Indiana's efforts to eradicate wild industrial hemp will soon come to an end and cultivation of the plant could soon follow.
Congressional approval of the latest Farm Bill legalizes industrial hemp. The plant is related to marijuana but has negligible levels of the psychoactive compound THC.
Indiana legislators this year approved usage of CBD oil from the plant. Advocates believe they'll approve hemp cultivation next spring.
Syracuse Republican Sen. Blake Doriot supports hemp production. His interest grew from his belief that CBD oil might have helped his son's struggle with childhood epilepsy.
Farmers like the idea of cultivation because it gives them another cash crop to consider. The plant's fiber and other byproducts which can be used by business are now imported.