Senate Bill 580 Summary

• Repeals the controlled substance excise tax and authorizes licensed cultivation and production of industrial hemp containing no more than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis.

• Decriminalizes marijuana possession: less than 2 ounces is a Class C infraction, 2+ ounces is a Class B misdemeanor (Class A if 2+ prior marijuana convictions in 5 years), with mandatory sentence suspension for first-time offenders.

• Establishes separate penalties for marijuana delivery: delivery of 2+ ounces is a Class A misdemeanor, with Class D felony penalties for amounts exceeding 2 pounds or delivery to minors, and Class C felony for 10+ pounds.

• Creates a defense for inactive marijuana metabolites in impaired driving cases and provides a no-consideration defense for delivering under 10 pounds of marijuana.

• Reduces penalties for common nuisance charges involving only marijuana/hashish/hash oil to Class A misdemeanor and allows eligible marijuana misdemeanor offenders to participate in forensic diversion programs.