Dr. C. Michael White
Chairman of the Kratom Consumer Advisory Council
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A Pioneer in Pharmacology
The Global Kratom Coalition is honored to have Dr. C. Michael White serves as the inaugural Chairman of the Kratom Consumer Advisory Council (KCAC). An internationally respected clinical pharmacologist, pharmacist, and distinguished professor, Dr. White brings a wealth of scientific expertise, a history of fostering consensus, and a deep commitment to public health that aligns perfectly with the KCAC’s mission. His extensive experience in clinical pharmacology, natural products, and evidence-based practice makes him the ideal leader to guide the council’s efforts in promoting responsible use, shaping informed policies, and advancing the scientific understanding of leaf kratom.
Chairman – Kratom Consumer Advisory Council
Dedicated to Science
and Public Health
Dr. C. Michael White, Pharm.D., FCP, FCCP, FASHP, is a distinguished figure in pharmacy practice, research, and public health, currently serving as a distinguished professor and head of the Department of Pharmacy Practice at the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy. His career is marked by significant contributions to cardiovascular care, drug safety, and public engagement, earning him national and international recognition.
Educational Background and Professional Expertise
Dr. White earned his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy and his Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) from Albany College of Pharmacy. He then completed a specialized fellowship in cardiovascular pharmacology at Hartford Hospital in Connecticut, solidifying the expertise that would become a cornerstone of his academic and research career.
At the University of Connecticut, Dr. White’s leadership extends beyond his role as department head. He directed the University of Connecticut Evidence-Based Practice Center, one of only a handful of centers designated by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to conduct unbiased, systematic reviews of scientific literature to inform healthcare policy and practice. His teaching excellence has been recognized with the “Teacher of the Year” award four times, reflecting his passion for educating the next generation of pharmacists and scientists.
Published
Professional
His work has been published in the world’s most prestigious medical journals, including JAMA, The Lancet, Annals of Internal Medicine, and the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. The high number of citations and impressive H-index score underscore the profound influence of his research on the scientific community and clinical practice.
An Unparalleled Record of Impact
Dr. White is a prolific and highly respected researcher whose work provides a foundation for evidence-based decision-making in healthcare. His research interests are extensive, focusing on cardiac care, comparative effectiveness, and the prevention of adverse events from drugs, medical devices, and natural products.
A Trusted Voice in
Public Health Communication
Dr. White is a prominent public health communicator, possessing a rare ability to translate complex scientific topics for a broad audience. With a media reach estimated to exceed 1.3 billion, he has become a trusted source for evidence-based information.
He has appeared on national and international platforms, including The Dr. Oz Show, NBC Nightly News, Good Morning America, CNN, and BBC. Major news outlets such as Newsweek, USA Today, The New York Times, and The Washington Post have quoted him as an expert. For over a decade, From 2007 to 2021, he hosted a recurring television segment, “Ask the Pharmacist,” on NBC30 and FOX61, sharing critical medical news directly with the public.
His commitment to public service is equally profound. Dr. White has volunteered his expertise at migrant farmworker health clinics and in homeless shelters, working to address healthcare disparities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he played a pivotal role in Connecticut’s public health response, training hundreds of new vaccinators and supporting immunization clinics in underserved communities. His team’s work in creating multilingual videos to combat misinformation earned them special recognition.
A Career Recognized by His Peers
Dr. White’s extensive contributions have been widely recognized with numerous awards and honors from his peers. He is a Fellow of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (FASHP), the American College of Clinical Pharmacologists (FCP), and the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (FCCP).
His most prestigious accolades include:
- UConn Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor: The highest honor bestowed by the university on a faculty member for excellence in teaching, research, and public engagement.
- ASHP Sustained Contribution to Literature: A lifetime achievement award recognizing his significant and lasting impact on pharmaceutical literature.
- Five-time ASHP Foundation Drug Therapy Research Award Recipient: An unprecedented achievement highlighting the consistent quality and importance of his research.
- Provost’s Award for Public Engagement (2014, Faculty Category; 2021, Student-Faculty Team)
- 2021 Hartford Business Journal COVID Healthcare Hero’s Award
- 2021 AACP Weaver Award
- ACCP Young Investigator of the Year
- AACP Lyman Award
More About Dr. White
Dr. C. Michael White is an internationally respected clinical pharmacologist and pharmacist, making him an ideal choice for the inaugural Chairman’s role for the Kratom Consumer Advisory Council (KCAC). He has published several comprehensive reviews on kratom and has been interviewed by numerous national and international media outlets about this herbal product. His work on kratom is part of his larger body of research on natural products, substances of abuse, and manufacturing quality.
The Fourth Wave
of the Opioid Epidemic
Dr. White’s critical presentation addresses the emerging fourth wave of the opioid crisis, driven by potent synthetic and semi-synthetic “Gas Station Heroin” products. He distinguishes these dangerous, unregulated drugs, like Tianeptine and synthetic leaf kratom analogs (including 7-hydroxymitragynine), from natural leaf kratom, which has a different safety profile and mechanism of action. Learn about the high abuse potential and significant risks of these synthetic products, and why sensible regulation, not prohibition of natural botanicals, is crucial to prevent this impending crisis.
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2024 Kratom Consumer Survey
This survey review offers key insights into the kratom user base, revealing who they are, why they use kratom, and their perspectives on its health effects. -
The Evolution of Kratom: A Historical Timeline
An infographic tracing kratom’s journey from its traditional origins in Southeast Asia to its current complex legal and political landscape in the United States. -
Not All Kratom Is Equal
An infographic of clear visual guide comparing the potency, history, alkaloid sources, and common product forms of leaf kratom, kratom extract, and synthetic 7. -
The Differences Between Kratom Products
A detailed diagram visual comparison of leaf kratom, extracts, and synthetic “kratom,” highlighting distinctions in their market entry, alkaloid profiles, and appropriate regulatory approaches. -
Kratom Safety, Taxonomy, and Regulation
Provides a general overview of kratom, addressing common confusion between product types and outlining the GKC’s goals for a safe and regulated marketplace.
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2024 FDA Study: Kratom Dosing & Safety Results
A summary of an FDA-commissioned study that found controlled servings of dried leaf kratom were generally well-tolerated and resulted in no serious adverse events. -
FDA Pilot Study: Updates on Kratom Alkaloid Research
A presentation from the FDA detailing updates on its pilot dose-finding study of kratom alkaloids, including study design, preliminary observations, and next steps. -
Scientists’ Statement on 7-OH and MGPI Products
A statement from leading scientists clarifying that products with high amounts of 7-OH and MGPI are synthetic and do not constitute natural kratom. -
Scientific Statement on Kratom Products
An overview by scientists covering the history of kratom use, its current regulatory status, and the scientific understanding of its effects in the United States. -
Comprehensive Report on Substance Use Disorders
A detailed analysis comparing the prevalence, severity, and symptoms of Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) associated with kratom, caffeine, alcohol, opioids, and other substances. -
The Science of Leaf Kratom: Psychoactive Effects
This document reviews scientific evidence on leaf kratom’s effects, refuting claims about cognitive impairment and abuse potential while clarifying its atypical opioid profile. -
2024 FDA Pilot Study on Kratom Dose Response
Details of the FDA’s pilot study evaluating the effects, safety, and pharmacokinetics of orally administered botanical kratom in non-dependent, recreational polydrug users. - Show more
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Congressional Letter to the FDA on Kratom
A letter from members of Congress to the FDA expressing concerns about mislabeled kratom products and requesting information on consumer protection measures. -
GKC Letter to FDA on Public Safety Guidance
A letter from the Global Kratom Coalition to the FDA, expressing a desire to collaborate on public safety guidance for kratom products and regulatory approaches. -
Louisiana Voter Poll on Kratom Regulation
This poll assesses public opinion in Louisiana regarding kratom’s legality and regulation, including support for banning synthetic drugs while keeping leaf kratom accessible. -
List of Banned Zip Codes: USA
A data file listing zip codes across the country where the sale, possession, or distribution of kratom is currently illegal. -
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KCAC Position: Registration of Kratom Products
This statement advocates for a public registry of kratom vendors and products to ensure transparency, accountability, and a safer market for consumers. -
GKC Statement on Synthetic 7-OH Products
The GKC clarifies its opposition to synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products, arguing they are not kratom and should be regulated as new drugs, not supplements. -
KCAC Position: Status and Legality of 7-OH Products
This KCAC statement discusses the legal and regulatory status of 7-OH products, arguing they are not “kratom” and require a distinct regulatory approach. - Show more
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The Severity and Prevalence of Addictive Substances
This infographic visually compares Substance Use Disorder (SUD) severity and prevalence across various substances, including kratom, heroin, alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine. -
Comparative Safety Analysis of Kratom
This document provides a comparative risk analysis of kratom versus other legal and illicit substances, using data from the FDA and poison control centers. -
Contaminants in 7-Hydroxy Mitragynine Products Report
A detailed report identifying synthetic alkaloid contaminants found in 7-Hydroxymitragynine products and discussing the serious implications for regulatory oversight and consumer safety. -
Botanical Safety Handbook: Kratom Entry
An entry for Mitragyna speciosa from the American Herbal Products Association’s handbook, providing safety classifications, contraindications, and potential drug interactions for kratom leaf. -
Debunking Myths About “7”: The Facts
A fact sheet refuting misleading claims about “7” (a synthetic substance), arguing that it is not natural kratom, is not safe, and is deceptively marketed. -
In-Depth: Debunking Myths About “7”
A more detailed version of the fact sheet refuting claims about “7,” providing comprehensive evidence that it is a dangerous, unapproved, and illegal synthetic drug. -
KCAC Position: Proper Labeling of Kratom
This statement advocates for the importance of clear, comprehensive labeling on kratom products to ensure consumer safety and outlines essential information that should be included. -
KCAC Position: Kratom Use in Children
This statement outlines concerns about kratom use by minors, highlighting potential adverse events and the issue of products being marketed in ways that appeal to children. -
UCONN Continuing Education: Kratom Course for Pharmacists
An educational program from the UCONN School of Pharmacy designed to inform pharmacists about natural kratom, its effects, and key points for patient education. -
The Fourth Wave of the Opioid Epidemic
This presentation warns of a potential “fourth wave” of the opioid crisis driven by dangerous and addictive synthetic opioid stimulators, arguing they must be banned. -
Fact Check: “Synthetic 7” and the Opioid Crisis
This KCAC statement fact-checks and refutes misleading claims that the sale of “synthetic 7” products has reduced opioid-related deaths, citing a lack of evidence. -
GKC Perfect Label – Kratom Product Label Guidelines
This document from the Global Kratom Coalition provides comprehensive guidelines for labeling kratom products to ensure consumer safety and regulatory compliance. - Show more
