Hemp Voices: Kristin Orr Santorelli, Right Coast Hemp
Kristin Orr Santorelli and Michael Mercadante are principals of Right Coast Hemp, based in Barnegat, NJ
As founder and visionary of Right Coast Hemp, I’m guiding the mission rooted in healing the soil through industrial hemp while reaching youth who will shape the future. Our work centers on educating and collaborating with farmers, architects, builders and educators to advance regenerative hemp agriculture and hemp-based construction.
Alongside my partner and adviser, Mike Mercadante, we turn vision into action. We are now collaborating with Hearts of Mercy, our nonprofit, to extend our impact to the next generation through youth-focused initiatives. We are and will be a part of the change!
Finding hemp growing on our Kansas farmland lit a spark! It opened a door revealing what nature can provide. We are continually amazed by hemp’s ability to heal soil and to serve in so many arenas: agriculture, construction, environmental restoration and education. Hemp represents the bridge between healing the land and taking us all to a healthier future for the planet.
Our Hemp Casita, built at Kansas State University, continues to make the rounds, educating about hemp construction. We will host more workshops in 2026.
The wind behind our company has been the incredible people and organizations we’ve encountered across the globe, individuals with loving hearts, open minds and shared desire to heal the land and uplift future generations.
We believe continued education and strong collaborations are key to building confidence, alignment, and momentum. We’re excited to be part of this larger movement and the big picture ahead.
Email: rightcoasthemp@gmail.com
Phone: 908-783-0269
