ATLANTA – State Representative Rick Townsend (R-Brunswick) recently convened the third meeting of the House Blue-Ribbon Study Committee on Youth Exposure to Kratom and Retail-Available Substances on Friday, August 25, 2026, at the Georgia Center in Athens, Ga. Rep. Townsend began the meeting by providing an update on the current state of the study committee’s work surrounding kratom and related substances and thanking the University of Georgia and Dr. Merrill Norton, who is a clinical associate professor emeritus at the UGA College of Pharmacy, for hosting the meeting. Committee members then heard a number of presentations from individuals with diverse perspectives on kratom and youth vaping and also received public testimony about the personal impacts of kratom and youth vaping.
“I am grateful to the presenters and members of the public who took the time to come to Athens and share their expertise, experiences and personal stories with this committee,” said Rep. Townsend. “As we continue this important work, we are hearing from people across Georgia with very different experiences and perspectives on kratom, 7-OH, youth vaping and other retail-available substances. Those voices are critical as we work to better understand the science, the potential benefits and risks and the need for appropriate regulation. I am particularly grateful to the University of Georgia for hosting us and providing an opportunity to bring this conversation to Athens, where thousands of college students live and study. Our responsibility is to listen and examine the evidence to make sure that our state’s policies protect young people while also considering the experiences of individuals who rely on these products. I am proud of the work this committee is doing and look forward to continuing these conversations across the state.”
During the first half of the study committee meeting, members heard presentations covering the science, clinical perspectives and personal experiences surrounding kratom. Dr. Merrill Norton and Dr. Randall Tackett of the UGA College of Pharmacy discussed current research on kratom, including its potential effects on Georgia’s youth. Crissy Walton, RN, provided a clinical perspective on detoxification and patient care in the Athens area. Commissioner Bob Ellis and Youth Assembly representatives discussed Fulton County’s Commission’s Resolution, which calls for a state ban on over-the-counter synthetic kratom products and tighter restrictions on natural kratom products. The committee also heard personal testimony from individuals who described positive experiences with kratom, along with diverse perspectives from a kratom manufacturer and presenters with experience in recovery and addiction.
Throughout the first half of the meeting, presenters highlighted the distinction between natural kratom leaf products and concentrated or synthetic products such as 7-OH, which they noted are occasionally marketed as natural-leaf kratom. This discussion also focused on product labeling, enforcement and the need for appropriate regulation, particularly for products sold in gas stations and smoke shops. Individuals who provided personal testimony spoke on their experiences using natural kratom leaf, with some utilizing the leaf as an aid during withdrawal from drugs and other substances. Several of these individuals called for stronger regulation of concentrated or synthetic products while emphasizing the importance of distinguishing those products from natural kratom leaf and maintaining regulated access for adults who use the product to manage chronic health conditions.
The second half of the study committee meeting focused on youth vaping, particularly its presence in schools and local communities. Justin Hill with the Office of Whole Child Supports and Kim Conley with the Georgia Department of Education discussed statewide initiatives and resources available to support schools in addressing youth vaping. Members then heard from representatives of the Georgia School Counselors Association and principals from Colquitt High School and Hart County High School, who shared school-level perspectives on the prevalence of vaping among students and the steps schools are taking to address vaping on school property. Jennifer Folkenroth of the American Lung Association presented information on treatment, intervention strategies and national efforts to address youth tobacco and nicotine use. The committee also heard from Patti Atkinson, who shared her experience as an educator and as a mother whose son was impacted by youth vaping and its health consequences. Joe Snowden with the Georgia Department of Revenue concluded the presentations by discussing the economic impacts of youth vaping.
Rep. Townsend adjourned the meeting after opening the floor up to public testimony and announced the next meeting date. To watch the full study committee meeting, please click here.
The next study committee meeting will take place on Friday, October 9, 2026, at 9 a.m., at West Georgia Technical College in Waco, Ga. More information about the study committee meeting may be found here.
Future meetings of the House Blue-Ribbon Study Committee on Youth Exposure to Kratom and Retail-Available Substances will be posted on the House schedule here.
Representative Rick Townsend represents the citizens of District 179, which includes a portion of Glynn County. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2022 and currently serves as Secretary of the Natural Resources & Environment Committee. He also serves on the Economic Development & Tourism, Education and Judiciary, Juvenile committees.
###