ATLANTA – State Representative Mark Newton (R-Augusta), chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education, was recently named by House Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) to serve as the chairman of the House Blue-Ribbon Study Committee on Georgia’s Medical Marijuana and Hemp Policies.
“I extend my gratitude to Speaker Burns for his confidence in me to serve as the chairman of this study committee,” said Rep. Newton. “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. This committee will carefully examine how we can protect patients and consumers, support medical providers and ensure safe and transparent regulations. I am eager to get to work and present solutions that protect patients, consumers and distributors alike.”
The Blue-Ribbon Study Committee on Georgia’s Medical Marijuana and Hemp Policies will study and evaluate Georgia’s current laws, policies and procedures surrounding medical marijuana and other cannabis-derived drugs and hemp products. 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.
Speaker Burns also appointed the following study committee members: State Representatives Jordan Ridley (R-Woodstock), Robert Dickey (R-Musella), David Clark (R-Buford), Alan Powell (R-Hartwell), Spencer Frye (D-Athens), Al Williams (D-Midway), Michael Smith (D-Marietta) and Brent Cox (R-Dawsonville). Robyn Fowler and Wesley Dunn will serve as the non-legislative members.
Representative Mark Newton represents the citizens of District 127, which includes portions of Columbia and Richmond counties. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2020 and currently serves as the Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education. He also serves on the Defense & Veterans Affairs, Health, Rules, Small Business Development, Transportation, Ways & Means and Urban Affairs committees.
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