A bill co-sponsored by U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello could see the return of the hemp industry by exempting it from CSA regulations, writes Andrew Wagaman for the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Hemp was heavily used in Pennsylvania for clothing, oil, and rope until the mid-19th century when it became a casualty of the war on cannabis. Today, as both legal and cultural barriers are falling, advocates are pushing for the return of the potentially multimillion-dollar industry.

However before this can happen, federal restrictions have to change as commercial hemp production is prohibited, but the state does allow individuals to grow up to 100 acres of hemp and research cannabidiol.

Also, despite not being able to get users “high,” the federal Controlled Substances Act still classifies hemp as a drug under its definition of marijuana.

The bill to exempt hemp is now being considered by the U.S. House of Representatives. According to Costello, the bill represents a common-sense measure that is supported by both parties. He hopes it will be adopted as part of the next Farm Bill, which is expected in 2018 or 2019.

Read more about the proposed hemp bill in the Philadelphia Inquirer here.