INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – A state Senate committee has approved a bill that would allow Indiana farmers to grow Industrial hemp crops.

Supporters clapped and cheered Friday after the Senate committee on agriculture and natural resources voted 7-0 in favor of the bill. 

If passed by the full House and Senate and signed by the governor, Indiana still would need to apply for a federal permit to grow the crop.

Hemp is similar to marijuana but has a much smaller amount of the latter's psychoactive compound. Industrial hemp is used to make paper, clothing, building materials and car parts. 

The bill also would declassify industrial hemp as marijuana in Indiana.

Kentucky passed similar legislation to allow farmers to grow industrial hemp crops last year.