A leading scientist pushing to keep kratom legal has not revealed his long-standing connections to kratom industry lobbyists. The undisclosed ties raise serious questions about conflicts of interest in regulatory debates over the controversial herbal substance.
Dr. Michael McGuffin has long positioned himself as an independent voice in favor of kratom. He testifies before Congress and advises regulators on the plant's safety and benefits. Yet records show he has worked closely with kratom trade groups for years without always noting these relationships in public filings.
Financial disclosures and meeting notes reveal repeated collaborations with lobbyists funded by major kratom importers and sellers. These ties date back nearly a decade. Critics argue the connections could influence his research conclusions and policy recommendations on a substance linked to both health claims and overdose risks.
The findings highlight broader problems with transparency in supplement advocacy. Lawmakers and health officials now face calls to review all expert input on kratom rules. Stronger disclosure requirements may be needed to protect public trust in future decisions about herbal products.
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