Mike Tyson Advocates for Cannabis Reform

Boxing icon Mike Tyson is taking a stand on cannabis reform in the U.S. This past weekend, he shared his thoughts on social media regarding the issue.

During an interview with Fox News Digital earlier this month, the 59-year-old boxer expressed that he believes marijuana has played a significant role in keeping him out of prison.

On Saturday, Tyson noted that drug and human traffickers will continue to thrive until cannabis is legalized at the federal level. He mentioned, “I’m tired of hearing that legal cannabis causes confusion or that people smell bad on the streets.” His frustration is directed towards the ongoing power of cartels, which he feels will persist unless the federal government acts to legalize cannabis.

Tyson is pushing for a reclassification of marijuana from a category associated with high abuse risk and no accepted medical use to one that recognizes its lower likelihood of abuse. This push for reform aligns with his broader goals for federal change regarding cannabis.

In a letter to President Trump, Tyson proposed three key points, collaborating with other prominent athletes and entertainers, including Kevin Durant and Allen Iverson. He emphasized that rescheduling marijuana is a top priority. Additionally, he advocates for leniency towards non-violent marijuana offenders, reflecting on the unfortunate memories of witnessing people from his community face prison time for these crimes.

He recalled, “I’ve always known that. These are people I’ve been friends with, and they come from my neighborhood.” Tyson shared how, as a child, he watched friends go to prison, often not returning until he had established himself as a fighter.

On a related note, a recent study from UC San Francisco indicated that consuming edible cannabis, like gummies, may carry similar cardiovascular risks as long-term marijuana smoking, citing affects on vascular function.