Mullin Held Up to $1 Million in Kratom Firm as Allies Downplayed Drug Risks
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 15
Mullin Held Up to $1 Million in Kratom Firm as Allies Downplayed Drug Risks
1 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 15
Summary
Markwayne Mullin disclosed an investment worth as much as $1 million in kratom company Botanic Tonics after his March nomination to lead Homeland Security.
The New York Times reported Mullin, then an Oklahoma senator, played a key role in an industry influence campaign that sought to soften federal concern over kratom's health risks.
Federal health officials have long warned the gas-station supplement can be addictive and has been linked to liver toxicity, seizures and thousands of deaths.
Botanic Tonics could benefit from the policy shifts Mullin backed, and its founder Jerry W. Ross is described as a leading force in the campaign targeting Trump administration figures including Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and JD Vance.