The leader of the U.S. Senate plans to introduce a bill to remove hemp from the government's list of controlled substances, the AP reports.

The proposed Hemp Farming Act of 2018 would remove hemp from the federal list of controlled substances, as well as "give hemp researchers the chance to apply for competitive federal grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture – allowing them to continue their impressive work with the support of federal research dollars," according to a press release.

"Hemp has played a foundational role in Kentucky's agricultural heritage, and I believe that it can be an important part of our future," McConnell said in a statement released by his office. "I believe that we are ready to take the next step and build upon the successes we've seen with Kentucky's hemp pilot program."

Hemp has a long history as an important agricultural commodity that can be used to construct automobiles and aircrafts.

The Hemp Farming Act of 2018 is co-sponsored by U.S Senators Ron Wyden (D-Or.) and Rand Paul (R-Ky.)