HB219 Alabama 2023 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Russell BedsoleRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2023

Title

Relating to cannabis; to prohibit the sale, distribution, marketing, or possession of psychoactive cannabinoids found in hemp for certain age groups; to levy a five percent tax on the gross proceeds of products containing psychoactive cannabinoids sold at retail; and in connection therewith would have as its purpose or effect the requirement of a new or increased expenditure of local funds within the meaning of Section 111.05 of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022.

Summary

HB219 would ban hemp-derived psychoactive cannabinoids from being sold to or possessed by anyone under 21 and impose a 5% tax on retail sales of products containing those cannabinoids.

What This Bill Does

Specifically, it prohibits sale, distribution, marketing, or possession of psychoactive cannabinoids derived from or found in hemp for people under 21. It levies a 5% tax on the gross proceeds of the retail sale of products containing psychoactive cannabinoids. It defines psychoactive cannabinoids to include delta-8-THC and delta-10-THC derived from hemp and excludes medical cannabis. It notes a potential local-funds impact but says the bill is exempt from the local-funds requirement under Section 111.05 due to a statutory exception.

Who It Affects

• Individuals under 21 who would be prohibited from buying, possessing, or receiving hemp-derived psychoactive cannabinoid products.
• Retailers and sellers of hemp-derived psychoactive cannabinoid products, who would face a 5% tax on gross sales and potential legal penalties for violations.

Key Provisions

• Section 1(a): Prohibits sale, distribution, marketing, or possession of psychoactive cannabinoids derived from or found in hemp for individuals under 21.
• Section 1(b): Violations of subsection (a) are Class B misdemeanors.
• Section 2: Imposes a 5% tax on the gross proceeds of retail sales of products containing psychoactive cannabinoids, effective October 1, 2023.
• Section 2: Defines psychoactive cannabinoids to include delta-8-THC and delta-10-THC derived from hemp, excluding medical cannabis regulated under Chapter 2A.
• Section 3: The bill is exempt from further Section 111.05 local-funds requirements because it falls within one of the specified exceptions.
• Section 4: The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage; tax collection begins October 1, 2023.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Cannabis, sale to minors of psychoactive cannabinoids prohibited; 5% tax on gross proceeds levied