A tax is levied upon the sale or possession for sale by a person other than a licensed distributor, and upon the use, consumption, and possession for use or consumption of cigarettes within this State at the rate set in G.S. 105-113.5. This tax does not apply, however, to cigarettes upon which the tax levied in G.S. 105-113.5 has been paid. (1969, c. 1075, s. 2; 1993, c. 442, s. 2; 2019-6, s. 4.1.)