Mike Tyson Advocates for Marijuana Reform and Shares Personal Journey

Boxing legend Mike Tyson brings a deeply personal perspective to the conversation surrounding cannabis reform. His relationship with marijuana goes beyond mere preference, evolving into a necessity for his daily life.

While speaking with Fox News Digital, Tyson admitted that cannabis is crucial for his well-being. He expressed, “Some of us can’t live, can’t function without it,” emphasizing that he is among those individuals. Tyson believes that without cannabis, he might have faced a very different reality, possibly serving time in prison and struggling to find success.

A Fight Influenced by Cannabis

Tyson’s recent match against YouTuber Jake Paul featured cannabis significantly in his pre-fight routine. In a candid moment, he revealed that he was under the influence when he agreed to the fight. When asked if he would have committed to the bout while sober, Tyson responded, “I don’t really believe so, no.” This admission highlights the role cannabis plays in his life.

On the day of the match, Tyson used marijuana shortly before entering the ring. He stated, “Yeah, I can’t stop… I don’t think I was high. I was very relaxed and cool. It put me at an advantage.” Following eight rounds and the eventual loss to Paul, Tyson sought out marijuana almost immediately, calling for a joint right after the match ended. He described the experience as dreamlike, expressing that it felt like a personal victory despite the official outcome.

The Push for Legislative Change

When discussing future fights, Tyson hinted that his decisions would hinge on the legal status of cannabis. He advocates for the plant’s reclassification by the government to acknowledge its accepted medical use, moving it from a high-risk category to one that reflects moderate potential for dependence.

Tyson’s reform agenda includes three core points, presented in a letter to President Trump that he co-wrote with fellow athletes and entertainers, including Kevin Durant and Allen Iverson. These figures hope that their influence will foster a more favorable environment for cannabis legislation, particularly after previous administrations fell short. Tyson noted, “It was a letdown, but you have to respect they were in power.”

Priorities in Cannabis Advocacy

At the forefront of Tyson’s agenda is the rescheduling of marijuana. Alongside this goal, he seeks mass clemency for nonviolent offenders incarcerated for cannabis-related offenses. Tyson recalled the harsh realities of seeing locals from his community face imprisonment for such charges. He shared a poignant memory of a friend who remained incarcerated until Tyson’s own rise in the boxing world helped bring attention to the issue.

A recent study published in JAMA Cardiology underscores the ongoing debate about the safety of cannabis. Researchers at UC San Francisco found that consuming edible forms of cannabis, such as gummies, presents similar cardiovascular risks to smoking. This information emphasizes the importance of informed discussions about cannabis use.

Personal Reflections on Cannabis Use

Tyson’s introduction to cannabis occurred at a young age. He attributes some of his success in boxing to its use, believing it contributed positively to his athletic performance and recovery. He recalled only using cannabis before a fight on two occasions—once being the match against Andrew Golota in 2000, which he won by technical knockout.

He described the effects of cannabis during that fight as “very relaxing, very calm, very free.” Moreover, Tyson has asserted that cannabis played a pivotal role in steering him away from more harmful substances like cocaine and alcohol, saying, “It makes you health conscious.”

The Dark Side of Illegal Cannabis

Tyson’s memories of cannabis use during times when it was criminalized involve negative experiences with street-sold variants, often laced with chemicals. He recounted feeling physically unwell after using tainted cannabis, which reinforced his belief in the need for regulation within the industry. He views the legitimization of cannabis as crucial to combatting the issues posed by the black market.

Ending Restrictions and Seeking Safety in Cannabis

The final point that Tyson emphasized in his letter to Trump pertains to banking practices affecting cannabis businesses. He advocates for policies that would ensure the safety and financial security of these enterprises, stating, “They’re going to do it anyway, legal or illegal, so let’s make it safe. Get all the bad actors out of the picture.”

Tyson’s mission does not stand alone. He is joined by prominent figures such as former boxer Roy Jones Jr. and NFL stars Dez Bryant, Antonio Brown, and outspoken cannabis advocate Ricky Williams in the pursuit of reform. Tyson expressed camaraderie in this fight for justice and regulation.

Weldon Angelos, a music producer who spent over a decade in prison for marijuana charges and received a pardon from Trump in 2020, also supports this initiative, stating that many athletes turn to cannabis for medicinal reasons. Tyson’s powerful narrative resonates as he continues to advocate for access to cannabis as a legitimate form of medicine.

As the conversation around cannabis reform persists, Tyson continues to emphasize the need for compassionate policies that recognize the value of cannabis in everyday life while eliminating the stigma surrounding its use. The journey for marijuana reform remains critical, and Tyson stands at the forefront, embodying a shift toward greater acceptance and understanding.