MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Alabama is one step closer to researching industrial hemp production.
The Alabama House of Representatives on Tuesday passed legislation to allow the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries to research industrial hemp production and its possibilities as a cash crop.
The legislation, sponsored by Republican Rep. Ken Johnson, would allow universities to apply for growth permits and exclude industrial hemp from controlled substances laws.
Hemp is a form of cannabis that contains negligible amounts of THC, the psychoactive chemical found in marijuana. Hemp can be used in a variety of products, including textiles and food.
At least 28 other states have industrial hemp laws on the books.
Johnson's bill will go before the Senate for a vote.