SB 215

Under present law, it is an offense for a person to kn owingly sell or distribute a product containing hemp-derived cannabinoid to a person who is under 21 or to purchase a product containing a hemp-derived cannabinoid on behalf of a person who is under 21. It is also an offense for a person to knowingly ass i st a person who is under 21 to purchase, acquire, receive, or attempt to purchase a product containing a hemp-derived cannabinoid. Under present law, a violation of either of these provisions is a Class A misdemeanor with imprisonment not more than 11 mo n ths, 29 days or a fine not to exceed $2,500, or both. This bill, instead, requires that a person violating the above provisions must be sentenced to serve in the county jail or workhouse not less than 48 consecutive hours nor more than 11 months and 29 d ays and be fined not less than $500 and no more than $1,500. Present law requires a product containing a hemp-derived cannabinoid to be maintained behind the counter of a retail establishment in an area inaccessible to a customer. This bill requires su ch product to also be inaccessible to an employee of the retail establishment who is younger than 21. It is a violation of this bill for a retailer to knowingly allow an employee younger than 21 to access, handle, or sell any product containing a hemp-de r ived cannabinoid on the premises of the retail establishment. ON MARCH 10, 2025, THE SENATE SUBSTITUTED HOUSE BILL 72 FOR SENATE BILL 215, ADOPTED AMENDMENT #1, AND PASSED HOUSE BILL 72, AS AMENDED. AMENDMENT #1 raises the maximum limit on the fine fr om $1,500 to $2,500.