A study committee tasked with studying and evaluating Georgia’s current laws, policies and procedures surrounding medical marijuana and other cannabis-derived drugs and hemp products is ready to go to work. State Rep. Mark Newton, R-Augusta, chairman of the House Blue-Ribbon Study Committee on Georgia’s Medical Marijuana and Hemp Policies, announced the first of four meetings will be held later this month in Atlanta.
“As a physician in Georgia’s medical community, I’ve seen how critical it is to provide safe, effective care to patients across our state,” said Newton. “Through these meetings, we will evaluate Georgia’s current laws and regulations surrounding medical marijuana, cannabis-derived medications and hemp products. I’m committed to identifying ways to improve patient safety while offering clear, consistent guidance for physicians statewide. I look forward to working alongside my colleagues as we thoughtfully examine this area of policy and its impact on patients, providers and the public.”
Newton said the committee will compile a report of specific findings or legislative recommendations to ensure the safety of patients and consumers, as well as regulatory clarity for physicians and for distributors of cannabis-derived and hemp products.
“With the increasing use of medical marijuana and hemp-derived products in Georgia, it’s critical that our state’s policies are clear and consistent, with the goal of safeguarding those that sell and use these products,” said Newton.
The meeting dates and locations for the 2025 meetings of the House Blue-Ribbon Study Committee on Georgia’s Medical Marijuana and Hemp Policies are:
● Tuesday, July 29 – Atlanta
● Thursday, August 21 – Augusta
● Thursday, September 18 – Macon
● Tuesday, October 14 – Atlanta
Meetings of the House Blue-Ribbon Study Committee on Georgia’s Medical Marijuana and Hemp Policies will be livestreamed and are open to the public.
The members of the study committee are Rep. Jordan Ridley, R-Woodstock, Rep. Robert Dickey, R-Musella, Rep. David Clark, R-Buford, Rep. Alan Powell, R-Hartwell, Rep. Spencer Frye, D-Athens, Rep. Al Williams, D-Midway, Rep. Michael Smith, D-Marietta, and Rep. Brent Cox (R-Dawsonville). Robyn Fowler and Wesley Dunn will serve as non-legislative members.
