New Dissertation from TJU: A Systems Approach to Industrial Hemp’s Growth

A recent dissertation by recent Thomas Jefferson University graduate, John Ervin, A Systems Informed Approach to the Complex Challenges of the Industrial Hemp Industry in Pennsylvania, offers a fresh perspective that could help shift the national conversation on Industrial Hemp from obstacles to solutions.

Using systems thinking tools like stakeholder mapping and interactive planning, he identifies why so many well-meaning efforts in hemp development stall out—and what we can do to change that. While centered on Pennsylvania, Ervin’s work presents lessons applicable across the United States.

Key Takeaways

Align Regulations Across Federal and State Agencies

One of the most consistent hurdles cited by stakeholders is regulatory inconsistency. With differing rules across jurisdictions, especially around testing, transport, and end-use products, farmers and businesses face unnecessary risk and confusion. Ervin recommends harmonizing state and federal guidelines to streamline entry into the fiber and grain supply chain.

Invest in Processing and Infrastructure

Lack of local decortication and processing capacity is the single largest bottleneck to growth. The dissertation calls for public-private partnerships and targeted investment to build regional processing hubs—especially in underserved rural areas where the economic impact could be most meaningful.

Build Collaboration Mechanisms, Not Just Coalitions

Rather than simply forming more working groups, Ervin advocates for structured stakeholder collaboration—bringing together farmers, researchers, manufacturers, and regulators to co-design solutions using systems tools. This kind of interactive planning helps align priorities and reduce duplication of effort.

Focus on Market Demand, Not Just Acres Planted

Ervin’s research shows that the U.S. hemp sector has historically focused on the supply side, often resulting in oversupply and missed opportunities. He stresses the need to invest in demand generation—through consumer education, brand development, and reliable end-market partnerships.

Expand Workforce Development and Equity Programs

The future of hemp manufacturing requires a trained workforce. The dissertation recommends new hemp-specific curricula at agricultural colleges and trade schools, with a focus on veterans, HBCUs, and underserved rural and urban populations.

Support Innovation Through R&D and Pilot Projects

From hemp bioplastics and insulation to phytoremediation and sustainable textiles, Ervin highlights the importance of federal and state support for applied research. Pilot programs and demonstration projects can validate these innovations and bring them to scale.

Regional Collaboration Requires More Than Just a Vision

The proposed Pennsylvania Hemp Engine aimed to unite universities, farmers, and manufacturers in a shared effort to scale industrial hemp through federal innovation funding. While it was ultimately not selected to move forward, the concept underscores a broader truth: building a regional hemp economy requires more than enthusiasm—it demands inclusive planning, clearly defined roles, and long-term commitment from all partners. As future initiatives take shape, these are the foundations that will determine success.

A Path Forward

At the National Hemp Association, we recognize that scaling the fiber and grain hemp economy requires more than good intentions—it requires systems change. That means clear regulations, coordinated infrastructure development, and inclusive collaboration.

We’re committed to advancing this vision by supporting state and federal initiatives, fostering supply chain partnerships, and advocating for smart, differentiated policy that recognizes the unique value of true industrial hemp.

Download a full copy of the dissertation here: Jefferson Digital Commons

About the Author

Dr. John Ervin, RN, BSN, MBA, CPC, is a recent graduate from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. His research focuses on strategic leadership with a focus on systems and design thinking. He is an experienced nurse executive that has led surgical services departments in local hospitals, large academic medical institutions, and ambulatory care centers. John’s leadership training began while serving in the U.S. Military as a non-commissioned officer and then as an Army Nurse Corps Officer. His success as a healthcare leader has been augmented through many benchmarking experiences including the airline industry, the Department of Homeland Security, insurance and financial services, and the medical device industries.

Meeting Minutes from April 12, 2024

In the spring, the PA Hemp Steering Committee hosted one of their quarterly meetings. A condensed version of the minutes is below, with the full minutes attached via Word Doc.

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PA Department of Agriculture Update: Fred Strathmeyer and Sarah Pickel

The Department counted 180 permit applications submitted to date. The elimination of the April 1st application deadline has encouraged more applicants. However, farmers are reminded that these are annual permits and must be applied for each calendar year.

Applicants also took advantage of the new performance-based sampling option for fiber and grain varieties. To utilize this option, specific parameters must be met, including consecutive growing seasons of compliant hemp and certified or PDA-determined “low-risk” varieties. For details, please see the guidelines: https://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Plants_Land_Water/hemp/Pages/Permits.aspx.

Resource Directory Update: Isabel Molineros, Student Delaware Valley University

The survey has been updated to gather fresh and more detailed information for analysis. An automation effort is underway to improve the ease of capturing and displaying the data. https://www.pa-hemp-steering-committee.org/hemp-directory

Please remember to contact us if you have an event you would like noted on the website:  Email: info@pa-hemp-steering-committee.org

The PA Industrial Hemp Engine Update: Paul Hallacher

PA Hemp Engine received a grant this time last year and have been moving forward with different stakeholder communications over the last few months.  Additional information can be found at https://paihe.org/

Please note you do not have to be in the PA I-81 corridor to participate.

PA Hemp Industry Council Update:  Erica Stark

·      Still working on the second grant to develop a "Know Hemp" campaign to raise overall public awareness, focusing on fiber, grain, and cannabinoids.

·      An intern from Del Val University is working on a resource page for grant and economic development opportunities, as well as social media presence and video content.

·      Monitoring national policies; a Farm Bill may not be passed this year.

·      Keeping an eye on the national discussion around closing the loophole on intoxicating cannabinoids, with the primary concern being to avoid inadvertently damaging the hemp industry or penalizing hemp farmers.

·      PAHIC continues to support the Industrial Hemp Act for fiber and grain.

·      The FDA has approved hemp as a feed ingredient for laying hens (a PA initiative); full approval may take another year.  More can be found on their website at https://www.pahic.org/

General Questions/Discussion

Where are we with CBD as a food supplement?

·      CBD is legal, not a controlled substance, but putting it in food and beverage is not lawful. There is no real enforcement, which is why we see products in the marketplace.  This is also why we are faced with Congress trying to pass laws to fix these things, which can cause the industry more harm than good.

What are the limitations for production of microgreens and minigreens; can restaurants produce on-site and offer in foods?

·      If a restaurant qualifies for a hemp growing license they can produce and use in foods.

The Del Val Program is researching varieties that can be sold as ornamental; floral or fruity.  Is there a path where we could get to a point where home hemp plants, ornamental or medicinal would be an option? 

·      Legislation change would be required, FDA or MMJ Act.

Is there any limitation on the sale of dry flower; cannabonsai?

·      Not as long as complaint at harvest.

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The full minutes can be found here:

Industrial Hemp Steering Committee Spring Meeting Minutes.docx

Download DOCX • 3.44MB

What is Cannabis?

Click through the FAQs below to learn more!

What is Cannabis?

Cannabis is an herb, original from Central Asia, that has been used by humans for approximately 10,000 years for industrial, medicinal and recreational purposes. Although the classification of cannabis in the tree of life has been revised multiple times, currently, all the varieties of cannabis are considered one species, Cannabis sativa L. Historically, multiple subspecies and varieties have been described in Asia and Europe, including Cannabis sativa subspecies sativa, C. s. subsp. indica, C. s. subsp. ruderalis, C. s. subsp. indica variety afghanica, etc., which could be distinguished from each other based on their growing habits, leaf and flower shapes and colors, and the concentration of intoxicating and non-intoxicant chemicals present in their flowers and young leaves. However, agricultural production and breeding have created numerous hybrid varieties that display mixed characteristics, such that the physical appearance of a cannabis plant does not strictly reflect the chemical profiles of its flowers and leaves. In the US the varieties that have been bred for production of fiber, grain and oilseed are known as industrial hemp, or just hemp; while the cannabis plants bred for chemical production can be legally defined as hemp or as marijuana, based on their content of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9 THC), an intoxicating chemical. Cannabis plants with less than 0.3% delta-9 THC of their dry weight are classified as hemp, while plants or their derivates that contain more than 0.3% delta-9 THC of their dry weight are classified as marijuana. Stems and older leaves of cannabis plants have residual amounts of cannabinoids; however, the roots and hulled seeds have no detectable amounts of cannabinoids.

What is hemp?

In the US, hemp is defined as cannabis plants with less than 0.3% delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9 THC) of their dry weight. There are many commercial varieties of hemp that have been bred for production of fiber, grain or dual-purpose (fiber and grain). Currently, the hemp varieties grown in the US are produced from seed imported from Canada and from a few countries in Europe. Numerous research institutions across the country evaluate hemp varieties to identify those that grow best in each state. Breeding programs evaluate agronomic characteristics of the varieties, including total biomass, fiber and grain yield, grain nutritional content, and flower chemical profiles, as well as susceptibility to diseases and pests. The cannabinoid and terpene content of cannabis plants is determined by genetics. However, environmental factors can affect the total content of these chemicals; therefore, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture reports every year the varieties that had one or more reports of delta-9 THC above 0.3% in Pennsylvania and other states in their website.

What are the uses of hemp?

Hemp can be produced to obtain fiber, grain, and phytochemicals. Hemp fiber is used for many industrial purposes, including production of textiles, paper, construction materials (hempcrete, hemp wood flooring, thermal insulation materials, etc.), animal bedding, bioplastics, among others. Hemp grain can be used shelled for food (hemp hearts) or hulled as animal feed (at this time only poultry in Pennsylvania) or for extraction of seed oil. Hemp seed oil is edible and rich in nutrients, but it burns easily, so it is often used in salad dressings or as an ingredient in health products, food, supplements and cosmetics, as well as for other industrial applications. Hemp flowers and the young leaves around them are rich in chemicals (cannabinoids and terpenes), particularly before they are pollinated. Cannabis produce chemicals in small glandular hairs known as trichomes. Trichomes produce hundreds of chemicals, among which the most valuable are cannabinoids and terpenoids, also known as terpenes. Cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG) are the most abundant cannabinoids in hemp, while β-Caryophyllene and β-myrcene are the most abundant terpenoids in hemp. Both cannabinoids and terpenoids have been studied for their potential beneficial properties.

What are cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are chemicals (secondary metabolites) produced by plants (phytochemicals) that interact with receptor proteins in the endocannabinoid system of most animals. Their name was assigned because they were first discovered in cannabis plants, however, cannabinoids occur also in other plant species. The role of cannabinoids in plants is associated with defense from herbivores and protection from environmental stresses, such as draught or high light intensity. All cannabinoids derive from a single precursor molecule, cannabigerol (CBG), that is modified by multiple enzymes to produce more than a hundred different cannabinoid molecules. The most abundant cannabinoids in cannabis plants are cannabigerol (CBG), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and cannabidiol (CBD).

In animals, the endocannabinoid system is a complex molecular system that modulates many physiological processes, including the transmission of signals in the nervous and the immune systems. The endocannabinoid system includes specialized membrane receptors (CB1 and CB2) that are present in the cells in most organs, enzymes and endocannabinoids. CB1 receptors are most abundant in the nervous system, while CB2 receptors are most abundant in the immune system. In the brain, CB1 receptors are located primarily in the central nervous system, especially the basal ganglia, hippocampus, cerebellum and cortex. CB2 receptors are a bit more elusive but tend to be expressed in neurons after internal injury, such as nerve damage. Endocannabinoids are signaling molecules that directly interact and activate the endocannabinoid receptors to help regulate nervous and immune responses. Although the shape of endocannabinoid molecules does not resemble that of plant cannabinoids, the way they interact with the endocannabinoid receptors is very similar, therefore they have similar effects. Several endocannabinoids have been described, with anandamide being the most understood. Anandamide activates with both CB1 and CB2 receptors in a way similar to THC. Although CBD does not have much affinity for the CB1 or the CB2 receptors, it counteracts and modulates the effects of anandamide or THC. Although exposure to high doses of cannabinoids can cause severe undesired effects, like vomit, hallucinations and paranoia, they do not act directly over areas of the brain that regulate vital functions, such as breathing or heart function, therefore, even at high doses are not lethal.

Why does THC make you high and CBD doesn’t?

THC activates neurons in various parts of the brain, including those in the reward system which results in the production of dopamine. THC also activates serotonin receptors and inhibits serotonin uptake. In consequence, THC produces a sense of wellbeing; however, frequent consumption of high doses of THC can also lead to addiction. High doses of THC can overstimulate several regions of the brain, triggering anxiety, paranoia, and in extreme cases it can cause symptoms of severe psychosis, such as hallucinations and delusions.

In contrast, CBD antagonizes the effects of THC and endocannabinoids on CB1 and CB2 receptors; hence it doesn’t have psychoactive effects. CBD enhances the signaling activity of anandamide which explains some of its beneficial effects.

What is the difference between CBD and THC?

CBD and THC are produced by the activity of different enzymes on cannabigerol, but they are very different molecules and they have opposite activities. While THC activates CB1 and CB2 receptors, CBD reduces their activities.