The state Senate has overwhelmingly approved a bill that would allow farmers to grow hemp.
The chamber approved the proposal 33-0 Tuesday afternoon. The bill goes next to the state Assembly.
The bill would set up state licenses for farmers looking to grow industrial hemp. People with drug convictions wouldn't be eligible for the licenses.
The bill originally said the plants couldn't contain more than 1 percent THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. The Senate amended the measure to set a maximum THC level of 0.3 percent.
At least 30 states have passed legislation allowing hemp farms. Supporters of the Wisconsin bill say hemp has a wide range of uses and Wisconsin farmers should have the option of growing another profitable crop.
