Hemp Voices: Jared Sones & Tristin Wells, Victura Hemp
Tristin Wells (L) and Jared Sones (R) are co-founders of New Hampshire-based Victura Hemp
Hempcrete Buildings Last for Generations
As co-owners of a small business, our responsibilities often intersect. However, Tristin concentrates on design and development, while Jared manages operations.
Hemp intrigues us because it aligns with our focus on thinking beyond the moment a building goes up, considering the third and fourth lives of the structure’s inhabitants. It’s an incredible material to work with, responding terrifically to the forms and demands we ask of it.
What was a win for your company in the past year?
A key win was developing and using our modular panel in a small Weymouth, MA studio. Attending the International Hemp Building Symposium was also a privilege, where we met industry leaders and were proudly introduced as the New England hemp builders.
Jared: I learned our friends in Germany were growing winter hemp, planted in July and harvested the following spring. I thought this was a brilliant way to get farmers on board without disrupting their summer crops.
Tristin:I initially dismissed "hippie-hemp energy," but I now see it as a serious, research-driven movement by PhDs, adopted by top architects and builders. My view on hemp's innovation and potential has been completely recalibrated.
What bottlenecks have you observed in the industrial hemp industry and how would you solve them?
Jared: Building a robust Northeast supply chain is challenging due to a shortage of growers and processors. Farmers are hesitant without established processing, and specialized harvesting equipment is a barrier. Securing dedicated long-term investors is a difficult but necessary solution.
Tristin: While supply chain issues exist, the main bottleneck is public perception. Hemp still faces misconceptions—I'm still asked if a burning house will get people high. To overcome this distrust and connotation, my plan is to keep building. The more people who experience these hemp structures—feeling the quiet, comfort, and air quality—we can dispel these misunderstandings firsthand.
Email: jaredsones@victurahemp.com
Phone: +1 (570) 447-7543
