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Products made from hemp include construction materials, fabrics, foods and others. (Mike Cason/mcason@al.com)

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Alabama is one step closer to researching industrial hemp production.

The Alabama House of Representatives and Senate on Tuesday both passed bills 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 and Sen. Paul Bussman, 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.

Either Bussman's or Johnson's bill would have to pass the other chamber to be sent to the governor for his signature to become law.

Updated at 8:50 p.m. to say that Senate had also passed a hemp bill.