Mike Tyson Opens Up About Cannabis Use
Boxing icon Mike Tyson has expressed his strong reliance on cannabis, claiming he “needs it” to function effectively. In a conversation with Fox News Digital, Tyson stated, “We can’t live, and we can’t function without it,” asserting that he is fully invested in its use. He believes that without discovering cannabis, his life might have taken a darker turn, possibly leading to incarceration.
Tyson’s cannabis use became a topic of discussion when he reflected on his match against YouTuber Jake Paul. He admitted to being under the influence of marijuana when he agreed to fight. When asked whether he would have accepted the challenge if he were sober, he replied, “I really don’t believe it, no.”
On the day of the match, Tyson shared that he sometimes consumed marijuana before fights, mentioning that it contributes to his relaxation and mental state. “It gave me an advantage,” he noted after experiencing a loss to Paul in the eighth round and immediately craving a joint post-fight. “It felt like I had won the battle,” he reminisced, describing the experience as dreamlike.
When questioned about future fights, Tyson indicated that it hinges on the legal status of marijuana and whether matches could be rescheduled. He advocates for the reclassification of cannabis to reduce the stigma associated with it.
Tyson also detailed his disappointment with previous administrations, noting that neither Joe Biden nor Barack Obama made significant advancements in cannabis reform during their terms. However, he seems hopeful about current discussions with President Trump, emphasizing the need for change. He aims for the government to prioritize cannabis reform that would not only help those currently incarcerated for non-violent offenses but also eradicate the black market.
Reflecting on his upbringing, Tyson expressed sadness over seeing friends and community members imprisoned for cannabis-related crimes. He recalled how this influenced his perspective on the drug and highlighted the importance of reform.
Recent research from UC San Francisco indicated that consuming cannabis edibles bears similar cardiovascular risks to those who smoke marijuana over time. Tyson, who began using cannabis before his tenth birthday, now believes that the minimum age for consumption should be set at 21. He has credited cannabis with improving his performance as an athlete and aiding in recovery.
Looking back at his boxing career, he mentioned that he only knows of one other fighter who used cannabis before a match, which was during a technical knockout victory against Andrew Golota in 2000.
Tyson has expressed a desire to end the prevalence of chemically mixed marijuana, which he encountered during times when cannabis was illegal in parts of the U.S. He recounted feeling sick from such substances in the past and related this to his push for reform.
Additionally, in his letter to President Trump, he urged for changes to banking regulations that would enhance financial management within the cannabis sector. He believes that legalizing the industry would help eliminate illicit trade.
Tyson is working alongside other notable athletes and entertainers who share similar views, including Kevin Durant and Allen Iverson. Their collective voice advocates for a shift toward better cannabis policies, holding out hope for a more supportive regulatory environment.
Angelos, a music producer previously sentenced on marijuana charges, echoed the sentiment that many athletes utilize cannabis for its medicinal benefits, highlighting Tyson as a key example.
