In Remembrance of Michael McGuffin, Herbal Industry Pioneer
By Steven Hoffman
Michael McGuffin, a renowned founder of the modern-day herbal products industry and for more than 25 years the President of the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA), passed away on Feb. 17, 2025, at the age of 73.
Michael was well known as a tireless advocate for consumer access to botanical medicine, industry self-regulation, and the safety and efficacy of herbal products. Under his leadership, AHPA spearheaded the request for mandatory reporting of serious adverse events; ensured a place for dietary supplements under the scope of the National Organic Program; provided support to the emerging CBD industry; and served as a key industry resource for regulatory guidance, policies and trade requirements.
Michael McGuffin (left) with Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, Denver, 2019. Photo: Steven Hoffman
Born in 1951 in Louisville, Kentucky, McGuffin was an early natural foods retailer – in 1974 he opened a store selling fresh fruit, vegetables and bulk herbs in Venice, California, and in 1978 he co-founded McZand Herbal Products (now known as Zand). After serving on the board of AHPA for nearly a decade, Michael took on the role of President in 1999. He retired from his leadership role at AHPA in November 2024. Michael also served on the boards of the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia and United Plant Savers, and as a member of the Advisory Board of the University of Southern California School of Pharmacy Regulatory Science Master's Degree Program. McGuffin was awarded the Cliff Adler “Heart in Business” award in 1994 and the Nutrition Business Journal Award for Efforts on Behalf of Industry in 2004 and 2012.
"All companies that sell herbs and botanical ingredients in the United States owe a debt of gratitude to Michael (and AHPA), and they should be supporting AHPA and Michael’s work and laudable legacy," Mark Blumenthal, Director of the American Botanical Council, wrote in a statement. "When the history of the herb industry in the United States is written — 50 or perhaps 100 years from now — Michael will be at the top of the list of people who have been instrumental in building the modern herb industry. The U.S. herb industry is flying its virtual green flag at half-staff in honor of Michael."
Steven Hoffman is Managing Director of Compass Natural, providing public relations, brand marketing, social media and strategic business development services to natural, organic, sustainable and hemp/CBD products businesses. Contact steve@compassnaturalmarketing.com.