WFYI's Taylor Bennett spoke with Biodynamic Ventures President and CEO John Bales about his ambition to make Indiana the country's foremost grower and processor of hemp.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded Purdue University researchers about $1 million to develop growing techniques for organic hemp production.

Commercial hemp production is expected to be underway in Indiana by 2020, after lawmakers legalized it in this years session.

Senators had removed farmers from the committee, but the House version of the bill includes them, as well as an elected sheriff and a member of the Midwest Hemp Council.

Industrial hemp is still illegal to grow in Indiana outside of research. However, dozens of Hoosiers told the committee they think industrial hemp should be legal.

Sen. David Long (R-Fort Wayne) says a change to the hemp bill shouldn't impact bills to legalize cannabidiol, or CBD, which is derived from hemp.

The bill passed a Senate committee, even as supporters face pushback from some skeptical lawmakers.

Indiana is one of a handful of states that allows hemp cultivation for commercial purposes, but federal laws mean it can only be used for research.