Sen. Cory Gardner. R-Colo., is cosponsoring the Industrial Hemp Farming Act.

The bill would amend the Controlled Substances Act to exclude industrial hemp from the definition of marijuana. The United States is the only developed nation in the world that outlaws domestic hemp production.

“Industrial hemp is a safe substance with many practical commercial applications,” Gardner, R-Colo., said in a statement Thursday. “Removing it from the Controlled Substances Act is a commonsense move, which would create jobs and get the government out of the way of farmers and our agricultural industry.”

He also described hemp as having the potential to be a “major boon” to Colorado agriculture and a “viable and profitable option” for farmers.

“As a plant which takes relatively little water to grow, hemp could be an ideal fit for our climate in particular,” Gardner said. “I’m excited to co-sponsor this legislation and further empower the farmers who provide so much to our state.”

The bill was introduced in January by Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and also is being cosponsored by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky.

The House also developed its own version of the bill in January. Rep. Jared Polis, D-Boulder, is cosponsoring the legislation.

Michael Cipriano is a student at American University in Washington, D.C., and an intern for The Durango Herald.