemp-based construction. This event offers expert-led instruction, live demonstrations, and interactive activities, all centered around the use of hemp-lime (hempcrete) as a sustainable building material.
Attendees will gain firsthand experience in hemp building techniques, including cast-in-place construction for animal housing at Camp Cooper. In addition to hands-on learning, the event will feature industry leaders, networking opportunities, and a hemp fashion showcase. A delicious lunch will be provided daily.
FEATURED SPEAKERS
Sergiy (Dr. Hemp House) – A globally recognized hemp building expert, leading demonstrations on cast-in-place hempcrete construction. His expertise has shaped projects worldwide, making his presence in Tucson a rare and valuable opportunity.
Danny Desjarlis (Lower Sioux Tribe) – A leader in hemp farming, processing, and building within tribal communities. He will introduce the Ereasy system, a cutting-edge spray-applied hempcrete technique. Attendees will also enjoy a special screening of The Green Buffalo, followed by a Q&A session.
Lawrence Serbin (Hemp Traders) – A pioneer in hemp farming and processing who will unveil new processing equipment with game-changing potential for farmers. As the Guinness World Record holder for the tallest hemp plant, his insights into the industry are unparalleled.
Alejandra Diaz (Hemp Fortex) – A leader in sustainable hemp textiles, presenting on hemp fabrics and their impact on fashion and industry. The event will also feature a Hemp Fashion Show, where attendees are encouraged to showcase their hemp apparel.
Thatcher Michelson (#EATMOREHEMP) – A specialist in hemp plastics and sustainable products, highlighting the potential of hemp-based materials. Attendees will have the chance to explore innovative hemp plastic products, including sunglasses and accessories.
Jesse Lopez – A hemp industry veteran, author, and advocate, sharing stories from decades of experience in hemp business, legislation, and international markets.
OVERVIEW OF 3-DAY SCHEDULE - LUNCH PROVIDED DAILY
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Day 1
Tour of the awesome facility then an Introduction to Hemp Building by Dr. Hemphouse-Sergiy!!! Next a framing and Hemp Rebar workshop by Lucas Evans followed by a delicious lunch. After lunch get your hands dirty with a cast in place workshop with Sergiy-got a fun lil project planned! Then in the afternoon we get to learn about Spraying with Hemp by the Danny Desjarlis! Lower Sioux is doing so much amazing work and he's here to tell you about it! Next prepare for one of the best presentations I have ever seen. Lawrence Serbin of Hemp Traders will be talking, farming, processing and game changing equipment. End the day with Orozona talking about Hemp as medicine and treating us with some samples.
10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Day 2
Introduction to the Project at Camp Cooper then some Hands on Hemp blocking time! After we make some blocks we'll show you how we are going attach the Hemp Blocks to the existing buildings. We will have a whole mock-up wall so you can see each layer. It'll be a long morning and you'll be ready to eat by now. After lunch you can finally get your hands on some Plaster and see how we will finish the project. After plaster we get to hear from Thatcher Michelson on Hemp plastics and his campaign of #EATMOREHEMP. Alejandra Diaz will introduce Hemp Fortex and the fiber work they do -she will have lots of Hemp clothing to check out and buy so get some gear for our fashion show later that night! To close out the day, we're going to do some storytelling by Jesse Lopez! He has some great Hemp adventures! In the evening we will have a screening of the movie: The Green Buffalo with members of the Lower Sioux tribe for a Q&A! And the fashion show!! Saturday night will be downtown party time!
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Day 3
Field trip to Camp Cooper to see where the blocks will be installed. Lunch and music!
As the founder of Old Pueblo Hemp Co., Micaela Machado is leading the charge for hemp education and sustainable construction in Arizona. Her dedication to hands-on learning, community engagement, and real-world applications has positioned her as a driving force in the industry.
Through partnerships with the University of Arizona and Tucson Unified School District, Micaela has introduced hemp-lime insulation at the Cooper Center for Environmental Learning, demonstrating hemp’s potential as an energy-efficient and eco-friendly building material.
HITA proudly supports initiatives like this that advance hemp innovation and create real opportunities for Arizona’s farmers, builders, and entrepreneurs.
This workshop is an opportunity to experience the future of hemp construction firsthand, connect with industry leaders, and be part of Arizona’s growing hemp movement.
