Mike tyson Reveals Family begged Him too Resume Cannabis Use, Citing His “Intense” Sober State

Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson has opened up about his long-standing relationship with cannabis, revealing a surprising detail: his family actively encouraged him to continue using it.in a recent appearance on the “Confidence of Champions” podcast, Tyson explained that during a five-day break from cannabis, his wife and children became frightened by his heightened energy and demeanor.

“When I’m drunk, I’m fucking making a fool of myself,” Tyson stated, contrasting alcohol’s negative effects with the calming influence of marijuana. He recounted his family’s plea: “Please smoke, Daddy.” According to Tyson, his sober state wasn’t marked by aggression, but by an “intense” energy that made others uneasy.

Tyson emphasized the stabilizing effect cannabis has on his life, both personally and professionally. He noted the stark difference in social interactions, stating, “You get some weed, they start taking selfies,” highlighting the peaceful atmosphere it fosters. He described becoming “a whole different person” when using cannabis – more grounded and less volatile.

This isn’t the first time Tyson has publicly discussed his cannabis use. He’s previously admitted to daily use, even during exhibition fights, and now owns Tyson 2.0, a cannabis company. He’s also a vocal advocate for cannabis rescheduling and reform, arguing it helped him overcome destructive habits and escape dependency on harder drugs.

“It changed my whole life around,” Tyson told lawmakers during a legalization advocacy push, framing his support not just as a business venture, but as a deeply personal and transformative experience. His story underscores a growing narrative around cannabis as a potential tool for managing mood and promoting well-being, even for those with a history of turbulent behavior.

How did Tyson’s challenging upbringing and lack of a stable family structure contribute to his initial experimentation with cannabis?

Mike Tyson Explains Family’s Pressures Leading Him to Experiment with Cannabis use

Early Life and the Weight of Expectation

Mike Tyson’s story is far more complex than just boxing prowess.He’s been remarkably open in recent years about the immense pressures he faced growing up, and how those pressures contributed to his experimentation with cannabis. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Tyson experienced a turbulent childhood marked by poverty and a lack of positive male role models. This surroundings fostered a deep-seated anxiety and a constant need to prove himself.

The absence of a stable family structure, coupled with a history of petty crime, led Tyson down a path where he sought solace and coping mechanisms. He’s repeatedly stated that boxing wasn’t initially a passion, but a means of survival – a way to channel aggression and escape his circumstances. This early exposure to hardship created a foundation of stress that would follow him throughout his career.

The Rise to Fame and Intensifying Scrutiny

Tyson’s meteoric rise in the boxing world brought unprecedented fame and fortune,but it also amplified the existing pressures. Becoming the youngest heavyweight champion in history at age 20 thrust him into the global spotlight. The weight of expectation – from promoters, fans, and himself – became crushing.

He’s described feeling isolated despite being surrounded by people. The constant scrutiny of the media, the demands of training, and the financial pressures created a volatile mix. This is where cannabis entered the picture, initially as a way to self-medicate and find temporary relief from the overwhelming stress. He’s spoken candidly about using it to quiet the “voices” and manage the anxiety that plagued him. Terms like “boxing stress,” “athlete anxiety,” and “celebrity pressure” frequently surface when discussing this period of his life.

Cannabis as a Coping Mechanism: Tyson’s Viewpoint

Tyson hasn’t framed his early cannabis use as recreational. He consistently portrays it as a desperate attempt to cope with trauma and anxiety. He’s detailed how the pressures of maintaining his image as the “Baddest Man on the Planet” were immense.

Here’s a breakdown of the pressures he’s identified:

* Financial Duty: Managing a vast fortune at a young age proved overwhelming.

* Public Image: The constant need to maintain a ferocious persona took a toll.

* Fear of Failure: The pressure to remain undefeated was paralyzing.

* Lack of Emotional Support: He lacked a strong support system to navigate the complexities of fame.

He’s explained that cannabis offered a temporary escape from thes burdens, allowing him to momentarily disconnect from the relentless demands of his life. This aligns with growing research on the use of cannabis for anxiety relief and PTSD symptom management.

The Downward Spiral and Legal Troubles

While Tyson initially saw cannabis as a coping mechanism,his use escalated alongside other destructive behaviors. His personal life became increasingly chaotic, marked by legal troubles, failed relationships, and substance abuse issues.

In 1992, he was convicted of rape and sentenced to six years in prison. During his incarceration, he continued to struggle with addiction. He’s been open about his battles with cocaine and alcohol, acknowledging that cannabis often served as a gateway to more harmful substances. The legal ramifications of cannabis possession at the time significantly compounded his problems. Keywords like “Tyson legal battles,” “substance abuse recovery,” and “prison experience” are central to understanding this phase.

From Stigma to Advocacy: Tyson’s Cannabis business

In a remarkable turnaround, Tyson has become a vocal advocate for cannabis legalization and a successful entrepreneur in the cannabis industry. He launched Tyson 2.0, a cannabis company focused on providing high-quality products and destigmatizing cannabis use.

This shift reflects a profound change in his perspective. He now views cannabis not as a destructive force, but as a potential therapeutic tool.He’s actively involved in research and development, exploring the potential benefits of cannabis for various medical conditions. His advocacy work centers around themes like “cannabis reform,” “medical marijuana benefits,” and “cannabis entrepreneurship.”

Tyson on the Evolving Understanding of Mental Health

Tyson’s journey highlights a broader societal shift in understanding mental health. He’s become a powerful voice