Wisconsin Senate committee approves hemp measure

The Wisconsin state Senate’s agriculture committee overwhelmingly approved a bill that would allow farmers to grow hemp.

The panel voted unanimously Wednesday to approve the proposal. The vote clears the way for a full floor vote in the Senate.

A separate hemp measure is pending in the House.

The Senate bill would set up state licenses for farmers wanting to grow industrial hemp. People with drug convictions wouldn’t be eligible for the licenses.

More than 30 states have passed legislation allowing hemp farms. The Wisconsin bill’s supporters say hemp has a wide range of uses and farmers should have the option of growing a profitable crop.

– Associated Press