Researcher Advocates for Kratom Legalization While Linked to Lobbyists
ProPublica · September 1, 2026Original source ↗
What happened
A scientist who is advocating for the legality of kratom has been found to have longstanding ties to kratom lobbyists. These connections have not been publicly disclosed.
Why it matters
This story raises questions about the influence of lobbyists on scientific research and policy decisions.
How this story affects people
How does this story affect you if you are a kratom user or advocate?
This story raises concerns about the credibility of research supporting kratom's legality, which could affect your access to the substance. If the research is viewed as biased due to undisclosed lobbying connections, it may lead to increased scrutiny or restrictions on kratom.
How does this story affect you if you are a policymaker?
This situation highlights the potential influence of lobbyists on scientific research, which could impact your decision-making regarding kratom legislation. Understanding these ties may lead you to reconsider the validity of research when forming policies.
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