Hemp drink

An example of a health drink that includes hemp seeds. (File photo)

Hemp, a member of the cannabis species, was once a major Pennsylvania cash crop used to make rope and other fabrics and it may be once again.

A new law that would create a pilot program for industrial hemp research passed the House unanimously on Wednesday. It follows the passage of similar legislation last month in the Senate.

"This is the very first step on what I hope to be very long and prosperous journey for the people of this Commonwealth," said Rep. Russ Diamond, R-Lebanon, who sponsored the House bill.

HB 967 will next go to the Senate for concurrence with SB 50 and then on to Gov. Tom Wolf, who has expressed support for reviving the hemp industry.

The push to bring the industry back to Pennsylvania came in the wake of a 2014 federal farm bill that opened the door for states to reauthorize hemp farming.

Hemp was outlawed in 1937 alongside marijuana, but has seen a resurgence in recent decades due to imports from Canada. It can currently be found in everything from clothing to building supplies and dietary protein supplements.

Under Diamond's proposal, industrial hemp could be grown through research programs overseen by the state Department of Agriculture and colleges.

Wallace McKelvey may be reached at wmckelvey@pennlive.com. Follow him on Twitter @wjmckelvey. Find PennLive on Facebook.